Middlesbrough
The vast collection of the Dorman Museum ranges from local finds to artefacts from around the world. Ormesby Hall is a superb 18th century mansion with Georgian stables. Middlesbrough's iconic Transporter Bridge is the world's largest working bridge of its kind.

Sunderland
The Museum and Winter Gardens has paintings by Lowry, Victorian masterpieces and a spectacular display of flowers and plants. International work is showcased at the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, and other shining attractions are the National Glass Centre and Sunderland AFC's Stadium of Light.

Whitby
The Captain Cook Memorial Museum occupies the harbourside house where James Cook came to serve his apprenticeship in 1746 and tall ships regularly moor in Whitby. From there it's worth the climb up the 199 steps to the abbey and the visitors' centre. Steam trains run on the North York Moors Railway throughout the year connecting with the Esk Valley Line at nearby Grosmont.

Saltburn
Enjoy a walk along the Victorian pier and then take in the views as you ride Britain's oldest water-balanced tramway to travel up the cliffside.

Darlington
The remains of the Roman fort of Morbium, built around AD270, can be seen at Piercebridge and more recent history can be enjoyed at the Darlington Railway Centre and Museum. Engines include 'Locomotion No 1', which in 1825 hauled the first train on the Stockton to Darlington Railway.

The International Heritage City of Durham
Home to the World Heritage site of Durham Cathedral and Castle, the cathedral is one of the most impressive buildings in England.

Morpeth
At the Chantry you can visit the Northumbrian Craft Centre and the unique Bagpipe Museum. Something else that's rather unusual is the freestanding clock tower in the town centre - it still sounds the night curfew at 8 o'clock!

Shildon
Shildon, considered to be the 'cradle of the railways' grew considerably from 1825, when workshops for the Stockton and Darlington railway were established in the town. Locomotion, the National Railway museum at Shildon, now maintains the town's links with the railways.