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Living in the North East

For countryside and coastlines. For history and heritage. For scenic landscapes and dark skies.

The North East is a varied and historic region, filled with World Heritage Sites, coastal towns and castles – and it's all within easy reach of Newcastle. 

Whether it's following a path laid down by the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago, visiting the castle where Harry Potter was filmed or unwinding on award-winning beaches, the North East is an amazing and beautiful part of the country. 

The Coast

The North Sea coast will be within easy reach while studying at Newcastle. The award-winning Blue Flag beaches of North Tyneside are a short Metro journey from the city centre.

The coastal towns of Tynemouth, Cullercoats and Whitley Bay are all popular spots with independent cafes, bars and restaurants. 

There are near-deserted beaches up the Northumbrian Coast too, with the sprawling sands of Druridge Bay about 40 minutes drive north of Newcastle.

Then there's the stunning beach at Bamburgh, with the imposing castle looming over the dunes from above and the secret hideaway that is Low Newton, which feels a million miles away from the buzz of the city. 

Dunstanburgh Castle overlooking the beach.

The Countryside

Calming countryside is right on Newcastle's doorstep and there's loads of it to be explored. Hadrian's Wall spreads across to Carlisle from the west of the city, and the Northumberland National Park sits to the north.

The Northumberland National Park is home to Kielder Water and Forest Park, where you can marvel at the dark skies – it's the largest expanse of dark night sky in Europe – or explore the forest on its bike trails.

There's also the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Beauty between Durham and the Eden Valley, which is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

 

The Castles

Northumberland is home to more castles than any other English county, a legacy from its turbulent past. From Newcastle Castle in the city centre to the remote and ruined Dunstanburgh Castle on the eastern coast, the castles in the North East have seen everything. 

Visit one of Britain's most iconic castles, Alnwick Castle – Hogwarts Castle in the Harry Potter films – explore its history and how it's featured in the blockbuster film franchise. 

There are also stunning castles at Bamburgh, Warkworth and Lindisfarne castles, among others, which can be explored.