Houghton le Spring

Many of Newcastle-upon-Tyne’s highlights are close to Houghton le Spring, making it a smart choice as a place to base yourself during your visit. Two destinations that should be on every visitor’s itinerary is the fabulous Herrington Country Park and the ever-popular WWT Washington Wetland Centre. Also, well worth the effort are the Washington Old Hall and Sunderland Museum.

Houghton le Spring has a number of museums, exhibits and show venues nearby that allow visitors to really get a feel for the area. In particular, you should make sure you check out Oriental Museum in Durham, the National Glass Centre in Sunderland and the Durham Heritage Centre and Museum. If you enjoy art museums and galleries, admire the local artwork and other exhibits at the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art in Sunderland.

If the sun is shining, follow the locals and head outside to the nearby parks and reserves. Enjoy some of the tranquil city parks such as the Durham Botanic Garden in Durham.

If you have time in and around Houghton le Spring, stop by Durham Cathedral in Durham, the Angel of the North in Gateshead and Durham Castle. Travellers with a passion for religious history shouldn’t miss the St. Nicholas Church in Durham and the St Peter's Church in Sunderland.

Get familiar with the local sporting passions in Houghton le Spring by catching a game at Gateshead International Stadium, Gateshead, the stomping ground of the Gateshead Thunder and the Gateshead F.C.. Even if there is no game on, you can sing along and cheer with locals at one of the many pop or rock concerts hosted here.

Finding somewhere suitable to base yourself close to the Houghton le Spring area is simple. The Radisson BLU Hotel Durham, the Campanile Washington Newcastle Upon Tyne and the Durham Marriott Hotel Royal County are among the best places to stay while you are enjoying this special area.