International e-Newsletter

The Alnwick Garden on board DFDS

Passengers travelling with DFDS from Ijmuiden in the Netherlands to North Shields in North East England in September will be able to attend talks by Ian August, the original project director of The Alnwick Garden.The Alnwick Garden is the transformation of a derelict site to a fantastic water garden by a design team including world renowned Belgian designers Wirtz International and the visionary Duchess of Northumberland.

It has since become one of Britain's best loved gardens with over half a million visitors each year - with the 2 millionth expected to visit this summer.A wonderful mix of water features, spectacular planting and contemporary architecture make The Alnwick Garden unique. It is home to one of the largest tree houses in the world and the Poison Garden where visitors learn all about deadly plants from specialist guides. Enjoy the Rose Garden with over 3000 shrubs and climbing roses, the spectacular Grand Cascade and walled Ornamental Garden which contains the UK's largest collection of European plants, visitors can also meander the flowing paths of the Bamboo Labyrinth and the Serpent Garden, a modern water garden in polished steel and clipped yew. For more information visit: www.alnwickgarden.com

Passengers boarding crossings from Ijmuiden to North Shields will be able to enjoy a talk on The Alnwick Garden by Ian August on Friday 22nd September and North Shields to Ijmuiden on Thursday 21st September. For more information visit: www.dfds.co.uk

West End shows in North East England

Opened in 1907, the Sunderland Empire is North East England's largest theatre and a splendid example of Edwardian architecture. Following a 4.5million refurbishment in 2005, the Empire now boasts 21st Century facilities and is the only theatre between Manchester and Edinburgh capable of staging large West End productions. Highlights for 2006 include Cats, Chicago and Scrooge.

2007 is the theatre's centenary year, so in order to celebrate 100 years of opening there will be a programme of extra special events and shows taking place throughout the year. For more information visit: www.getlive.co.uk/sunderland

World class festivals and events

2006 has been an exciting year so far in NewcastleGateshead and the wider region. The world-class programme of festivals and events is in full swing, with internationally famous artists from the worlds of the arts, music, dance, sport coming to North East England as it celebrates its increasingly international reputation.

Over the autumn period festivals and events include L'Afrique, a week long festival of African music and culture, O'Neill British National Surfing Championships and the Boss Sounds Festival featuring the world's greatest artists in reggae. For information about these and other forthcoming events keep checking www.NewcastleGateshead.com and www.visitnortheastengland.com

Britain's Best Park 2005

Winner of the 'Britain's Best Park 2005' Saltwell Park is the ideal place to get away from it all, right in the heart of Gateshead. One of Britain's finest examples of a Victorian Park, the park was opened to the public in 1876 and today sees more than half a million visitors every year.

There are two different landscapes to be found in the Park. The first in the centre of the Park, is the private mansion of Saltwell Towers and landscaped gardens of William Wailes - built between 1850 and 1862.The second, designed by Edward Kemp, follows a classic mid-19th century style and is laid out in a series of 'garden rooms' all depicting different characters; from open meadow to a formal Italianate garden.

From mazes to monuments, beautiful pavilions, sculptures to a traditional English bandstand, the park is the perfect place to while away an autumn afternoon. The park is open from dawn until dusk throughout the year. http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/Leisure%20and%20Culture/Saltwell%20Park/Home.aspx

Ancient sword on display at Bamburgh Castle

A sword, believed to have belonged to a 7th Century King, is on display at Bamburgh Castle until October. It is made up of six strands of iron bonded together, a process never seen before it was discovered in the first archaeological excavation at Bamburgh Castle in 1960.

Bamburgh Castle is one of many in North East England - the region that has more castles than any other English region. Overlooking the stunning Northumberland coastline and the North Sea the Castle commands stunning views of the Farne Islands, Holy Island and Cheviot hills. The castle has been extensively restored, first by Lord Crewe in the 1750's and more recently by the first Lord Armstrong at the end of the 19th century.Nearly 50 years after it was excavated, it was re-discovered and the sword's historic value identified through x-rays and then returned to Bamburgh. The sword is on display at Bamburgh Castle, which opens daily to the public from 11:00am - 5:00pm (last entry 4:30pm) until October. For further details visit www.bamburghcastle.com

Art work at award winning Killhope Museum

A visit to Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum, will bring an additional reward this autumn with 'In Search of Hidden Landscapes' artwork on display.

Killhope is a unique and unforgettable experience. The winner of The Guardian's Family Friendly Award and North East England's reigning 'Most Welcoming Experience' is a fully restored nineteenth century lead mine, where you experience for yourself the life and work of the lead mining families of the Pennine dales. This autumn you can also view 'In Search Of Hidden Landscapes' art work by David Walker Barker. Around 20 pieces will be on display until 31st October around the site, including two underground in Park Level Mine. Click here for further information on Killhope visit www.durham.gov.uk/killhope

New in North East England

Middlesbrough Institute Of Modern Art
Mima is a gallery of modern and contemporary art opening in Tees Valley early January 2007. The new free attraction in the centre of Middlesbrough in a new public square was designed by Erick van Egeraat Associated Architects and will showcase an internationally significant programme of art and house outstanding collections of fine art, jewellery design and ceramics. It will be open Tues - Sun 10am - 5pm. For Forfurther information visitwww.middlesbrough.gov.uk/ccm/content/leisure-and-culture/museums-and-galleries/mima.en

Kielder Lakeside Way
The first section of what will be a 27-mile trail round Kielder Water has been opened. The ten-mile stretch links Falstone village with Leaplish Waterside Park. It has been designed for use by walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair and electric buggy users. For further information visit www.nwl.co.uk/leisure/kielder.asp

Woodhorn
A fabulous new attraction, Woodhorn will be a must for visitors to North East England when it opens this autumn. It will tell the story of Northumberland through amazing architecture old and new, interactive exhibitions, an exciting gallery programme and the treasures of the Northumberland archives. Free and open all year round, it is sure to be a big hit with holidaymakers and those researching Northumberland history. For more information visit www.experiencewoodhorn.com

Northern Stage
Northern Stage is the largest producing theatre company in North East England. Its redevelopment has totally revamped the old Newcastle Playhouse, giving the theatre two new wings, beautiful new public spaces and state-of-the-art backstage facilities. On Sunday 27 August, Northern Stage will lead a massive torch-lit procession through the streets of Newcastle to mark the opening of the new theatre. After being 'dark' for the past two years, the theatre will once more be lit with a spectacular light and fire display. On Monday 28 August the theatre then opens its doors to families of all ages with free day of activities. The launch marks the start of an exciting and inspirational programme of regional, national and international performances across the year. For more information visit: www.northernstage.co.uk