Don't overlook Darlington - depending on when you visit, the new Railway Heritage Centre might be finished and operational. Think Darlington to Stockton - 200th anniversary in 2025!
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The North of England
(103 Posts)I grew up in East Anglia and moved abroad in 1976. Apart from a holiday in the Lake District and a short trip to Manchester, both before I left the country, I have never been to the north. Well, we did have a holiday in Scotland when I was pregnant with DS1, who is now 41 years old, with short stops in York and Lincoln, but honestly I can't remember much about that what with "baby brain"
My DH is a retired Latin teacher and not too confident about his English, and I feel a little resistance when I suggest going to the UK - certainly for a whole holiday!
However. I have a plan in my head to see the North of England next year. I have mapped out a route: fly to Manchester, head East stopping at York and then up the East coast to Durham and Newcastle, up to see Vindolanda (better check the spelling), along Hadrian's wall, then a few days respite and hiking in the Lake District, down to Liverpool for a couple of nights and back to Manchester for the return flight. (As an old 68er he is, of course, a Beatles fan.)
Ladies of the North, what I need to know are any sites of historical interest - mainly Roman, but I'm sure he would also consider the Vikings, (especially as we are starting in York which would give him a taster) which would make the route interesting to DH.
I've already earmarked vampire-themed Whitby and the breathtaking Cathedral at Durham for light relief between purely historical themed sites.
It sounds like quite a trek. I know, but time is not of great consideration as we've not had a holiday together for at least 5 years now.
So, what historical digs and sites, reconstructions perhaps. can you recommend which are vaguely along that route - the more obscure the better!
That's Housesteads..and sadly where the sycamore was recently cut down 
Probably worth joining English Heritage- they have a special overseas visitors pass, I think. And maybe National Trust?
It’s not north I know but St Albans in Hertfordshire is steeped in Roman history.
I agree about needing an extended visit! So much to see and it is stunningly beautiful. Brought up in the Scottish Borders I used to feel we were neglected as an area as holidaymakers tended to "drive through" on their way to more dramatic scenery in the Highlands and I suspect the same is true of N Yorks and Northumberland 😒
Also overshadowed by the "better known" Lake District! Have a wonderful time!
As far as Northumberland Castles go you might try Warkworth, less well known, next to a fabulous beach. with a short walk to a nice village with pubs (And there's a hermitage you can visit)
I think you’ll need a month for all the suggestions. Two weeks for York and the Yorkshire Dales, then east coast for Whitby Durham, Northumberland up to Alnwick and Lindisfarne, across along Hadrian’s wall. Lake District if you haven’t already done enough walking, then down to Liverpool and Chester.
One place that has not been mentioned is Beverley, a charming East Yorkshire compact market town with two beautiful churches and good shopping.
grannysyb
Thirsk, with James Herriot museum, he was my vet when I was young. Also drive up to the top of Sutton bank, the view is incredible. Cragside in Northumberland is worth seeing.
Grannysyb my FiL had a farm about 15 minutes from Thirsk and "James Herriot" was their vet too. I remember my BiL telling us he "had seen Alf White in Thirsk and he's written a book". Who knew where it would go!
Personally, I would stay in North Yorkshire for the whole holiday but there are some lovely suggestions here. So have a wonderful holiday JackyB!
The Yorkshire Dales are an absolute MUST, breathtaking. Haworth ( Bronte sisters ) sooooo many places to visit around our neck of the woods.
fancythat
I print out threads.
I was about to do it with this one.
I cant possibly remember everything that is on some threads.
grannysyb - what were the vets there like in real life?
I dont normally like "looking behind the scenes" of things, but as I am getting older, and might only end up visitng the area once, I might want to make an exception in this particular case.
I didn't think of that fancythat thank you.
Cressy
If you’re going to Whitby I would also suggest either Robin Hoods Bay or Staithes. Two lovely fishing villages. I loved Cragside near Rothley -NT
If you’re looking for Cragside, and it is well worth it, you might find it more easily by looking for it near Rothbury near Morpeth, Northumberland, (NE65 7PX)
In the west the Roman wall disappears into farm houses and buildings canny Cumbrians didn't bother to shape their own stone but used the wall. There are lots of Roman remains. Stanwix in Carlisle has a dig going on at present along with all that has already been found.
Carlisle has one of the oldest castles in England originally a mot and bailey built by William Rufus the Conqueror's son.
Also, a small town on the west coast called Maryport has the largest collection of Roman headstones in England.
Many more things, the lakes from the west and Scafell pike and the area is quiet but bring waterproofs and wellies it "chucks", it down as we say.
Second everything said above and do try and fit in a visit to the Peak District either on the way up, or back. It’s glorious. If you’re going to Housesteads, bear in mind that once you get off the main roads it’s a bit of a trek, but well worth the effort. Vindolanda is nearer to Hexham but Housteads has wonderful sections of Hadrian’s wall and lots of atmosphere. In Northumberland, Cragside House is an absolute must. Wonderful food at the Jolly Fisherman in Craster and a nice walk up to nearby Dunstanburgh Castle. And yes, brilliant breakfasts at Barter Books in Alnwick.
I print out threads.
I was about to do it with this one.
I cant possibly remember everything that is on some threads.
grannysyb - what were the vets there like in real life?
I dont normally like "looking behind the scenes" of things, but as I am getting older, and might only end up visitng the area once, I might want to make an exception in this particular case.
Is there anyway to save this thread? I think it will be useful for outings next summer 
If you visit Liverpool, try and book tickets for the Casbah Coffee Club in West Derby.
Easily reached from central Liverpool via bus / cab.....
It's a relative of Pete Best who does the tour!
This is brilliant! Thank you all so much, these are exactly what I was hoping for. Keep them coming!
If you’re going to Whitby I would also suggest either Robin Hoods Bay or Staithes. Two lovely fishing villages. I loved Cragside near Rothley -NT
Just a mention that Lumiere returns to Durham next month.
Beamish is great day out also moving up the coast Alnwick Gardens Hadrians wall and Druridge Bay and Holy island are beautiful to visit
We have recently spent time touring Bamburgh Castle. It is amazing with beautiful views of the sea! Raby Castle is fun too!
AreWeThereYet
Bamborough Castle and surrounding area are gorgeous. As are the kippers in Craster near Alnwick.
I’ll second that 😃
Thirsk, with James Herriot museum, he was my vet when I was young. Also drive up to the top of Sutton bank, the view is incredible. Cragside in Northumberland is worth seeing.
As a southerner I had never really been up north (except for Scotland which I love) but since visiting in recent years I just love it. I can't wait to go back as the countryside is every bit as good as the south and there are so many beautiful towns and villages. Apart from unpredictable weather there is nothing to dislike. It's fabulous.
Barnard Castle is rather nice. It's a very old town with a good selection of independent shops. It has the ruins of the castle and the Bowes Museum. Also famous for providing eye tests....
Raby Castle, on the way to Barney if coming from Durham, is interesting, too.
A local benefactor has spent a lot of money on Bishop Auckland. There's the Bishop's palace (with a lovely old chapel), the Faith Museum and the gallery of Spanish art. For the Rome lover thee's Binchester Roman Fort nearby with one of the best preserved Roman bath houses in Britain.
If you're visiting in late July - early September Kynren is a good event to see.
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