Northumberland College Zoo

2 miles from Warkworth Castle

Warkworth Castle is a ruined medieval motte and bailey castle in Northumberland, England, featuring a distinctive 14th-century keep and extensive curtain walls. Visitors can explore the outdoor medieval ruins including the gatehouse, towers, great hall, and remains of an unfinished collegiate church.

Located in Amble

Amble is a small coastal town in Northumberland, England, known for its maritime heritage, fishing industry, and proximity to nature reserves and coastal wildlife.

Near Brinkburn Priory

Brinkburn Priory is a historic former Augustinian monastery dating from the 12th century, featuring a largely medieval church restored in the 19th century and a manor house built on the site of other monastic buildings. Visitors can explore the notable architectural blend of Norman and Gothic styles both indoors and outdoors within the scenic riverside setting in Northumberland.

Near Northumberland Zoo

Northumberland Zoo is a zoological park in Felton, Northumberland, featuring a range of native British and exotic animals with a focus on conservation breeding programs and species preservation.

2 miles from Aydon Castle

Aydon Castle is a fortified manor house near Corbridge, Northumberland, dating back to 1296. It features historical medieval architecture and offers a mix of indoor historical exhibits and outdoor grounds. The site is managed by English Heritage and open to the public as a historic attraction.

Near Cragside

Cragside is a Victorian Tudor Revival country house in Northumberland, renowned as the first house powered by hydroelectricity. It features innovative hydraulic technology, distinctive historic interiors, and extensive gardens with woodland and rhododendrons. Visitors can explore both the house's indoor heritage and the surrounding outdoor grounds and estate.

2 miles from Warkworth Hermitage

Warkworth Hermitage is a historic 14th-century chapel and priest's house carved into a sandstone cliff on the River Coquet bank, featuring religious carvings and accessible by ferry from Warkworth Castle, managed by English Heritage.

Located in Hexham

Hexham is a historic market town in Northumberland, England, known for its medieval abbey, proximity to Hadrian's Wall, and vibrant market scene. It offers rich cultural heritage, local food specialties, and easy transport links.

Near Tynemouth Priory and Castle

Tynemouth Priory and Castle is a historic coastal site featuring medieval priory ruins and a fortified castle gatehouse, offering visitors both indoor exploration of architectural remains and outdoor coastal scenery. It showcases early Gothic architecture, historic military fortifications, and a rich monastic history dating back to the 7th century.

Located in Tynemouth

Tynemouth is a historic coastal town in Tyne and Wear, England, known for its medieval priory and castle, popular beaches, vibrant cultural scene, and accessible transport links including a metro station. It offers a mix of heritage, seaside attractions, and community festivals.

Near Cragend Farm

Cragend Farm is an ancient Northumberland farm remodelled by Victorian Lord Armstrong, featuring rare British farm animals, historic hydraulic engineering displays, and educational tours. Visitors can explore both indoor and outdoor areas, enjoy refreshments, and stay overnight in heritage accommodations.

Near Durham Coast

Durham Coast offers beautiful cliff top walks, beaches with rockpools, and wildflower-rich grasslands, accessible via several car parks with wheelchair-friendly paths. Visitors can enjoy spotting rare wildlife including the Durham Brown Argus butterfly and marine mammals.

Located in Seaham

Seaham is a historic seaside town in County Durham, England, known for its maritime heritage, historic landmarks, and connections to film and local culture. The town features a walkable centre, a notable harbour, historic churches, and several cultural memorials and sculptures overlooking the coast.

2 miles from Birkheads Secret Gardens

Birkheads Secret Gardens is a biodiverse hillside garden near Newcastle upon Tyne, featuring formal and cottage gardens, woodland areas, wildflower meadows, an orchard, and specialty themed gardens. Visitors can enjoy plant sales and refreshments during free access times for RHS members.

2 miles from Wednesday health walk

7 Oct, 14 Oct…

A sociable guided health walk around Gibside, with opportunities to enjoy the views and spot wildlife. The route is adapted to the group and may cover up to five miles.

Located in Rothbury

Rothbury is a historic market town in Northumberland, England, known for its medieval origins, Victorian development linked to industrialist William Armstrong and the country house Cragside, and vibrant cultural scene including a traditional music festival. The town is situated on the River Coquet and offers walking opportunities and historical landmarks.

3 miles from Lumley Castle Hotel

Lumley Castle Hotel is a historic 14th-century castle offering both indoor tours and extensive outdoor grounds, with accessible facilities, a cafe, event function rooms, and educational visits for children. It is open year-round except for certain holidays and private bookings, with free admission to the hotel areas.

Located in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea

Newbiggin-by-the-Sea is a historic seaside town in Northumberland known for its long promenade, maritime heritage, and annual music festival, offering a mix of history, beach resort charm, and cultural attractions.

3 miles from Bellingham, Northumberland

Bellingham is a village in Northumberland popular with walkers and cyclists on the Pennine Way, featuring a local heritage centre, historic church, waterfalls, and traditional bastle houses nearby.

2 miles from Souter Lighthouse

Souter Lighthouse, managed by the National Trust, is a historic lighthouse showcasing pioneering electric lighting technology and maritime heritage. Visitors can explore the lighthouse tower, engine room, and keepers' quarters as well as outdoor areas including a play area for children and enjoy special demonstrations of the lamps and foghorn.

2 miles from Gibside

Gibside is a historic Georgian country estate in Tyne and Wear featuring landscaped parkland, architectural ruins, and restored buildings such as the Palladian chapel and Banqueting House. Visitors can explore both outdoor grounds and significant indoor heritage structures.

2 miles from Tuesday health walk

13 Oct, 20 Oct…

Join walk leaders for a relaxed, approximately one-mile stroll along Gibside Avenue. The walk takes place every Tuesday and is described as a gentle health walk.

2 miles from Derwentcote Steel Furnace

Derwentcote Steel Furnace is an early 18th-century cementation furnace near Newcastle upon Tyne, preserved as a Grade I listed industrial monument and scheduled site, showcasing historic steel production methods.

Located in Morpeth

Morpeth is a historic market town in Northumberland, England, known for its preserved castle remains, religious heritage, annual cultural gatherings, and riverside parks featuring unique floral clocks.

2 miles from Gibside

Gibside is a Grade I-listed Georgian landscape garden near Rowlands Gill featuring historic ruins, extensive walking trails, and family-friendly outdoor activities including adventure play areas and den building. The venue includes a café, bookshop, and hosts seasonal events and guided tours, welcoming visitors and dogs alike.

2 miles from Hidden Gibside, a history walk for those seeking a challenge

10 Oct, 15 Nov

A historian leads a challenging six-mile walk around Gibside, exploring its industrial past, the Bowes family and historic remains hidden across the estate.

2 miles from Corbridge Roman Town - Hadrian's Wall

Corbridge Roman Town is a historic site near Hadrian's Wall featuring Roman ruins and a museum with significant Roman artefacts including the Corbridge Hoard, offering visitors both outdoor exploration of ancient streets and indoor museum exhibits.

Near Cherryburn

Cherryburn is an 18th-century historic cottage and museum in Northumberland, birthplace of wood engraver Thomas Bewick, featuring period furnishings, original artworks, and printing demonstrations.

2 miles from The autumn almanac

8 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)

The autumn almanac is a season-long programme at Gibside featuring autumn décor, exhibitions, floristry workshops, a poetry walk, a Head Gardener’s talk, apple tastings, forest bathing and heritage pottery glazing.

2 miles from Royal Quays

Royal Quays is a mixed-use development area in North Shields featuring a marina, outlet shopping centre, waterpark, and leisure facilities, plus nearby ferry and cruise terminals, offering both indoor and outdoor experiences.

3 miles from Bide-a-Wee Cottage Gardens

This partner garden features a unique setting in a former quarry with diverse habitats and a variety of unusual plants, including National Plant Collections, complemented by a cafe in a historical sawmill building.

Near Seaton Delaval Hall

Seaton Delaval Hall is a Grade I listed English Baroque country house in Northumberland, designed by Sir John Vanbrugh in 1718. Visitors can explore its historic architecture, fire-damaged central block, extensive 18th-century gardens, and estate features like a stone mausoleum and orangery. The venue is owned and maintained by the National Trust and offers both indoor and outdoor experiences.

Near Vanbrugh 300: Historian Rory Fraser

15 Oct (next Thursday)

Historian Rory Fraser discusses the life and character of architect John Vanbrugh, drawing on his research into Vanbrugh’s time in India. The approximately 45-minute talk is followed by a Q&A.

3 miles from Vanbrugh 300

7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct

A festival celebrating architect Sir John Vanbrugh and his legacy, presented by The Georgian Group with several historic properties. The listing gives event dates and times but directs visitors to individual event listings for details.

2 miles from George Stephenson's Birthplace

George Stephenson's Birthplace is an 18th-century stone cottage in Wylam, Northumberland, showcasing the home of the rail pioneer and featuring exhibits about early steam locomotives. It is a historic house museum owned by the National Trust, though currently not open to the public.

2 miles from Coria (Corbridge)

Corbridge Roman Site is an ancient Roman fort and town situated near Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, England, featuring partially exposed ruins and a visitor museum managed by English Heritage, showcasing a strategic military and civilian settlement at the junction of major Roman roads.

2 miles from Prudhoe Castle

Prudhoe Castle is a ruined medieval castle on the south bank of the River Tyne in Northumberland, featuring historic stone structures including a 12th-century gatehouse, keep, and a 14th-century barbican, reflecting its Norman origins and historical significance under the Umfraville and Percy families. Open to the public under English Heritage care, it offers outdoor exploration of its ruins and grounds.

3 miles from Edlingham Castle

Edlingham Castle is a Grade I listed medieval fortified manor house ruin in Northumberland, managed by English Heritage, notable for its solar tower and historical significance in border warfare. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn from on-site interpretation and nearby historic church leaflets.

3 miles from Bywell Hall

Bywell Hall is an 18th-century Palladian country house in Northumberland with extensive parkland, river views, and a valuable art and furniture collection. It offers guided tours of the state rooms and has good accessibility features.

Located in Ashington

Ashington is a historic town in Northumberland known for its coal mining heritage, cultural museum featuring the Pitmen Painters, and access to green parks and local public transport. It offers a blend of industrial history and community activities in a walkable town centre.

Near MetroCentre (shopping centre)

Metrocentre in Gateshead is a vast indoor shopping and entertainment complex featuring over 200 shops, multiple restaurants, a cinema with IMAX, and family-friendly leisure activities including climbing walls, mini golf, and bowling.

2 miles from Apple afternoons - taste the produce

9–10 Oct, 16–17 Oct…

At Gibside’s Walled Garden, gardeners demonstrate pressing apples and talk about the heritage varieties grown there. Visitors can also taste freshly pressed apple juice.

2 miles from Monkwearmouth–Jarrow Abbey

Monkwearmouth–Jarrow Abbey is a historic Benedictine double monastery site in Tyne and Wear featuring early Anglo-Saxon churches, monastic ruins, and a museum with replica Anglo-Saxon farm, reflecting its significance as a centre of learning and heritage tied to Bede.

3 miles from Coffee afternoon by the sea with Age Concern Tyneside South

8 Oct, 15 Oct…

A dementia-friendly coffee afternoon hosted by Age Concern Tyneside South at Whitburn Coastal Conservation Centre. Attendees can chat with others or take part in activities such as games, knitting, arts and crafts.

Near Eldon Garden

Eldon Square is a large indoor shopping centre in Newcastle upon Tyne featuring major department stores, a variety of shops, and dining options within a historically significant urban area.

Located in Gateshead

Gateshead in Tyne and Wear, England, is a historically rich market town known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene including the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and The Glasshouse International Centre for Music. It features a walkable town centre, excellent rail and public transport connections, and notable landmarks such as the Angel of the North and Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

3 miles from Benwell Vallum Crossing

Benwell Vallum Crossing is a historic outdoor site featuring a stone-built causeway where a road crossed the Vallum earthwork en route to Benwell fort. It offers free external viewing and is located in Denhill Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne.

2 miles from Chesters Roman Fort and Museum - Hadrian's Wall

Chesters Roman Fort and Museum is the best-preserved Roman cavalry fort in Britain, featuring expansive outdoor ruins, a military bath house, and the Clayton Museum. The site offers engaging family trails, a tearoom, and exhibits that bring Roman history to life.

3 miles from Condercum

Condercum is a Roman fort site on Hadrian's Wall in Newcastle upon Tyne with visible remains including a causeway and temple, reflecting ancient military and religious life.

2 miles from Monument Mall Shopping Centre

Monument Mall is a central shopping centre in Newcastle upon Tyne featuring a variety of high-end retail stores and dining options including Jamie's Italian. It offers a primarily indoor shopping experience with flagship stores and restaurants.

2 miles from Denton Hall Turret - Hadrian's Wall

Denton Hall Turret is a historic Roman site featuring the foundations of a turret and 65-metre length of Hadrian's Wall beside the A186 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Visitors can see the unique large stone construction with a platform used for ladder access and explore nearby Roman historic sites such as Corbridge Roman Fort.