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From the Tyne to the Solway, across Northumberland, Hadrian’s Wall was the dividing line between two countries for around two thousand years. The remains still include forts and museums. This is great walking country, in addition to being one of the birthplaces of the Industrial Revolution. George Stephenson, father of the railway, came from the area and there are many centres celebrating the industrial heritage of Northumberland.
Neighbouring Tyne & Wear has a similar background and is centred around the city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Today Newcastle is a swinging city of leisure and culture. The quayside area has been transformed and there are numerous trendy restaurants, art galleries and shops.
County Durham stretches from the limestone cliffs on the North Sea coast to the fringes of the Pennine Hills along the backbone of England. In addition to the miles of lovely moorland and hidden villages, there is the historic city of Durham itself. The spectacular cathedral can be seen from miles away and the castle is one of the largest surviving Norman structures in England. It houses Durham University and is part of a World Heritage site.
One of the most important roads in Roman Britain ran through this region, down into Yorkshire, taking military supplies from York. There are still many Roman remains along this route. Yorkshire itself has some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain. There are the lovely coastal resorts such as Scarborough and Whitby, sandy bays and the wonderful North Yorkshire Moors. Then there are the gentler Dales, with pretty hamlets and villages and the wild moors of Bronte Country, around the town of Haworth in West Yorkshire.
Many of the cities east of the Pennine Hills have been transformed into centres offering many culture and leisure pursuits. Places such as Leeds and Bradford offer museums, galleries, restaurants and shops for every taste. The old spa town of Harrogate and historic York with its great Minster cannot be neglected. Further south, there is yet more spectacular scenery around Sheffield on the borders of the Peak District.