Labelled the most spectacular multi-cultural celebration in the Tees Valley and the biggest event of its kind in the North East, Middlesbrough Mela is one massive party. The two-day event at Albert Park features music, workshops and the fabulous Mela Bazaar.
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Jul 2013 (annual)
An annual highlight on the city's calendar, the free Middlesbrough Music Live presents some of Britain's best young talent at the Town Hall, the Empire and city centre outdoor stages. The Zutons' rootsy pop sound earns them top billing.
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Jun 2010 (annual)
James Cook was born on 27 October 1728 at Marton, just to the south of present-day Middlesbrough. The interactive Captain Cook Birthplace Musuem here, set in the picturesque landscaped grounds of Stewart Park, celebrates his life and achievements.
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Daily; not Mon
Focused on the riverside along the River Tees, the Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF) celebrates the madcap world of street arts and has been at the forefront of the town's regeneration. Don't miss the community carnival and parade.
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Aug 2013 (annual)
Commissioned in 1994 by Darlington Borough Council, David Mach's extraordinary life-size brick model of one of Sir Nigel Gresley's distinctive A4 class locomotives is the largest contemporary public sculpture in Britain.
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Daily
The wittily titled Rhythm & Brews Festival appeals to fans of both great music and authentic beer. In addition to the music at the Darlington Arts Centre, the festival culminates in a free open-air concert on Darlington Market Square.
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Sep 2013 (annual)
Darlington's Railway Centre and Museum takes a spooky turn at the family-friendly Halloween Fun Day. A bird handler with an owl and fiendish face-painters are on hand to create a creepy atmosphere, and magicians and storytellers sustain it.
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Oct 2013 (annual)
On the route of the original Stockton & Darlington Railway - the world's first steam-worked public railway - the Darlington Railway Centre & Museum celebrates the famous and evocative age of steam.
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Daily
Darlington's joint centres for the visual and performing arts are housed in Victorian and Edwardian buildings, linking the past to the present under one organisational umbrella. Together the Darlington Arts Centre and Darlington Civic Theatre provide a year-round programme of art exhibitions, theatre, musicals, films, dance and performing arts.
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Daily
Originally known as Bellasses Park, then later the People's Park, Darlington's South Park covers an impressive 26 hectares, and gets its current name from the simple fact that it is south of the town centre. It has recently undergone a £4 million restoration and refurbishment to secure its place at the heart of the town's recreational facilities.
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Daily
The University of Durham Botanic Garden, all 18 acres of it, is set in mature woodland with plenty of exotic trees from America and the Himalayas.
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Daily
The Oriental Museum is the only museum of its kind in the United Kingdom, entirely devoted to art and archaeology from cultures throughout the Orient. The term Oriental is used as it was in the 19th century, to describe the civilisations of Asia and the Near East and the Islamic cultures of North Africa. The collections range from prehistoric Egypt and China to the work of living artists.
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Daily
Described by author Bill Bryson as "the best cathedral on planet Earth", Durham Cathedral occupies a site of worship dating back 900 years. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a place of deep spiritual, architectural and historical significance.
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Daily
Durham's Old Fulling Mill now houses archaeological material, mostly from north-east England, but also from the Swiss Lakes, Ancient Greece and Rome. Historically, the collections reflect Durham University's academic interests and excavations.
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Daily
Given UNESCO World Heritage status in 1986 to share with Durham Cathedral, Durham's castle is one of the few English buildings to have been continuously inhabited for over 900 years. It is a medley of architectural styles and together both buildings dominate the city centre of this ancient market town.
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Daily
Durham's annual literary festival plays host to authors, poets and writers during three weeks of events. The 2006 line-up included 14 events featuring 29 writers across a number of venues - for more information and updates on this year's events, please keep an eye on the festival website.
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Sep - Oct 2008 (annual)
Upholding the 19th-century tradition of finding the heaviest gooseberry has always been of utmost importance at Egton Bridge in North Yorkshire. Some 200 years after its origin, competition entrants at St Hedda's Schoolroom are as enthusiastic as ever.
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Aug 2013 (annual)
Set in superb landscaped grounds, the Durham Light Infantry Museum tells the story of County Durham's regiment from 1758 to 1968, with particular emphasis on both world wars.
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Daily
The Aykley Heads Police Headquarters organise the annual Guy Fawkes celebrations in Durham, featuring fireworks and a bonfire. Refreshments are available and there's ample parking at County Hall.
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Nov 2013 (annual)
Encompassing 554 square miles of some of England's most amazing countryside, the North York Moors National Park was designated in 1952 (the year after the first National Parks were founded). With the country's largest expanse of heather moorland as well as 26 miles of spectacular coastline, it is a haven for flora, fauna, 25,000 residents and the millions of visitors seeking natural regeneration every year.
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Daily
The Sunderland International Air Show showcases military and civilian aircraft, parachute teams and stunt flying. On the ground, there are trade stands, RAF, Royal Navy and Army displays and entertainment along the seafront at Roker and Seaburn.
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Jul 2013 (annual)
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