Explore more in the North East

Inspirational Ideas for North East Breaks

Known for the vibrant city of Newcastle, castle-lined coastline and warm hospitality, the North East will leave a lasting impression.

From the wild beauty of Northumberland to the industrial triumphs of Wearside and Teesside, you’ll discover some real gems as you head off exploring…

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Get back to nature at Druridge Bay, Northumberland

Druridge Bay Northumberland

Wander among the sand dunes, pools and glorious seven-mile stretch of beach running from Amble to Cresswell. Birds flock to these shores – spot graylag, pink-footed geese and grasshopper warblers.

Nearest hotel: Best Western The Sea Hotel, South Shields

Eat fish and chips on Saltburn Pier

Saltburn Pier

The last surviving Victorian pleasure pier on the North East coast is the perfect place to tuck into a fish supper straight out of the wrapper. With lashings of vinegar of course...

Nearest hotel: Parkmore Hotel & Leisure Club, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western


Uncover Newcastle's grisly past on a walking tour

Newcastle Walking Tour

If you want your spine to be thoroughly chilled, the Gory Walking Tour will be right up your street. Beginning at Grey’s Monument and creeping all the way down to the Quayside, it relives tales of the city’s most notorious criminals, gangsters and ghouls.

Nearest hotel: Best Western New Kent Hotel, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Tour the world through tea in Newcastle Upon Tyne

Tour the World through Tea

Independent teahouse Tea Sutra offers more than 100 teas and infusions from around the world, including India, Kenya, Brazil and Turkey. You can even curl up on cushions to sip on their chai of the day.

Nearest hotel: Sure Hotel by Best Western Newcastle, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Climb up Souter Lighthouse, South Shields

Souter Lighthouse

With its dramatic red and white hoops, Souter Lighthouse is a beacon of history. Experience what life was like for a lighthouse keeper and climb to the top of the tower for views that stretch for miles out over The Leas limestone cliffs between the Tyne and Wear estuaries.

Nearest hotel: Best Western The Sea Hotel, South Shields

Discover Sunderland on the Sculpture Trail

Sculpture Trail

If you enjoy cycling, learn about Sunderland’s past, present and future as you complete the final leg of the Coast to Coast cycle route. See a collection of huge stone books outside the University Library in honour of Bede, and a silhouette of a hammerhead crane common in Sunderland’s shipyards.

Nearest hotel: Roker Hotel, BW Premier Collection, Sunderland

Be inspired at Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art

Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art

New York has MoMA. Middlesbrough has MIMA. As one of the UK’s top galleries for modern and contemporary art and craft, it has exhibitions by internationally acclaimed artists that change throughout the year.

Nearest hotel: Best Western Parkmore Hotel & Leisure Club, Stockton-on-Tees

Travel back in time at Beamish

Beamish Museum

Get a real taste of the past at this fascinating world famous open air museum situated outside the historic city of Durham. Discover what life was really like in the North East during the 1820s, 1900s and 1940s. An interesting, inspiring trip not to be missed.

Nearest hotel: Beamish Hall Hotel, BW Premier Collection, Beamish

Book direct with us for our lowest rates

There’s no need to hunt around for deals because you will always get the lowest price exclusively when you book direct** on the Best Western website, via our call centre or direct at one of our hotels thanks to our brand new  ‘Rewards Rates’ which offer you a discount off the same rates found anywhere else.

To benefit from the very lowest rates around, you need to be a Best Western Rewards member, but don’t worry – if you’re not already a member, you can join today. Simply join for free during the booking process.