First up is the famous Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne. The island itself is separated from the mainland by a tidal causeway and has recently featured in the 28 Years Later (2025) films. The castle on Holy Island is a National Trust property, and was built in 1550 using stone from the dismantled monastery. The island has not only heaps of history, but other activities to fill a day out!
Now that I’m older, I can appreciate a good day out to a country house…
Next up on the list is Cragside. The pinnacle of the estate is the huge stately home with turrets and towers reaching over the forest. The estate was designed by Lord William Armstrong, a famous engineer from the North East, who can also be credited with the creation of Jesmond Dene as we know it today. Armstrong’s home is also the first in the world to be powered by hydroelectricity, despite the newer mechanism being used today. Cragside is located in Rothbury, which is about an hour’s drive from Newcastle, and takes you through some stunning Northumberland scenery on the way.
Unfortunately, some of the National Trust properties are quite inaccessible if you don’t have a car to get you there. There are a few, however, that you can reach using public transport. The Souter Lighthouse in South Shields sits atop cliff tops and is easily accessible by getting the metro to Seaburn before a quick bus change on to the E2. Also accessible from the city centre is Seaton Deleval Hall, directly on the X7 bus route from Haymarket. The Georgian house hosted masquerade balls and parties and despite a devastating fire in the 1800s, it has since been restored to its former grandeur!