Despite having lived in the North East of England all my life, there are plenty of places in the area that I’ve never got round to visiting.
One of the best things about living where I do is that my hometown is perfectly positioned on the edge of the North East and North Yorkshire, so there are hundreds of amazing historic sites, beautiful landscapes and tourist attractions within a couple of hours drive.
Here are just a few of the places at the top of my list:
Saltaire
This historic West Yorkshire ‘model’ village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was built in 1851 to house the workers at a local woollen mill. As well as being a significant part of the UK’s industrial heritage, the village is full of stunning architecture and is known for its numerous independent shops and restaurants.
Haworth and the Bronte Parsonage Museum
The village of Haworth in West Yorkshire is probably best known for its association with the Brontë sisters, who lived at the parsonage for many years. It was there that they wrote most of their novels.
The old parsonage is now a museum where you can discover what life was like for the famous literary sisters, and even enjoy a private tour of the museum’s library, which contains the world’s most comprehensive collection of letters and manuscripts from the Brontës.
Ormesby Hall
When you consider that that this National Trust property is only a couple of miles down the road from my childhood home, it’s fairly shameful that I’ve never visited.
This Georgian mansion with its beautiful gardens was home to the mounted division of the local police force until recently, and every summer the estate holds popular 70s events in the grounds. I remember as a child whenever one of these nights was on, we could hear the music and fireworks from my parents’ back garden.
Seven Stories
The national centre for children’s books, this Newcastle based museum is dedicated to literature for young people. It’s a real home for book lovers and was built to promote reading and celebrate children’s literature, while building and preserving a collection of important manuscripts and illustrations from well-known children’s authors.
They’ve held events and exhibitions on everything from Roald Dahl to Harry Potter and Twilight.
Farne Islands
The Farne Islands are located off the coast of Northumberland and nowadays are primarily known as a haven for wildlife, including England’s largest seal colony. Today the islands are uninhabited, but they have a rich history having been the home of several famous Christian hermits and a monastic cell of Benedictine monks.
During the spring and summer, you can take a boat ride from one of the coastal villages to visit the islands, watch the wildlife and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Is there somewhere you live that you’ve never managed to visit?
P.S. While I wish the photo at the top of this most was from the Farne Islands, it was actually taken in Iceland.
Monica says
It’s a dream of mine to visit Haworth…hopefully 2016 will be the year for a Bronte pilgrimage! I hope you tick a few off your list this year. Happy exploring! Monica x
http://theliterarylady.blogspot.co.uk/
Amy Lord says
Thanks Monica, hope you make it there too!
Natalie K. says
GIRL how could you not have gone somewhere where the Bronte sisters lived?!? Dang, I’m tempted to fly to England tomorrow to visit Haworth! 🙂 And yes, in case you haven’t guessed yet, I’m totally OBSESSED with the Bronte sisters! 😀 Do you like their books?
Amy Lord says
Ha, I’ll get there…eventually! Love Jane Eyre, but not so keen on Wuthering Heights…
Sammy says
I am taking 250 11 year olds to Haworth this summer!
Amy Lord says
Good luck with that!