May Day Bank holiday weekend is approaching, and many of us are looking for a day out ideas in the North East. I know I am! So here is a list of towns and villages that are ideal day trip locations all within the North East region!
With the restrictions slowly lifting, I have been holding off on recommending towns and villages in an attempt to play my part in stopping the numbers from jumping up. However, I now feel confident that everything is going in the right direction and I can start recommending people to visit these places. And most importantly, I know the local businesses within these areas will be ready to welcome you all back after the struggle that has been this last year.
Although, please, if you should visit these places, do so with caution. Wear your mask, social distance, and if somewhere looks too busy, don’t get out of the car, and move on.
Hexham
An ideal spot to grab some lunch before or after exploring Hadrian’s Wall!
The best place to park is Wentworth Car Park, some spaces are long stay, and some are short. All are free though!
Postcode: NE46 1QE
Corbridge
Another great spot to add to a day out along Hadrian’s Wall.
Postcode: NE45 5AX
Craster
This is the best place to visit if you also fancy a visit to Dunstanburgh Castle! The full guide to visiting both is HERE.
Postcode: NE66 3TW £4 all-day parking (Cash only machine).
Knaresborough
This is an incredibly beautiful spot in North Yorkshire, and is very high on my list of places to visit!
Postcode: HG5 9AX (Conyngham Hall Car Park)
Berwick
This may surprise you but Berwick is a really lovely little place to visit and there are a lot of fun things to do in the town while you’re there! There is free all-day parking at the Castle Gate car park.
Postcode: TD15 1JS
Beadnell
Perfect to tie in with other parts of the Northumberland coast. A full guide to such a day is HERE.
Postcode: NE67 5BL (Car parking available on the road towards the beach)
Richmond
The old market square is a beautiful place to explore, but I highly recommend visiting the Richmond Castle. Prebooking is required through the English Heritage Site (Click here for more info). To make it into a full day out you could also visit the Easby Abbey ruins which is an outside venue and is open right now! It is also free entry.
The best place to park to visit Richmond is either within the square
Postcode: DL10 4RG
Or, at the swimming pool overflow car park
Postcode: DL10 4LF
Staithes
This is one of the places that continuously popped up on my Instagram page. Very high on my list! You could absolutely tie it in with the next place on this list, Saltburn-by-the-sea!
The only place to park here is at the top of the hill and walk down as the streets within the Staithes are too narrow for parking and can be difficult to fit through!
Postcode: NE45 5AX
Saltburn-By-The-Sea
Another beautiful spot that keeps popping up on my Instagram.
Postcode: TS12 1HH
Whitby
This place will get quite busy over the bank holiday, so bear that in mind if you are still feeling anxious about being around people again!
For this one, I highly recommend you use the park and ride as opposed to driving into Whitby to try and park. Just trust me, from experience this is a MUCH better (and less stressful) option!
Postcode: YO21 1TL (For park and ride car park)
Morpeth
Morpeth is a lovely little town in Northumberland. I haven’t been in years. Be sure to visit Whitehouse farm while you’re there because it isn’t too far away!
There are a few Pay and Display car parks in Morpeth. This one had the highest ratings on google:
Postcode: NE61 1SP
Alnwick
Alnwick is a beautiful place to visit! Two things you really must-see while you’re there; The first is of course The Alnwick Gardens. I do have a full guide to it here on my blog. The second is Barter Books in the town itself. Even if you aren’t a huge book person, you will love the atmosphere in one of the largest second-hand book stores!
Postcode: NE66 1YU
Seahouses
A perfect spot for a day out on the coast. Try and time it with a trip over to the Farne Islands from here!
I do have a guide to visiting this stretch of the Northumberland Coast Here!
Postcode: NE68 7RQ
Amble
This is yet another spot I have been dying to visit. Now that we are out of lockdown it is definitely somewhere I will try and get to this summer!
Postcode: NE65 0SB (Another highly rated car park)
I hope this list has given you some inspiration! I am going to say it again, please be sensible when out and about in the region.
Stay Safe and Happy Adventuring!
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