THE summer is now well under way and you may be looking for ideas on things to see and do in North-East England. We’ve got more suggestions for great days out that are fascinating and fun for all the family – plus plenty of opportunities for everyone to enjoy the fresh air! Spend the day exploring the south of the region. Visit Durham’s Heritage Coast – one of the finest coastlines in England. The coastal path is a wonderful place to walk through a mosaic of great natural, historical and geological interest areas. Take a picnic and enjoy the dramatic views along the coastline. Visitors can take part in the Fossil Hunt on Sunday August 26 to discover fossils of ancient plants. Hammers and safety goggles will be provided! Sturdy footwear is advisable. Bring a packed lunch along. This is a free event at Blast Beach, 10am until 1pm – meeting at Noses Point car park. For more inspiration and information for walks, visit www.visitnortheast england.com/walking There are new features, new routes and pod scrolls – walking guides in a format for iPods – so you can take the guide with you without having to print it out. Have a fun-packed time on the western edge of Hartlepool. There are a huge range of exciting outdoor activities available at Summerhill Visitor Centre, including a boulder park, BMX track, ropes course, children’s play area and adventure play area. Other outdoor sports include rambling, cycling, horse riding, exercise and fitness, cross-country running, archery and rock climbing! There are also great events happening almost every day – from kite-making to story-telling and climbing lessons! Call for information and to book places. Visitor centre open 9am to 8pm daily, www.sunnysummerhill.com For some peace and tranquility after all that excitement, take a drive to Gisborough Priory and see the dramatic ruins of an Augustinian priory founded in 1119. They are dominated by the dramatic skeleton of the 14th Century church’s 97ft high eastern gable. An amazing sight and a perfect setting for a picnic. www.english-heritage.org.uk Head to the coast at Saltburn-by-the-Sea, an elegant Victorian spa town where you can walk on the golden beach and take a ride on Saltburn’s Victorian cliff lift, the only water-balanced one in Britain. Marvel at Boulby Cliffs – at almost 700ft, they are the highest on England’s East Coast. Or try surfing – Saltburn-by-the-Sea is home to the only east coast surf school to be British Surf School registered. And step back into Saltburn’s clandestine smuggling history at the Saltburn Smugglers Heritage Centre. Set in authentic fisherman’s cottages, the museum offers sights, sounds and smells as you follow the trail of the notorious smuggler John Andrew going about his shady business 200 years ago. Have a look on the website to find out opening times and admissions, www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/ museums. Find more inspiration for great days out at www.visitnortheast england.com or visit your local tourist information centre. | 
