Historic attractions in the northeast that are well worth the drive

The northeast of England is chock-full of historical attractions you can access by car. The region is rich with history, stretching from Anglo-Saxon times through the Industrial Revolution to the present day.

So if you're planning a day out, keep our list of must-see attractions handy. With castles, parks and underground tunnels, there's something for every history buff.

(Psst. Need to hire a car for your trip? We can help with that…)

Hadrian's Wall
 

Hadrian's Wall was built by the emperor Hadrian in AD 122 to guard the northwest frontier of the Roman Empire. It originally ran the whole width of England. Today, a 73-mile stretch still stands.

If you have a taste for forts, towers, turrets and rugged landscapes, Hadrian's Wall is unmissable.

Hadrian's Wall isn't one attraction but many – from the sweeping views at Housesteads fort to the Roman high street at Corbridge; from the museum at Birdoswald to the Roman baths at Chesters.

Getting there: the main access route to Hadrian's Wall is the A69 between Newcastle and Carlisle.

Alnwick Castle
 

Alnwick Castle – pronounced to rhyme with "panic" – is a castle in Northumberland that dates back to Norman times.

The castle has been in the possession of the Percy family since 1309. It's currently the residence of Ralph Percy, 12th Duke of Northumberland and his family. This means it's only open at certain times of the year, so make sure you check before you visit.

Its action-packed history has seen it function as a military outpost, teaching college, a safe haven for evacuees in World War II and the exterior and interior of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.

Getting there: Alnwick Castle is located less than a mile off the A1. The car park is open from 9am during the castle open season. Use the postcode NE66 1YU if you're relying on sat nav.

Bamburgh Castle
 

Bamburgh Castle has been an imposing feature of the Northumberland coastline – an Area of Outstanding National Beauty – for more than 1,400 years.

From its rocky volcanic outcrop, you can see as far as the Farne Islands, Holy Island and Bamburgh village – and there are treasures within, from the mediaeval kitchen to the Victorian King's Hall.

Getting there: when approaching from north or south, you take the A1 and then turn off onto B1341. There's a private car park that can be accessed by following signs up the hill towards the castle. There's also a council-owned car park opposite the castle.

Saltwell Towers

A more recent attraction in the northeast is Saltwell Towers, Gateshead's Gothic mansion set in impressive ornamental gardens. It was built in 1862 by a stained glass manufacturer named William Wailes.

Whether you're interested in finding out more about the town's glass-making past, or you want a mooch around the gardens and a cup of tea in the tearooms, Saltwell Towers is worth the drive.

Getting there: there is a free car park that can be found via the postcode NE8 4SF. It includes two electric vehicle charge points.

Beamish Museum

Beamish is an open-air living museum where costumed actors interact with the public and share stories of historical life from the northeast.

Inspired by Scandinavian folk museums, Beamish was set up by Dr Frank Atkinson in the early 1950s and includes sites such as 1820s Pockerley, a 1900s pit village and a 1950s town.

Beamish is perfect for family outings as well as for people already interested in the northeast's coal mining past.

Getting there: from the north and south you need to follow the A1M to Junction 63, then the A693 towards Stanley. From the west, you take the A68 to Castleside then follow signs for the Beamish Museum. If you're being directed by GPS, punch in the postcode DH9 0RG.

Whitby Abbey

If you're looking for spectacular sea views and rugged ruins, Whitby Abbey is the place to be. Towering over the coastal town of Whitby, this 13th-century Gothic ruin is perfect for a wander.

You can also learn about the site's Viking and Saxon past in the visitor centre and museum – as well as the influence the abbey had on Bram Stoker's Dracula.

Getting there: road access is via the cliff top. There's a car park 100 metres from the abbey.

Victoria Tunnel

If you want a break from all the bracing sea air, take a trip underground in Newcastle's Victoria Tunnel.

This is a preserved Victorian waggonway that was converted into an air-raid shelter at the beginning of World War II. Rich with history, the tunnel takes you underneath Hadrian's Wall – and it's famous for its paranormal mysteries.

Booking is essential for guided tours of the tunnel.

Getting there: there is street parking on Lime Street and in the Ouseburn Central Car Park on Foundry Lane. There's also a car park under the Arches of Byker Bridge on the corner of Lime Street and Stepney Bank.

Depending on the tour you take, you'll either meet at the tunnel entrance on Ouse Street (NE1 2DQ) or the visitor centre on Lime Street (NE1 2PQ).

Lindisfarne Priory

Located on Holy Island, the monastery at Lindisfarne was founded by St Aidan in AD 635 – and it's still a place of pilgrimage today.

Accessed via the dramatic causeway, the priory consists of extensive ruins dominated by the 12th-century priory church. Steeped in history, the priory affords beautiful views across the sea and is the perfect spot for a picnic. There's also a museum telling the story of the priory.

Getting there: this one takes a little planning as the Holy Island is cut off from the mainland twice a day at high tide. As long as you follow the official crossing times, you're safe to drive across.

Are you planning a day trip in our corner of the country? At Metro Vehicle Hire, we specialise in car rentals in the northeast. If you're looking to hire a vehicle, get in touch. A member of our professional, friendly team will be happy to answer any questions and get you on the road.