- Play Hard
- 9th Oct 2024
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7 scenic autumn days out in the North East
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It’s official, autumn has arrived and here at HLN, we couldn’t be more excited.
From the golden hues of nature to cosy cafes and pubs, it’s the season of wholesome days out.
We’ve rounded up our top things to do in the North East this autumn – including a convenient way to travel without the parking fees and hunting for spaces.
The North East is blessed with plenty of bus routes that offer both convenience and scenic views. So, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the autumn landscapes without a care in the world.
The best part? The budget-friendly travel deals. Adults can explore the North East with a TNE Day Saver for just £6.80, while young people aged 21 and under can hop around for as little as £1.
Planning to stay in one area? No problem. Check out the Durham Day Rover for just £4, the Northumberland Day Rover for £5, and the Tyne and Wear Day Rover for only £6.
So, whether you’re wandering through autumnal forests, exploring historical sites or enjoying a hot chocolate at a local café, we’ve got your ultimate autumn inspiration…
BE AT ONE WITH WILDLIFE AT WWT WASHINGTON WETLAND CENTRE
Bus: X1 X-lines (Eldon Square) then 8 Country Ranger (Washington Galleries)
Bus stop: Waterview Park Stand 1
Spend a crisp autumn day exploring WWT Washington Wetland Centre. Stroll through golden leaves, spotting migrating birds and otters playing in the ponds. Wander along scenic paths lined with reed beds and stop at the hides to soak in the peaceful surroundings.
Don’t miss feeding the ducks and geese by the lakeside and of course, checking out those famous flamingos. After your walk, relax in the cosy café with a hot drink and homemade cake, overlooking the beautiful wetlands.
SUNRISE, STROLLS AND SCRAN: A DAY OUT AT PENSHAW MONUMENT
Bus: X1 X-lines (Eldon Square) then 2 Berries/2A Berries (Washington Galleries)
Bus stop: Chester Road-Monument
Autumn is the perfect time for beautiful sunrises and sunsets, we recommend visiting Penshaw Monument – the perfect way to start or end your day. After climbing, you’ll need to refuel why not pop into the cosy Penshaw Farm Shop, warm up over a steamy hot chocolate, fresh homemade soup of the day or delicious lunch options
Head for a stroll around Herrington Country Park home to beautiful lakes, parkland and discover sculptures. Then head pop into The Prospect Italian Bistro for some hearty food or The Grey Horse Inn comforting pub grub before heading back to the bus.
ROMANTIC ROTHBURY – RIVERSIDE WALKS AND MARKET TOWN TREASURES
Bus: X14 (Haymarket)
Bus stop: Queens Head
Think walking through orange tones crispy leaves along a pretty River Coquet. Explore the picturesque market town of Rothbury that is home to independent shops like Pots & Paws gift shop, Rothbury Bakery and Coquetdale Art Gallery.
Rothbury is an ideal base for exploring Northumberland and all it has to offer, including Simonside Hills, Cragside and Northumberland National Park. There are plenty of beautiful walking routes around Cragside including a tearoom with homemade treats. Head back to catch the bus and pop into The Queens Head pub to try their wholesome pie pairings.
ENCHANTING PRUDHOE CASTLE AND COSY PUB DATE DAY
Bus: 10B Tyne Valley (Eldon Square)
Bus stop: Prudhoe Castle
Looking for a cosy autumn date? Explore the enchanting ruins of Prudhoe Castle, a medieval fortress with centuries of history. Built after the Norman Conquest, it survived two 12th-century sieges and was the only Northumberland castle to resist the Scots. Once home to the Umfravilles and later restored by the Percy family, it’s perfect for a day out.
Browse unique gifts in the shop or explore the keep and Georgian mansion. Afterward, stroll through Prudhoe Riverside Park and finish with drinks at the White Swan pub.
OH, DO I LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE – SOUTER LIGHTHOUSE AND SEAFOOD
Metro: Monument to Sunderland
Bus: E1 (Fawcett Street)
Bus stop: Coast Road-Souter Lighthouse
There’s nothing like the fresh, crisp sea air to blow away those cobwebs on an autumnal day. Did you know that Souter Lighthouse was the world’s first electric lighthouse? The iconic lighthouse overlooks nature-rich clifftop grasslands, coastal parks and rugged coastline views that will take your breath away.
Head towards to sea for views of the interesting Elephant Rock and Little Marsden Rock out at sea. No trip to the seaside is complete with some seafood, right? As you head back on the bus stop off at Latimer’s Seafood.
DURHAM IN AUTUMN: A WORLD HERITAGE SITE AND SCENIC VIEWS
Bus: X21 X-lines (Newcastle Newgate Street)
Closest bus stop: Durham
Did you know Durham Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site, ranked with the likes of the Taj Mahal? Built in 1093, it’s a stunning mix of Norman and Gothic architecture, perfect for an autumn day out. Explore medieval gems like the Galilee Chapel and the Cloister, made famous in the Harry Potter films.
Climb the tower for sweeping views of autumnal Durham or join a guided tour to dive into its rich history. Warm up over a delicious hot chocolate at Riverview Kitchen or sip a cosy cocktail at The Curious Mr Fox.
A WHOLESOME DAY IN OUSEBURN
Bus: QuayCity Q3 (Newcastle Grey Street Theatre Royal)
Bus stop: City Road Breamish Street
Ouseburn in autumn is a major vibe.
Spend your morning visiting Ouseburn Farm, AKA the perfect activity to put a smile on your face no matter your age. Stop for a coffee and a cake in Kiln before moseying through the shops. We love The Find and Flaura Rose. Visit Sora Studio to get matching permanent friendship bracelets with your bestie and then end your day the right way with pizza slices the size of your head at Gingerinos.
Rachael Ellis
Creative Solutions Manager
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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