Standing sentinel-like along the coast, our landmark lighthouses have kept countless ships safe over the centuries. St. Mary’s lighthouse in North Tyneside and Souter lighthouse in South Tyneside, which is owned by the National Trust, are both open to visitors – climb the towers for exhilarating sea views.

Explore the history of the railways

At Head of Steam, the Darlington Railway Centre and Museum, discover how George Stephenson developed the world’s first passenger railway – and see the original Locomotion No.1, the engine he drove on the opening day in 1825. You can also visit George Stephenson’s birthplace in Wylam, which is managed by the National Trust.

At Beamish, the North of England Open Air Museum, take a ride on a train pulled by a replica of Puffing Billy, one of the world’s oldest surviving locomotives.

And at Locomotion, The National Railway Museum at Shildon, you can visit the original engine workshops in the world’s oldest railway town.