Exploring North East England
North East England brings together Northumberland, County Durham, Tyne and Wear and the Tees Valley, with landscapes ranging from the sandy beaches, dunes and castles of the Northumberland coast to the open moorlands of the North Pennines, the wooded valleys of County Durham and the riverside and coastal landscapes around the Tyne, Wear and Tees. Historic market towns, fishing villages, cathedral cities and former industrial communities reflect the region's varied geography and its long relationship with the sea, agriculture, mining and trade.
Protected landscapes preserve some of the region's most distinctive environments. Northumberland National Park extends across the Cheviot Hills, remote uplands and the landscape surrounding Hadrian's Wall, with open moorland, valleys and extensive walking routes. The North Pennines National Landscape covers upland moorland, hay meadows, river valleys and distinctive geological landscapes across County Durham and neighbouring counties, while the Northumberland Coast National Landscape protects sandy beaches, dunes, saltmarshes and historic coastal settlements. Further south, the Durham Heritage Coast offers dramatic cliffs, coastal grasslands and former mining landscapes, with walking routes overlooking the North Sea.
Long-distance trails connect many of these landscapes. The Northumberland Coast Path follows beaches, dunes and coastal villages between Cresswell and Berwick-upon-Tweed, passing historic castles and nature reserves. The Pennine Way crosses the North Pennines and continues towards the Scottish border, while Hadrian's Wall Path follows the historic Roman frontier through the Tyne Valley and Northumberland countryside. St Cuthbert's Way connects Melrose in the Scottish Borders with Holy Island on the Northumberland coast, crossing the Cheviot Hills and landscapes associated with the early history of Christianity in northern Britain.
Other established routes explore the region's coastline, historic settlements and cultural landscapes. The King Charles III England Coast Path North East follows the North Sea coast, connecting beaches, cliffs, estuaries and seaside communities across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and County Durham. The Frontiers of the Roman Empire: Hadrian's Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves the remains of the Roman frontier, including forts, milecastles and sections of wall across Northumberland and the wider northern English landscape, with walking routes providing access to many of its historic sites.
Beyond the long-distance trails, North East England offers opportunities to explore coastal villages, historic towns, castles, nature reserves, woodlands and wild places on foot. From the beaches and islands of the Northumberland coast to the Cheviot Hills, North Pennines, Durham Heritage Coast and the valleys of the Tyne and Wear, the region provides a varied setting for shorter walks, walking breaks and multi-day journeys, with places to stay across its towns, villages and countryside.