10 of the best free attractions in North East England

If you are wondering whether you can afford to get away this summer a visit to North East England may just be what your looking for. With 15% off selected serviced accommodation and £50 off self-catering at Visitnortheastengland.com there’s something for every budget.

And if you are looking to get away for less this summer we have tracked down ten of the best free attraction in North East England so no matter how tight the budget is there is no reason not to get away this summer...

1. Durham Cathedral – Towering over Palace green and the River Wear it is described by author Bill Bryson as “the best Cathedral on planet earth” and who are we to argue. Entrance is free although visitors are asked to make a £4 donation.

2. Mima, Tees Valley – Middlesbrough’s institute of Modern Art is a dramatic building set in the middle of the largest civic space in Europe. Exhibits over the summer will include a display of contemporary jewellery from mima’s own collection and the best of British sculpture.

3. MetroCentre, Gateshead – While only the window shopping is free of charge with over 300 shops and stores, making it the largest shopping and leisure centre in Europe, you are guaranteed to find a bargain. There’s plenty of events throughout the summer to keep the kids entertained.

4. Discovery Museum, NewcastleGateshead – North East England’s most popular free museum. Discover all about life in Newcastle and Tyneside, from the areas renowned maritime history and world-changing science and technology right through to fashion through the eras and military history. The museum is bursting with interactive displays, which makes it the perfect place to learn and have fun.

5. North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – The North Pennines offers a variety of walking experiences in a nationally desiginated landscape full of character and features to enrich your journey. From the challenges of the open moorland landscape of the fells to the more intimate feel of the dales if you're into walking can’t afford to miss it.

6. High force, County Durham – Accessed by a scenic woodland walk, England’s largest Waterfall takes the breath away as it emerges into view. It is hard to imagine the River Tees began as little more than a trickle on top of the heather covered fells as the water plunges 70ft into the river below

7. Angel of the North, NewcastleGateshead - One of the most visible symbols of North East pride, the celebrated ‘Angel‘, built from 200 tonnes of steel, was created by Antony Gormley OBE. It stands 20m high which is taller than four double-decker buses, and is seen by 33 million people every year. This magnificent icon was named as one of the Seven Wonders of Britain by the Sunday Times.

8. Woodhorn Museum, Northumberland – Woodhorn’s fantastic entrance has to be seen to be believed. The recently opened museum tells the story of Northumberland and its coal mining heritage. But as well as re-living life down the pit there’s also the chance to dress up in the unique ‘shoe lounge’.

History buffs will head for the study, research and storage centre where over four miles of shelving were built to house the Northumberland archives.

9. Red Kites, NewcastleGateshead – Follow the track of the old Derwent Valley Railway and you are sure to come across these spectacular birds of prey that have been reintroduced to the area. With a six-foot wingspan they are easy to see as they soar overhead performing aerial aerobatic displays.

10. Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland – If Durham’s got the best Cathedral on planet earth, then Bamburgh may well have the best beach. Walk down through the picturesque village, past the historic Castle that looks out over the North Sea and enjoy the miles of Golden sands that sprawl out in front of you.

For more information on North East England and how to get money off accommodation visit - Visitnortheastengland.com.