THE holidays are almost over, but there’s still time to explore some of the great attractions North-East England has to offer. Here are some suggestions for great days out. Woodhorn – Northumberland. This world-class visitor attraction and research destination at Ashington lets visitors explore old colliery buildings and see what mining life was like. There are great exhibitions, including a walk-through display recreating life in the mines and colliery villages, taking visitors on a fun “time travelling” journey through Northumberland’s past. There are new galleries with great exhibitions and Woodhorn’s unique mining collection. Exhibition: Bodies, Bouffants and Boots (until October 28) will reveal and celebrate tattoos and body adornment in North-East England through some of its characters, their tattoos and shoes. There’s a sprinkling of international sparkle, too, with the footwear of a Las Vegas showman. And it’s dressing up time for everyone in the Shoe Lounge, where kids of all ages can transform themselves with stylish stilettos and wacky wigs. Cragside Gardens and Estate, Rothbury Explore this revolutionary mansion, home to Victorian inventor Lord Armstrong – the first house in the world to be lit with hydroelectricity. The wonderful estate has dramatic and varied gardens with the largest rock garden in Europe, a water cascade and a rhododendron maze. Look out for red squirrels and enjoy a fantastic woodland adventure playground. Family activity day, Wednesday, August 29, 11am to 5pm, with storytelling, craft sessions and a selection of self-guided trails and more. Some activities must be booked. Call (01669) 620333, ext 7 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Wallington House, walled garden and grounds, Cambo, Morpeth Visit this magnificent mansion with fine interiors and collections. See the 18th and 19th Century interior, rococo plasterwork, fine ceramics, huge PreRaphaelite paintings, dolls’ houses and 3,800 lead soldiers. Escape to the beautiful walled garden and its conservatory or enjoy a walk in the woods and along by the river. Hexham Abbey, Hexham, Northumberland Originally a Benedictine abbey, this has been a place of Christian worship since AD674. See the Saxon crypt, 15th Century paintings and a variety of other artefacts from the across the ages. Hexham Old Gaol is more than 600 years old and is the oldest purpose-built prison in England. It is now a fully accessible, modern museum with fascinating hands-on displays telling the story of Hexham and the Border Reivers. See the gaoler send prisoners to the dungeon and learn the history of the gaol and its prisoners. Meet the plague doctor and hear about the black death in Tudor and Stuart times. Children can dress up as the plague doctor’s assistant. Discover the steps ordinary people took to avoid the plague and how they were treated when they fell ill with the disease. The gruesome plague handling sessions are held every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday, 1pm to 3.30pm. Raby Castle, County Durham Visit Raby Castle, a dramatic 14th Century castle. Walk through its impressive gateway and explore the vast Barons’ Hall, a medieval kitchen used until 1954 and a splendid Victorian octagonal drawing room. Visitors can also enjoy walled gardens, a carriage collection, stable tearooms, gift shop and woodland adventure playground. Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland This beautiful castle has been the home of the Bishops of Durham for more than 800 years and today is the Bishop’s official residence. Visit St Peter’s Chapel with its medieval aisled hall and take a stroll in the picturesque deer park. A wonderful castle for a great family afternoon. Open Sun, 2pm to 5pm, Mon and Wed, 11am to 5pm. Please ring to check opening times (01388) 601627, www.auckland-castle.co.uk Find more inspiration for great days out at www.visitnortheastengland.com or visit your local tourist information centre. | 
