Great days out in the UK

North East

Sunderland Museum and Art Gallery, Sunderland
www.twmuseums.org.uk
Combining a museum, art gallery, exhibition space and Winter Gardens this is a stunning visitor attraction in the heart of the city centre. Discover more about the city from its prehistoric past to the present day or visit the fabulous Winter Gardens and stimulate your senses with over 2,000 flowers and plants. Free admission.

Albert Park, Middlesbrough
www.visitnortheastengland.com
Covering over 100 acres, Albert Park is full of facilities for all ages, ranging from play areas to a boating lake, a roller skating rink, visitor centre, cafe, fishing platforms and sports facilities. Free admission to the park although some activities may charge.

Beamish Museum, County Durham
www.beamish.org.uk
Beamish Museum is set in over 300 acres of beautiful countryside and vividly recreates life in the North of England in two periods, the early 1800s and 1900s. It demonstrates the recent history of the region in a 'living' way and provides entertainment and education for visitors of all ages. Ticket prices apply.

International Centre for Life, Newcastle
www.life.org.uk
Whatever your age, if you're curious about the world around you, there's something for you and your family here. From sniffing the smog in Mexico City to coming nose-to-nose with your 90-year-old face, the Human Life exhibition will have you entranced. Ticket prices apply.

Angel of the North, Gateshead
www.itsmyangel.com
2008 marks the tenth anniversary of Gateshead's best known sculpture. Since it first spread its wings in February 1998, it has become one of the most talked about pieces of public art ever produced. Free admission.

Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail
www.nationaltrail.co.uk
Stretching over 84 miles, the National Trail takes walkers along some of the most beautiful parts of England. Fully signposted throughout, it's possible to walk along the stunning riverside of Tyneside, through the beautiful farmland above Tynedale, and into the rich pastures of Cumbria and the salt marsh of the Solway Estuary. And it's all absolutely free.

ARC Stockton Arts Centre, Stockton
www.arconline.co.uk
Since opening in 2003, ARC has staged over 692 performances and run 409 courses for people of all ages and abilities. With courses as diverse as Latin American Dance, water colour painting and Tai Chi, there's something here to suit all. Ticket prices apply.

Durham Coastline, County Durham
www.durhamheritagecoast.org
The path that runs along much of the coast leads you through a wonderful mosaic of great natural, historical and geological features with dramatic views along the coastline and out across the North Sea. Free admission.

Discovery Museum, Newcastle
www.twmuseums.org.uk
Discover all about life in Newcastle and Tyneside, from the area's renowned maritime and military history right through to fashion through the ages. The museum is bursting with interactive displays, which makes it the perfect place to learn and have fun. Free admission.