Durham, the county town, is dominated by the magnificent Cathedral of Christ and Blessed Mary the Virgin and the castle dating from the same period.

Newcastle, with its famous bridges across the River Tyne, was formerly a thriving coal-mining and ship building centre, but the decline of these industries has led to re-development of the quayside.

Northumberland's historical monuments date back to Roman times, notably Hadrian's Wall, stretching west from the outskirts of Newcastle Upon Tyne for over seventy miles. The county boasts some of the most unspoiled coastal stretches in England dotted with monuments such as the medieval Bamburgh castle and the ancient priory on Holy Island.