2-Bedroom Hot Tub Cottage in Kielder

Hermitage Castle is a semi-ruined stronghold in the remote valley of the Hermitage Water, in Scotland's wild border country. It was targeted for 400 years because of its role in controlling the Scottish Middle March, and it has a name as one of the most sinister and atmospheric castles in Scotland.

Tip: In the summer season (1 April to 31 October) it is covered by the Historic Environment Scotland Explorer Pass, but not in winter, so check before you go.

Vindolanda was a Roman auxiliary fort just south of Hadrian's Wall, near the village of Bardon Mill in Northumberland. It was occupied from roughly 85 AD to 370 AD and is one of Europe's most important Roman archaeological sites, with live excavations taking place every year.

Tip: Combine it with the Roman Army Museum on one Saver Ticket, and check the tour timetable for the guided fort tours.

Housesteads Roman Fort is an auxiliary fort on Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland. It sits at the end of a one-mile crag of the Whin Sill, which the Wall runs over, overlooking sparsely populated hills. It has been called the "grandest station" on the Wall and is one of the best-preserved and most extensively displayed forts.

Aydon Castle is a fortified medieval manor house near Corbridge in Northumberland, and is thought to be one of the least-altered examples in England. Begun in the late 13th century, it was progressively turned into a miniature castle as Anglo-Scottish border warfare grew fiercer, and was attacked at least three times by Scots raiders.

Tip: English Heritage lists it as closed for winter, so check it has reopened before you travel.

Prudhoe Castle is a ruined medieval castle on the south bank of the River Tyne in Northumberland, now looked after by English Heritage. It sits on a ridge above the river and guarded an important crossing. You approach past a mill pond, through the 14th-century barbican and over the inner ditch to the formidable gatehouse.

Tip: Check the English Heritage website before you go, as access to the inner ward and chapel is limited to certain days. There is free parking a short walk from the entrance, along a slope with cobbles and loose gravel.

The Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle upon Tyne is a natural history and ancient civilisations museum in a refurbished Victorian building. Entry is free, though donations are welcome, and the planetarium is an extra paid attraction.

Tip: For a quieter visit, go after 2.30pm on weekdays or on Sundays.

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music is a curved glass and stainless steel building on the Gateshead bank of the Tyne, designed by Foster + Partners. It opened in 2004 as Sage Gateshead and was renamed in September 2023. Inside are three performance spaces, including a 1,700-seat hall and Sage Two, possibly the world's only ten-sided performance space. It is also home to Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Tip: If driving, put NE8 2BA into your map app to reach the car park. The venue is up a hill, about a 10-minute walk from Gateshead Metro station.