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
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
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
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
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)
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)
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
Wolsingham claims to hold the oldest agricultural show in England, at Scotch Isle Farm. It has everything you would expect to find at a country fair, with livestock displays and competitions, agricultural equipment, craft marquees and children's entertainment.
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Sep 2013 (annual)
Visitors step back in time at the The North of England Open Air Museum in Beamish, just outside Newcastle. An 1820s steam train transports you to Pockerely Manor and a 1913 colliery village, complete with actors in ornate costumes.
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The reconstructed Colliery Village at the Beamish open-air museum hosts the Beamish Agricultural Show each year, featuring produce from local gardeners and the Beamish estate. The finest is auctioned off after a Harvest Festival in the chapel.
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Sep 2013 (annual)
History comes to life at the Beamish open-air museum, devoted to the re-enactment of Northern English life from 1800 to the 20th century. Visitors explore traditional houses, farms and shops, all painstakingly restored and brought to life by actors in period costume.
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Nov 2012 - Apr 2013; not Mon or Fri (various dates)
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 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)
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
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)
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)
Housed in a purpose-built Victorian building which opened in 1892, the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle is centred on John and Josephine Bowes' collection of European fine and decorative arts from the 15th century, one of the finest in Britain.
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Daily
The Gateshead Summer Flower Show at the Central Nurseries is one of the largest in north-east England and attracts thousands of people every year. It presents beautiful floral displays and exhibits along with children's entertainment, live music, stalls and demonstrations.
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Jul 2013 (annual)
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)
Gateshead's distinctive music venue hosts performers in everything from folk to opera. The Norman Foster-designed building sits under a vast stainless steel dome, and has seen performances from the resident Northern Sinfonia to Jason Donovan in its two auditoria.
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Daily
Jazz stars from across the world perform at Newcastle's Sage Gateshead music centre as part of the Gateshead International Jazz Festival. A series of workshops, pre-concert talks and master-classes runs alongside a packed performance schedule.
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Mar 2013 (annual)
The largest commercial art fair in North-East England, the NewcastleGateshead Art Fair offers an expansive range of unique artwork from local, national and international galleries. Most is available to buy, with prices ranging from under £100 to substantially more.
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Sep - Oct 2013 (annual)
Newcastle's variable weather means the name SummerTyne occasionally reads ironically but this event remains popular whatever the conditions. A festival of Americana, SummerTyne brings three days of American blues, gospel, soul and rock music to the city's Sage Gateshead.
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Jul 2013 (annual)
In post-recession parlance, fiddles are perhaps most commonly associated with dodgy politicians' imaginative expenses claims. The Sage Gateshead's Fiddles on Fire is all about the instrument, however, with its programme a long weekend of music and merrymaking.
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Apr - May 2013 (biennial)
Gateshead's MetroCentre is about more than just shopping. When you've filled your bags with goodies from the likes of House of Fraser, H&M, Debenhams and HMV, head to the 11-screen cinema or one of 50 restaurants, cafés and bars.
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Daily
Sunderland AFC play their home matches at The Stadium of Light. The Premier League runs between August and May and full fixture lists can be found on the club websites. Please note: games may be rearranged due to cup or television commitments.
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18 Aug 2012 - 19 May 2013 (annual)
The UK Wedding Show at Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena is the ultimate destination for any bride to be. Suppliers are on hand to answer all your questions, and everything you'll need for the perfect day is available under one roof.
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Jan 2013 (annual)
Despite being located across the Tyne Bridge, the Baja Beach Club draws a determined crowd almost every night of the week. Especially popular with students (they get in free on Tuesdays), the emphasis is on good old-fashioned fun. The music policy is simple - non-stop party tunes every night, six nights a week from the Fifties through to today.
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Daily; not Sun
Powerhouse is Newcastle's only big gay club, and after two previous homes, takes up residence in a state-of-the-art multi-level venue that offers a full clubbing experience.
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Daily; not Tue or Wed
Newcastle's Centre for Life explores the science and origins of human life. Live science demonstrations are carried out in the Life Theatre and plenty of scientific activities and events keep both kids and adults enthralled.
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Daily
The Quayside Pub is a large and popular riverside pub with an extensive outdoor area where drinkers enjoy the summer sunshine. The interior features impressive original beams. Patrons include locals warming up for a night out in the Quayside district.
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Great value Sardinian cuisine is served at Panis, set in a family-run Italian café in Newcastle's city centre. Specialities include Spigola - sea bass served on black tagliolini pasta, and a hearty Italian sausage casserole. At night the informal restaurant bustles with diners embarking on a night out in the city centre.
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Daily; not Sun
Newcastle's ancient Castle Keep is a three-storey building which houses a museum, charting the life and times of the Normans and explaining the city's history.
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Daily
The last remaining part of the building after which Newcastle was named, 12th-century Castle Keep has superb views across the city centre and bridges over the Tyne. Visitors explore the Great Hall, with its 19th-century vaulted ceiling, and the museum.
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Daily
Sea is a glamorous spot in Newcastle's Quayside. The impressive entrance leads to an extravagantly decorated space with stained-glass portholes and purple lights. Drinkers gather in the Viper Lounge and Champagne Bar.
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Daily
The Discovery Museum, set in Newcastle's city centre west, focuses on the history of Tyneside. The reconstructed Turbinia, a steam-powered ship, takes pride of place, alongside the interactive Science Maze and displays of goods manufactured on Tyneside in the past.
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Daily
The Discovery is a popular museum based on the history of Newcastle, with plenty to intrigue all ages, especially the kids among us.
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Daily
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