Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
YORKSHIRE
& THE
NORTHEAST
17
by Rhonda Carrier
Roman relics, cathedrals, abbeys, castles, stately homes,
museums, and literary shrines are just some of the
attractions on offer in Yorkshire and the more north-
ern regions of County Durham, Newcastle, and Gateshead
(in the county of Tyne & Wear), and Northumberland. Leeds and New-
castle have embraced their industrial heritage while simultaneously trans-
forming into cutting-edge modern cities. Together with richly historic
York, they are also jumping-off points for those wanting to explore the wild
and remote beauty that characterizes both the interior of the northeast of
England and its incredible shoreline.
CITIES
A thoroughly modern British city reawakening from a long
slumber,
Newcastle
is as hip and happening a destination as you'll find
anywhere in the U.K., with a reputation for its shopping and nightlife but
also a whole array of cutting-edge museums such as Centre for Life and
Discovery Museum, galleries, and other sights.
COUNTRYSIDE
The
Yorkshire Dales
is justly revered by walkers.
Malhamdale
—praised by Wordsworth and painted by Turner—is a high-
point, especially its circular trail taking in Malham Cove, Malham Tarn
(the lake—Britain's highest—that inspired Charles Kingsley's
The Water
Babies
), and Gordale Scar. Or head for the
Aysgarth Falls,
where several
waterfalls tumble in a scenic series.
EATING & DRINKING
Foodies will find gastronomic contentment all
over the Northeast, where many excellent restaurants and pubs use
local
produce
to stunning effect. But don't miss the chance to try some of
Britain's best Asian food, most notably in west Yorkshire, where Bradford
and Leeds both offer
Indian restaurants
worth the trip in their own right.
COAST
The double whammy of Northumberland's
Alnwick Castle,
which doubled as “Hogwarts” in two Harry Potter movies and hosts lots of
medieval-themed events, and
The
Alnwick Garden,
one of the world's
most exciting contemporary (but also family-friendly) gardens, makes the
town of Alnwick much more than just a base for those exploring the Nor-
thumberland coast a few minutes' drive away.
