i like museums...

Anker's House Museum

The museum is situated in the parish church, which was established in 883AD as a shrine for St. Cuthbert and considered the first cathedral for Durham. You'll find interpretive displays with Roman and Anglo-Saxon artefacts, histories of Chester-le-Street, the church, the Anchorage and the life of an Anchorite. The museum is also where the original Lindisfarne Gospels were kept between 883-995AD and on display is a facsimile of the Gospels.

Arbeia Roman Fort & Museum

Originally built around 160AD, Arbeia soon became the military supply base for the 17 forts along Hadrian's Wall. Today, you can view the excavated remains, visit the excellent reconstructions of original buildings and see finds discovered at the fort. Together, they give you a unique insight into life in Roman Britain.

Aycliffe & District Bus Preservation Society

Here you'll find a collection of vintage United Automobile Services and Darlington Corporation buses in good running order. There are also working demonstrations by arrangement. Look out for period theme days - the 1940s is a current speciality. The website gives details of the Society's running programme.

Visits by appointment only.

Bagpipe Museum

The museum is set in Morpeth's Grade 1 listed 13th century Chantry Bridge Chapel. Specialising in the Northumbrian small pipes and their music, the museum sets the context of bagpipes from around the world.  Particularly popular at the annual Morpeth Gathering in April is the traditional music festival with concerts, competitions and happenings.

Bailiffgate Museum

The local history museum of Alnwick and District is attractively situated in the former St. Mary's Church, dating from 1836. Bailiffgate Museum brings to life the people and places of North Northumberland. Temporary history and art exhibitions are staged throughout the year with complementary workshops and events.

Beamish, The North of England Open Air Museum

Beamish is unique – it's no ordinary museum but a vast, living and working experience of life as it was in the North East in the early 1800s and 1900s. It was winner of the Best Large Attraction 2005 (VisitBritain). Come and visit a 1913 Town Street, a Colliery Village, the working farm and Railway Station. Ride on the trams and take a trip on the 1825 steam railway.

Bede's World

Discover the exciting world of the Venerable Bede, early Europe's greatest scholar, who lived and worked at the monastery of Wearmouth - Jarrow 1300 years ago. Attractions include the interactive Age of Bede exhibition in a stunning museum building and an Anglo-Saxon demonstration farm, with rare breeds of animals and reconstructed timber buildings. Bede's World also has a medieval herb garden, gift shop, cafe and a lively and wide-ranging programme of events and temporary exhibitions.

Berwick Borough Museum and Art Gallery

Explore the old garrison town and its surroundings through the sights and sounds of Window on Berwick. From sea breezes to the dimly-lit coal mine, its all here. The museum includes a remarkable collection of over 300 items given to the town by Sir William Burrell, who lived in nearby Hutton Castle. That's not all, you'll also discover dragons, medieval chalices, ancient Roman glass, Turkish tiles and a working telephone exchange.

Billingham Art Gallery

Billingham Art Gallery is situated in the town centre and offers an exciting selection of art to suit all tastes. The gallery is devoted entirely to temporary exhibitions, covering all aspects of art and offering regular arts and craft workshops. Visit the website for on-going details.

Binchester Roman Fort

The Roman fort of Vinovia was occupied from 80 - 410AD. The excavated area that you can see today includes the impressive commanding officer's bath house. The finds from this fascinating fort are housed at The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle.

Bowes Railway

This is the only place where rope haulage can be seen on a standard gauge railway. On operating days, steam train rides are given to the hauler house for rope haulage demonstrations. Fine examples of Victorian workshops and machinery can be seen during the week for free. As well as fascinating mining and railway memorabilia, there's also an underground locomotive display and a limited collection of social history ephemera.

Cherryburn: Thomas Bewick's Birthplace

The cottage is the birthplace of Thomas Bewick (1753 1828), Northumberland's greatest artist, wood engraver and naturalist. You can really understand this superb artist's skill from the exhibition on his life and work. There are printing demonstrations in the adjoining barn.

Chesters Roman Fort & Museum

Wander round the remains of this important Roman fort. The bath house on the banks of the river is particularly impressive. Your visit will be complemented by the extensive Victorian museum which displays a selection of artefacts found along Hadrian's Wall by the historian John Clayton.

Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum

The museum sits on the site of the first Cleveland Ironstone Mine, from which industrial Teesside emerged. Discover the area's mining and social history. Enter the original north drift and hear the tale of the trappy lad. Visit the reconstructed 1890 mine face and experience the blast. It'll bring the world of mining to life.

Corbridge Roman Town

Originally a fort, Corbridge evolved into a prosperous town. The large modern museum contains many interesting items of Roman daily life found around the site, including armour, weapons, inscriptions and sculpture.

Cragside

Cragside is regarded as one of the finest Victorian gardens in the country. The estate features one of the largest rock gardens in Europe. You'll enjoy wandering round the woodland garden with its famous rhododendrons and azaleas and much, much more. The lakeside walks, adventure play area and labyrinth are also not to be missed.

Darlington Railway Centre & Museum

Note: This museum is currently closed for redevelopment. It is due to re-open in March 2008. There will be special events taking place in the grounds of the museum during the refurbishment.
Experience rail heritage at Darlington Railway Centre & Museum. Step back in time to 1842 in the atmospheric North Road Station and learn about the world's most important group of early railway buildings. Explore this cabinet of curiosities with its eclectic mix of railway relics and enjoy contemporary family fun events. There's something to see and do whatever the weather, with a Waiting Room, cafe and souvenir shop too!

Discovery Museum

Discovery is one of the North East's most popular free attractions and the place to find out about life on Tyneside. From the area's renowned maritime history to world-changing science and technology, it has something for everyone. The museum is bursting with hands-on interactives, which makes it the perfect place to learn through play. The Soldier's Life gallery, which takes a different approach to military history and focuses on the human side of army life during war and peacetime, is also part of Discovery Museum.

DLI Museum & Durham Art Gallery

Built in the 1960s, the museum is set in superb landscaped grounds with attractive walks, a pond and free parking. The museum tells the story of County Durham's own proud regiment from 1758 to 1968, with emphasis on WW1 and WW2. The Durham Art Gallery presents a programme of exhibitions and events from concerts and talks to practical workshops.

Durham Castle

Few buildings in England can boast a longer history of continuous occupation than Durham Castle. Founded soon after the Norman Conquest, the castle has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to changing circumstances and uses over a period of 900 years. Now a university college, the castle is steeped in fascinating history.

Durham Cathedral, Monks' Dormitory

The Monks' Dormitory is part of some of the best preserved early medieval monastic buildings in existence. It boasts a massive 600 year-old roof made of 21 beams, each more than 40ft long. It once contained a two-storey house. There's a fine collection of Anglo-Saxon stones with fascinating carvings. There is currently no wheelchair access.

Durham Cathedral, The Treasures of St. Cuthbert

This stunning World Heritage site contains the relics of St. Cuthbert, cathedral & episcopal plate of 17th & 18th centuries as well as Anglo-Saxon artefacts. You can see St. Cuthbert's coffin and pectoral (bishop's) cross from the 8th century as well as Anglo-Saxon embroideries, seals, manuscripts and plate showing the history of the cathedral.

Durham Heritage Centre & Museum

An excellent local history museum set in an historic church close to the cathedral. The displays tell the story of Durham from the 10th century right up to the present day, with artefacts, models and hands-on exhibits. There's also brass-rubbing, videos and a programme of temporary exhibitions and workshops.

Fusiliers Museum of Northumberland

This fascinating local regimental museum can be found within the magnificent Alnwick Castle. Entrance is included in the castle entrance fee. You'll discover artefacts, uniforms, medals, silver, weapons and souvenirs from campaigns that were fought across the globe from 1674 to the present day.

George Stephenson's Birthplace Cottage

The father of the railways started life in very humble circumstances. Visit the small stone tenement where he was born, which was built around 1760 for mining families. It is furnished to reflect the year of Stephenson's birth (1781), when his whole family lived in one room. You'll also find displays on decorative and applied art and land transport.

Grace Darling Museum

Note: This museum is currently closed for refurbishment. It will reopen in October 2007. For more information telephone: 07825 386 172.

Guisborough Museum

Occupying a building to the rear of Sunnyfield House in Guisborough's Westgate, the museum has a wide display of artefacts and photographs illustrating the social, agricultural and industrial history of the town. These are changed annually. The permanent displays include a Victorian parlour and the town's stocks.

Hartlepool Art Gallery

Residing in a beautifully restored 150-year-old church, the art gallery has 3,000 sq ft of exhibition space. It offers an exciting programme of touring exhibitions and some of Hartlepool's own collection is also on display. The gallery also doubles as a tourist information centre and theatre box office. Enjoy panoramic views of Hartlepool from the 100ft viewing tower (small charge applicable). Guide dogs welcome.

Hatton Gallery

The Hatton Gallery hosts an exciting programme of temporary exhibitions, ranging from the historic to contemporary. The gallery's permanent collection boasts a treasure trove of over 3,500 works. Paintings in the collection include works ranging from 14th century altarpieces, Baroque landscape to 20th century masterpieces by Francis Bacon, Patrick Heron and Victor Pasmore. The collections also include Kurt Schwitters Merzbarn wall - the only surviving example in the world of  Schwitters constructions; and the Uhlman Collection of African Art which contains a dazzling array of sculptures, carvings, masks and jewellery. Whilst these are not permanently on display they can be viewed in store by appointment.

Heatherslaw Cornmill

Want to know how wheat was traditionally milled? Visit the restored and operating 19th century undershot watermill. You can see wheat milling daily, water levels permitting. You'll find exhibitions and demonstrations of all processes from the wheel to finished flour.

Hexham Old Gaol

The Old Gaol is the earliest documented purpose-built prison in England. It has been brought into the 21st century with a glass lift and AVs helping visitors explore the history of the gaol and its prisoners. The collection of objects, photographs, documents, books and music will help you explore the local and family history of Hexham, Tynedale and the Borders music and culture.

HMS Trincomalee Trust

HMS Trincomalee is the oldest British warship afloat in the UK. You'll find it berthed afloat in the heart of Hartlepool's Maritime Experience. It was built in 1817 in Bombay, India, and restored in Hartlepool. This magnificent ship offers the whole family the fun of exploring the Captain's Cabin, Quarterdeck, Hold, Keel and other areas with an audio tour. The ship is also a popular venue for weddings, functions and filming.

Housesteads Roman Fort

This impressive fort, one of the best preserved of sixteen permanent bases along the Wall, conjures up an evocative picture of Roman military life. It is the perfect introduction to Hadrian's Wall and you'll also find a small display of graphics, objects, sculpture and models relating to the Roman fort at Housesteads.

Killhope, The North of England Lead Mining Museum

Discover the lives of lead mining families in the North Pennines at Killhope. Take a guided tour of the mine equipped with a hard hat, lamp and wellies. Above ground, become a washerboy and find galena and fluorspar. Pleasant woodland walks, exhibitions, the shop and cafe make Killhope a great day out in the country for the whole family. Winner of the North East Tourism Award 2005 for Most Welcoming Experience and voted the Most Family-friendly Museum by a national newspaper.

King's Own Scottish Borderers Regimental Museum

The history of one of the country's proudest regiments - from 1689 right up to the present day - is traced through vivid displays of uniforms, badges, medals, weapons and relics from the various dramatic campaigns in which it has been involved.

Kirkleatham Museum, Redcar

This wonderful, family-orientated venue with its playground, owl centre and picnic area has a varied calendar of events. Archaeology, archives, costume and textiles, decorative and applied art, fine art, land transport, natural sciences, science and technology, social and maritime history - there is something for everyone at the Kirkleatham Museum.

Lady Waterford Hall

This fascinating and unusual 19th century Hall was built as a village school. It was decorated by Lady Waterford with extravagant life-sized biblical murals. For her models, she used the local children and workers of the estate.

Laing Art Gallery

The Laing has something for everyone to enjoy. A dynamic exhibition programme brings an exciting variety of art to your doorstep, while fun learning events encourage even the youngest of children to get involved. Our impressive and diverse permanent collection includes works from John Martin to Henry Moore.

Lindisfarne Castle

This romantic 16th century miniature castle was transformed by the famous architect Edwin Lutyens into an Edwardian country house. Originally a Tudor fort, it was converted into a private house in 1903 by the young Lutyens. The small rooms are full of intimate decoration and design, with windows looking down upon the charming walled garden planned by the gardening guru of her day, Gertrude Jekyll.

Lindisfarne Priory

Lindisfarne Priory was the Cradle of Christianity. Few places are as beautiful or have such special significance. The undecayed corpse of St. Cuthbert was found in 698AD and this became one of the most sacred shrines in Christendom. For 1300 years it has been a place of pilgrimage - and still is today. The newly-refurbished museum displays a large collection of important Anglo-Saxon sculptures.

Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon

Locomotion celebrates Shildon's extraordinary history as one of the world's oldest railway towns. There are over 60 vehicles on display from the National Collection inside the museum's state-of-the-art collection building. Not to be missed in the Welcome Building is Timothy Hackworth's original Sans Pareil locomotive, which competed against George Stephenson's Rocket in the famous Rainhill Trials.

mima, Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art

mima is the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, a major new visual art gallery. This landmark venue hosts an internationally important programme of exhibitions, presenting the very best of art and craft from 1900 to the present day. Bringing together the town's art and craft collections for the first time, mima includes formal and open galleries, an education suite, auditorium, cafe-bar, roof terrace and conservation studio.

Monkwearmouth Station Museum

Opens 4 August 2007
Housed in an original Victorian station, the extensively redeveloped museum offers visitors a range of exciting new displays and activities, including railway and transport artefacts, temporary exhibitions and an original 1866 railway station booking office. The Children's Gallery enables young visitors and their carers to learn together in a stimulating transport-themed environment. The first floor will provide two dedicated education spaces for school workshops, community groups and adult learners.

Museum of Antiquities

The principal museum of archaeology in North East England, this is the place to find out more about the history of the region, especially Hadrian's Wall and the Roman Frontier. There are stunning artefacts from earliest prehistory to the 17th century, with models of Hadrian's Wall and a reconstruction of a Temple to Mithras. See Roman jewellery, prehistoric rock art and
Anglo-Saxon crosses.

Museum of Antiquities, Alnwick Castle

The museum is situated within the magnificent Castle of Alnwick, home of the Percys, and is included in the castle entrance fee. There are artefacts and remains of the prehistoric, Roman, Saxon, Viking and medieval periods, some of which were found on the ducal estates in Northumberland and elsewhere - and some with Percy family associations.

Museum of Hartlepool

This award-winning museum is the finest free show in town. You'll enjoy the hundreds of exhibits which include the restored paddle steam ship Wingfield Castle; a real fishing coble to climb aboard; the first gas illuminated lighthouse; sea monsters and a monkey fish. It features local and social history with a strong maritime emphasis. There are regular exhibitions, craft workshops and other activities. The Museum is part of Hartlepool's Maritime Experience visitor attraction.

North East Aircraft Museum

The museum is situated on the edge of Sunderland, adjacent to the Nissan car factory. It is run primarily by volunteers and always welcomes new members. Those interested in aviation wont be disappointed - there are over 30 aircraft, including a Vulcan bomber, as well as record-breaking and unique craft from 1908 up to the present day.

North East War Museum

Closed for essential maintenance.

Oriental Museum

The Oriental Museum is the only museum in the North East devoted solely to the wonders of Oriental art and archaeology. You can explore cultures that range from Ancient Egypt to Imperial China and modern Japan. You'll marvel at collections of art from all over the Orient. Archaeology, archives, coins and medals, costume and textiles, decorative and applied art, weapons and war, world cultures - it's all here.

Ormesby Hall

The impressive hall is a mid-18th century Palladian mansion built for Dorothy Pennyman. Part of a Jacobean house is preserved on the west side with stables beyond. Within the hall you'll discover a large number of family portraits, and elegant Regency and Victorian furniture. The contents of the house were sold off by 6th Baronet Sir James Pennyman in 1792 but all the exhibits in the House today were purchased by the Worsely Pennymans from 1852 and added to by 4 generations of Pennymans until the family line ceased in 1983. There are also some additional exhibits they acquired from the 17th and 18th century.

Preston Hall Museum

A museum of social and domestic history set in 110 acres of beautiful parkland. One of the most important attractions is a reconstructed Victorian street. The 19th and 20th century room settings and working crafts are well worth seeing. There are also displays of arms, costume and toys.

Roman Army Museum

The Roman Army Museum, situated beside one of the best preserved sections of the Wall, offers a captivating insight into the garrisons of Hadrian's Wall. Don't miss The Eagle's Eye film.

Roman Vindolanda

Vindolanda is a fascinating Roman fort and civilian settlement lying just to the south of Hadrian's Wall. The Roman Army Museum, situated beside one of the best preserved sections of the Wall, offers a captivating insight into the garrisons of Hadrian's Wall. Both museums exhibit artefacts discovered through the on-going Vindolanda excavations, including boots, jewellery, armour and weapons.

Ryhope Engines Museum

Based in the former Victorian Pumping Station, the museum houses two huge double-acting, compound beam engines which are steamed periodically by hand-fired Lancashire boilers. Galleries of water-related objects, a working blacksmith's shop, a plumber's shop and an overshot water wheel complete the exhibits. Look out for the regular special event weekends throughout the year.

Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths & Museum

For almost 300 years, Segedunum, which means strong fort, was home to 600 Roman soldiers at one end of Hadrian's Wall. Today, Segedunum is once again the gateway to this world famous World Heritage site. It is the most excavated fort along the Wall and has a large interactive museum plus a 35 metre high viewing tower providing outstanding views across this World Heritage Site.

Seven Stories, the Centre for Children's Books

Seven Stories is Britain's first centre dedicated to the celebration of children's books. The exhibitions, activities and events are based on a huge collection of original material and inspired by contemporary children's authors and illustrators. It will inspire, stimulate and entertain - perfect for all the family.

Shefton Museum of Greek Art and Archaeology

The North East's home of Greek art and archaeology is located on the first floor of the Armstrong Building at Newcastle University. It holds a small but internationally important collection of artefacts from the Greek and Etruscan worlds. The display includes an extensive range of pottery, ranging in date from the Mycenaean to Hellenistic. There's also armour, weapons and sculpture, mostly of Greek, Roman and Etruscan manufacture.

Shipley Art Gallery

Discover the fantastic range of art and design on show in the friendly surroundings of the Shipley Art Gallery in Gateshead. It is home to the broadest range of contemporary craft outside London, as well as a spectacular collection of fine art, including William Irving's classic painting 'The Blaydon Races'. The Shipley makes an inspiring visit for all the family. The Gallery stages a varied programme of temporary exhibitions.

Souter Lighthouse

There is a great experience waiting for all the family at the famous Souter Lighthouse. You'll find this National Trust lighthouse perfectly preserved with all its machinery intact. When you can tear yourself away from the fascinating science and technology, and the social and maritime history, just look at the stunning views!

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

South Shields Museum is a popular local museum which explores the rich and varied history of the area during the life and times of its most famous local author, Catherine Cookson. She was one of the 20th century's finest story-tellers and the museum's major collections reflect, in social history and art, the fascinating story of the South Tyneside she would have known.

Stephenson Railway Museum

Re-live the glorious days of the steam railway at Stephenson Railway Museum. The museum is home to George Stephenson's Billy, a forerunner of the world-famous Rocket. You'll enjoy seeing many other engines from the great age of steam including Jackie Milburn, named after the Newcastle United legend. The museum has historic railway exhibits from the early days of the steam railway right up to the present day.

Stephenson's Works/Robert Stephenson Trust

Close to Newcastle's Central Station you'll discover where much of our railway heritage was created. This Listed Grade II building was the head office and boiler/plate shop of Robert Stephenson & Co. locomotive works of around 1850. It was part of the first purpose-built locomotive factory in the world - started in 1823 - where the locomotive evolved, including the construction of the Rocket in 1829. Come and see the original 1823 engine which powered the factory.

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens

Exciting hands-on exhibits and interactive displays tell the story of Sunderland from its prehistoric past through to the present day. The stunning Winter Gardens stimulate the senses with over 1,500 flowers and plants in a showcase of natural beauty. The Art Gallery features paintings by L.S Lowry alongside Victorian masterpieces and artefacts from the four corners of the world. The Museum stages a varied programme of temporary exhibitions.

Sunderland Volunteer Life Brigade

The Watch House is easy to find above the new development on Pier View, next to the Bungalow Cafe. There you'll find a working Brigade House, headquarters of the coastal search, cliff rescue and coast watch. The North East coast, with its often dangerous and unpredictable seas, had a great need for a volunteer life brigade. Come and discover the history of life-saving on the coast of Sunderland since 1877.

Tanfield Railway

This lovingly preserved colliery railway's original purpose was the movement of coal from the nearby collieries down to ships waiting on the River Tyne. The oldest part, c1647, was the Lobley Hill section which had seen over 300 years of coal traffic by the time it closed in 1964. The surviving 1725 Sunniside to Causey section is now the oldest working railway and the Causey to East Tanfield section dates from 1839. It's perfect for a family trip out.

The Bowes Museum

The Bowes Museum offers one of Britain's most fascinating museum experiences. Founded over 100 years ago, by John and Joséphine Bowes, the magnificent building contains the greatest collection of European fine and decorative art in North East England. The designated collection contains works by Goya, El Greco and Canaletto. The Museum also houses a number of entertaining interactives for all the family to enjoy. A programme of unmissable exhibitions runs throughout the year.

The Captain Cook Birthplace Museum

Discover Captain James Cook from his early days in Marton, Great Ayton, Staithes and Whitby to his great voyages around the world. Sail into uncharted waters to see the new peoples, lands and strange animals that Cook and his crew encountered. Live the life of a ship's crew below decks with weevil-infested biscuits, salt meat, sleeping in a hammock, the lick of the cat o' nine tails and feel what it was like to be away from home for three years.

The Dorman Museum

Galleries house some amazing collections from around the world offering something to suit all ages and interests. Experience life in a bomb shelter, investigate local history, explore the natural world and come face to face with ancient civilisations.  The Dorman Museum has a regular programme of exhibitions and events.

The Heritage Centre, Bellingham

The museum and local studies centre for the North Tyne and Redesdale is easily found in the Old Station Yard, Bellingham. There are excellent displays on the Border Counties Railway, the area's mining heritage, the battling Border Reivers and the photographer's shop of WP Collier. It also houses a huge computerised photographic archive, a family history/genealogy database and much more.

The Old Fulling Mill Museum of Archaeology

The Old Fulling Mill, an 18th century mill building, houses Durham's Museum of Archaeology. Notable features of the collection include altars and stone inscriptions from Hadrian's Wall, Roman samian ware, as well as artefacts from Durham covering the prehistoric, Saxon, medieval, and post-medieval periods. The museum regularly stages exhibitions devoted to local archaeology and history.

Trinity House

Trinity House is a Maritime organisation, dedicated to safe navigation and welfare of seamen. Established in 1505, the organisation was granted a Royal Charter of Incorporation in 1536 by King Henry VIII and has operated by Royal Charter ever since. The extraordinary buildings forming the Trinity House complex include the private Brethrens Chapel, 1505; the entrance Hall, 1800; the Banqueting Hall and Board Room, 1721. It is hard to find so much history packed into one place - don't miss it!

Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade Museum

The 1887 watch house is the home of the country's first Life Brigade (which is still very active). It houses a unique collection of figureheads, equipment, models, paintings and memorabilia from 140 years of lifesaving on the North East coast. It chronicles extraordinary events and the bravery of those involved in saving the lives of those in peril on our treacherous seas.

University Gallery & Baring Wing

The University Gallery and Baring Wing at Northumbria University, with its monumental 6.5 metre high bronze sculpture Pillar Man by Nico Widerberg, is one of the City's newest architectural highlights. A dynamic annual programme includes exhibitions by artists of national and international distinction, as well as exhibitions by less-established but promising artists. The permanent collection of mostly 20th century British artists' work includes the largest public collection of paintings by Norman Cornish, one of the region's most distinguished post-war artists.

Wallington

Wallington is one of the gems of Northumberland. It features a wonderful mix of interesting 18th and 19th century interiors, rococo plasterwork, fine ceramics, needlework and pre-Raphaelite paintings of Northumbrian life by William Bell Scott. Don't miss the extraordinary Dolls House collection and the 3,800 lead soldiers.

Washington F Pit

Washington F Pit's magnificent Victorian steam engine, engine house and headgear are preserved to mark the town's coalmining heritage that stretches back over 250 years. The industrial monument is the last of its type in the North East. Visitors will be able to discover what life was like for miners in the region and listen to tales of workers travelling down into the pits. Staff are also on hand to operate the giant engine.

Washington Old Hall

Washington Old Hall is a delightful stone-built 17th century manor house, which incorporates parts of the original medieval home of George Washington's direct ancestors. It is from here that the family surname of Washington was derived. There are excellent displays on George Washington and the recent history of the Hall. Also there's a fine collection of oil paintings, delftware and heavily carved oak furniture, giving an authentic impression of gentry life following the English Civil War. This gem is well worth a visit.

Weardale Museum at High House Chapel

This small folk museum was formed in 1985 by a group of volunteers. It is housed in the former manse to High House Chapel, which is now the oldest Methodist Chapel in the world still holding weekly services. The collection includes a 19th  century period kitchen depicting life for leadminer/ farming families, a superb collection of crystalized minerals and fossils and the complete census for Stanhope Parish 1841-1901.

Winkies Castle Museum

Founded by local cobbler Jack Anderson in 1975, Winkies Castle houses many unique hands-on artefacts from hundreds of years of Marske's history. The entrance hall features a time line panel that lists every significant local event back to the 4th Century Roman Signal Station on Huntcliffe. Re-dressed period rooms and a fascinating audio-visual presentation informs visitors of Marske's history and the friendly and knowledgeable staff are happy to answer any questions on the area and its heritage.

Woodhorn

This fabulous attraction features a stunning mining show, the Northumberland County Archives, and an interactive exhibition, temporary displays and a purpose-built ramp for viewing miners' banners all located in an iconic building.

Wylam Railway Museum

Wylam was home to three famous railway pioneers: George Stephenson (father of the railways), William Hedley (of Puffing Billy fame) and Timothy Hackworth (later of Shildon) and has one of the oldest stations in the world, still in use by passengers today. Located in part of the old village school, the attractive displays in this small museum tell the fascinating story of Wylam's unique contribution to railway history.

Zetland Lifeboat Museum

The Zetland Museum in Redcar houses the oldest lifeboat in the world - The Zetland, built in 1802. This magnificent old boat is the only remaining example of the work of pioneer lifeboat builder, Henry Greathead. You'll also find a fascinating collection of marine and fishing equipment, old photographs of Redcar, local pottery and a replica of a fisherman's cottage.