Beauty Spots in the North East

Holy Island

Found just off the North East coast, Holy Island (the Holy Island of Lindisfarne) is a small island only accessible by land at low tide. When it’s safe to cross, your journey will be rewarded with the charms the island offers. This unique North East island is home to an ancient monastery, a coastal castle and traditional pubs and cafés, making visitors welcome. If you plan on visiting, be sure to check the tide times before you set off to avoid getting stuck.

Northumberland National Park

The northmost of its kind in England, Northumberland National Park is a favourite beauty spot among those who live in the region. The park covers a vast area between the Scottish Borders and Hadrian’s Wall, worth revisiting time and time again if you live in the North East within driving distance. There’s always something new to see, from rolling meadows and wild moorlands to enhancing ancient woodlands. The Sycamore Gap tree is a highlight, growing from a dramatic dip in Hadrian’s Wall. This uniquely positioned sycamore was voted English Tree of the Year in 2016 – one look, and it’s easy to see why.

Sandsend Beach

If your perfect beauty spot involves sea and sand, head out to Sandsend Beach. Close to but much quieter than Whitby Beach, Sandsend comprises a cliff-backed stretch of sand and shallow rock pools, perfect for exploring with little ones. A sea pool is cordoned off for swimming in summer, while the picturesque village of Sandsend and better-known Whitby are within strolling distance.

Kielder Forest

Kielder Forest neighbours the namesake village and reservoir and is the most extensive human-made wood and lake in England, encompassing 250 square miles. The forest is a haven for wildlife and a perfect landscape for walks, bike rides and other outdoor activities.

After sunset, the skies above Kielder Forest are the darkest in England, awarded Dark Sky Park status in 2013. Experience the darkness at Kielder Observatory, where you can stargaze in this area of minimal light pollution. More unmissable beauty spots in Kielder Water and Forest Park include Elf Kirk, Hindhope Linn Waterfall and Bakethin Weir.

The North Pennines

The Pennines (also called the Pennine Chain or Pennine Hills) are a continuous range of mountains stretching through Yorkshire, the North East and the North West of England. The North Pennines are the northmost section of the mountain range, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Visit the Durham Dales rolling heather moorland, High Force and Low Force Waterfalls, Geltsdale RSPB Nature Reserve and Hamsterley Forest, just a few of the most scenic spots nestled in the North Pennines.