Explore the underbelly of Newcastle upon Tyne in Victoria Tunnel which was built between 1839 and 1842. Surrounded by curved brick walls on the two sides, coal was transported through this place till its abandonment in the late 19th-century. However, it was used again during World War II when the tunnel was transformed into an air-raid shelter. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and touring this place is an unmissable activity during a visit to Newcastle upon Tyne.
The Durham Castle is symbolic of the City of the Castle, Durham. It was built in the 11th Century by the Norman king and for a long period of time, was the residence of the Bishops of Durham. It is home to one of the largest Great Halls which was added to the architecture by Bishop Antony Bek in the 14th Century, along with the Norman chapel. Since the year 1840, this castle has been occupied by the University College. Take a guided tour of the estate, a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the Cathedral as well.
Spread across an area of 10 hectares (25 acres), Durham University Botanic Garden features several attractions including Bamboo Grove, Winter Garden and Alpine Garden. Recent attractions include wildflower grassland and Woodland Garden. A visit to this botanical garden lets you view the stunning Modern Art or simply marvel at the bees as they keep buzzing in their beehives. Durham University Botanic Garden is also home to enchanting glasshouses. Take a stroll at its impressive desert house even as you explore the cacti collection. The tropical rainforest area allows you to understand the region's topography. Primitive occupants of this garden include tarantulas, scorpions and bugs. You can also find a unique species of Manx Loghtan sheep lazing around during spring.
The Crook Hall and Garden is a fascinating place for lovers of architecture and history, as it has three distinct influences: The Medieval Hall (1208), the Jacobean Mansion (1671) and the Georgian House (1720). Many families have lived here over the centuries, and each one of them has left their own indelible mark. The gardens are a sight to behold as each of them has been preserved and maintained. Popular ones include the Secret Walled Garden, the Shakespeare Garden and the Woodland & Solar Wing Garden.
Segedunum was built by the orders of Emperor Hadrian, with the motive of protecting the Roman Empire from the Barbarians. Hence, the ancient Segendunum complex runs along the storied Hadrian's Wall, birthing and sustaining stirring lores of military might on its way. This sprawling historic ensemble charts the history of a fort abandoned by the Romans over a millennium and a half ago. Comprising a reconstruction of a Roman bath house, an interactive museum (with audio and visual stimulation aplenty) and enigmatic excavated fortified remains nestled on the banks of the River Tyne, the site is a moving escape into the historic as well as cultural magnificence of the Romans. Functioning as an iconic embellishment on the Hadrian's Wall, the renovated complex is home to an exhibition that thoughtfully traces the history and legacy of the Roman Empire. Its spectacular, soaring viewing tower affords sweeping views of the site as well as the historic landscape of Tyneside.
El torreón del castillo del cual deriva el nombre de la ciudad fue fundada en 1080 por Robert Curthose, hijo de Guillermo el Conquistador, en el sitio de una fortaleza romana. Originalmente era un recinto fortificado de arcilla y madera, pero fue reconstruido en piedra a los finales del siglo XII y principios del siglo XIII. En aquel momento también contaba con una torre, una puerta de entrada y una pared cerrada. Los visitantes podrán ver las dos suites reales dentro de la torre del homenaje, una sala pública, una sala privada, una sala de guarnición, y una capilla normanda. El techo del castillo ofrece una vista espectacular y privilegiada de Newcastle, en particular del cercano río Tyne y sus puentes.
Originally located at the site of the historic Border Brewery, this husband-and-wife establishment moved to its current location at the erstwhile Haridan Brewery premises and took on the name The Hadrian Border Brewery. The 20 -barrel brewery supplies craft beer to most pubs in Newcastle and nearby areas in the Northeastern part of England. Award-winning brews and renowned brands like Farne Island and Tyneside Blonde are produced here along with a number of seasonal brews.
The castle and priory of Tynemouth stand on a rocky headland called Pen Bal Crag, once occupied by a Saxon monastery from the 7th Century. Of the visible remains, the Benedictine Priory was founded in the 11th Century. It was, in turn, followed by a castle, a World War I coastal defense battery and a modern Coast Guard station. The gun battery magazines alone are well worth a visit. The cemetery contains some interesting gravestones; one marks the resting place of the man who held the lantern for the burial of Sir John Moore at Corunna. Two Nortumbrian kings, and one Scottish king are also buried here.
St Mary's was built by the architect Pugin, who was a convert to Catholicism and produced his designs after a brief visit to Newcastle. It opened in 1844. The domineering spire was however designed by Hamson. A tour of this interesting church should take approximately 45 minutes. Of special note are the three large east facing windows with their fine decorative tracery.
Lanchester's Gibson family welcomes guests, especially city-dwellers, for a unique experience at their farm that has been a family heirloom since 1925. Stretched across 290 hectares (716.60 acres) of sprawling greens, visitors can try their hand at various farm activities. Enjoy a tractor ride or feed hungry lambs, goats, sheep, alpacas, llamas and donkeys. Indoor and outdoor play areas are available for children, as well as regular puppet shows. If the farm work gets too tiring, guests can rejuvenate themselves at the Tea Room. Check website for varying hours of operation and further information.
Roll back time and take a romantic journey on the steam locomotives of Tanfield Railway. Built in 1725 it is the oldest still-working railway line in the world, and was a considerable feat of engineering construction when it was built. Today it is run by passionate volunteers who have lovingly restored it to its Victorian heyday. What's on offer is both entertaining and educational. Visitors can learn about the tough life of the railway workers, admire their tenacious skills and take a ride on the big steel locomotives as they pound their way through spectacular wooded valleys and past Causey Arch, the oldest railway bridge in the world. Special events, including children's days are run throughout the year, and trains can be hired for private parties. Call +44 845 463 4938 for more.
The Roman Vindolanda is an archaeological site of an ancient Roman civilization located close to the city of Newcastle Upon Tyne. The site was occupied by the Romans for centuries and excavations revealed various well-preserved wooden structures such as forts, military barracks and civilian houses. The excavations led to an overhaul of a number of artifacts and treasures which is preserved and exhibited at the nearby Chesterholm Museum.