Rich cultural heritage

England’s first Christian community was established on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, home of the famous Lindisfarne Gospels, and was renowned for its learning and devotion, particularly that of St. Cuthbert, the 7th-century Bishop of Lindisfarne whose tomb is found in Durham Cathedral.

Now a World Heritage Site with the neighbouring castle, the cathedral is the jewel of what travel writer Bill Bryson calls ‘a perfect little city’. In the north of the region, our other World Heritage Site, Hadrian’s Wall, is a 73-mile-long testament to Roman power at the height of the Empire’s success.

Discover the roots of our region

North East England’s famous friendly character was forged by our proud social heritage down the mines, on the railways and at sea. Today you can experience that character in working heritage attractions such as Beamish Museum, where a living, working town, colliery, farm and manor have all been recreated from original buildings.

Other museums celebrate our achievements as the birthplace of Captain Cook and also of the railway. Even in our vibrant 21st-century cities, cultural gems such as BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art can be found housed in converted industrial buildings, in homage to the past that made our region what it is today.

Further information

Roman Attractions
Christian Heritage
Social Heritage Attractions
www.hadrians-wall.org
English Heritage North East England
National Trust North East England
The North East England History Institute