Durham
The City of Durham with its magnificent Cathedral is only an hour away. The cathedral perched spectacularly above the River Wear and the pleasant history are well worth a visit.
The Angel of the North
Take the short diversion from the A1M near Gateshead to visit the Angel of the North. Only 15 minutes from the amazing Beamush living museum.
Lindisfarne and Seahouses
Two hours North you will find Lindisfarne ( check the causeway times) and also lovely Alnwick and the seaside at Seahouses from where you can take a trip to the Farne Islands, home to puffins, gannets and other seabirds.
The Lake District
The Lakes are just an hour's drive away. Enjoy a day out then come back and enjoy how much quieter Teesdale is !!
Hadrian's Wall and Roman forts
Hadrian's Wall is just over an hour away. The best section is between Haltwhistle and Hexham, near Housestead's Fort where the wall goes over the Whin Sill.
North Yorkshire
Head South to North Yorkshire and visit the quaint market town of Richmond and the Wensleydale Creamery at Hawes.