Your top ten North East views

May 22 2009 The Journal

FROM the banks of the Tyne to the most romantic of castles - the North East has some of the most memorable views in the country, far too many to list here, of course. So, prompted by your votes in our online poll, here we present ten of the finest.

Take a woodland walk along this delightful valley and enjoy the peace and quiet of this seemingly unspoilt spot.

The drive to Rothbury is glorious and there are many walks that take you out of the town and up on to the Simonside hills.

There are walks along the length of the Wall, but the most dramatic come in its middle section, where the Wall is best preserved.

A riverside and woodland walk in unspoilt countryside alongside the River Allen in the North Pennines Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty.

The route takes you along rural stretches of the River Tees to High Force, England's largest waterfall.

Starting in picturesque Craster it is just over a mile along the coast to the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle.

Take a walk down the cobbled streets of this World Heritage Site to the banks of the River Wear, and take in views of the cathedral and castle.

Commanding dramatic views of the Tees Valley and beyond, Roseberry Topping guarantees a memorable walk.

With a variety of woodland, farmland and railway viaducts, the Derwent Valley commands scenic views of Newcastle and Gateshead.

A walk around Holy Island gives you a chance to see where the Lindisfarne Gospels were written and is great for birdwatchers.

The dramatic, spectacular vista to Bamburgh Castle is, for many, the finest in the country.

Bridges new and old, the Sage Gateshead, the Baltic, the sweeping bend of the river.

More than half a million visitors a year flock to admire the stunning skyline containing the finest Norman buildings in the country.

The limestone cliff formation known as Marsden Rock off the coast at South Shields is among the most thrilling stretches of coastline in the region.

This unspoilt valley, not far from Wooler, is perhaps the finest in the Cheviots; quiet and beautiful and peace echoes through it.

A 20-metre slab of steel sitting on former pitland doesn't sound promising, but the Angel of the North is the new landmark of the region.

Tynemouth Priory is an evocative sight on the region's coast. Perched at the mouth of the river, it's a romantic spot, steeped in history.

The hushed serenity of Kielder Water is a piece of man-made heaven in north Northumberland.

Beamish, the open-air museum in Stanley, County Durham, is one of the hidden gems of the North East.

A visit to see the wild cattle at Chillingham, in north Northumberland, is like no other experience.

2,000 flowers and plants in Sunderland's Winter Gardens combine to make a spectacular showcase of natural beauty in the heart of the city.

The Bowes Museum is housed in a magnificent 19th Century building in the pretty Teesdale market town of Barnard Castle.

Newcastle is home to a number of fabulous museums, including the Great North Museum.

The Alnwick Garden bills itself as the most exciting contemporary garden on Earth.

Stockton's Infinity Bridge links a waterfront development with Thornaby and Durham University's Queen's campus.

Occupying a spectacular position on the coastline between Craster and Embleton, Dunstanburgh is the largest ruined castle in Northumberland.

The castle towers high above the River Coquet in Warkworth, south of Alnwick in Northumberland.

Prudhoe Castle might not be quite on the tourist trail but it proved popular with our readers.

As well as the medieval castle and Greek Revival villa, there are also some 30 acres of stunning grounds to enjoy at Belsay.

One mile north east of Corbridge, Aydon is one of the finest and most unaltered examples in of an English manor house.

This glorious medieval castle is instantly recognisable to as the setting for hit films such as Harry Potter and Elizabeth.

Founded by St Aidan in AD635, the site is best known for its connection with St Cuthbert, who lived and died there.

Bamburgh Castle

The dramatic, spectacular vista to Bamburgh Castle is, for many, the finest in the country. In fact, it made the shortlist as ITV searched for Britain's favourite. Janet Street Porter backed the view's charms during the TV series and summed it up well. "As you stand and stare, you’re not just looking at a view, you’re standing in the footsteps of kings."

River Tyne

Another featured in Britain’s Favourite View series, and proposed by Denise Welch and Tim Healy in the programme, was of the River Tyne. Who could argue with them? Bridges new and old, the Sage Gateshead, the Baltic, the sweeping bend of the river. Britain's finest riverscape

Durham Cathedral

Most travellers who have used the East Coast Main Line will know this setting: Durham Cathedral and Castle. More than half a million visitors a year flock to the historic city, most to admire the stunning skyline containing the finest Norman buildings in the country.

Holy Island

It may be Lindisfarne Priory that gives the place its name, but it's the view of the Castle on Holy Island that populates thousands of picture postcards sent home each year. The evocative castle, perched high on the rocky outcrop, is a stirring sight, especially given knowledge of the history written on the island beneath.

Roseberry Topping

On Teesside, the majestic landmark known as Roseberry Topping, just south of Middlesbrough near Great Ayton, can be seen for miles around, a mysterious curved presence welcoming motorists down the A19. Its rugged beauty is instantly recognisable and the summit of this distinctive hill offers spectacular 360-degree views.

Marsden Rock

Craggy outcrops, theatrical arches, the limestone cliff formation known as Marsden Rock off the coast at South Shields is among the most thrilling stretches of coastline in the region.

College Valley

College Valley is a closely-guarded setting, a view so fine that it is afforded a privilege few places can boast – the protection from traffic. Just 10 cars each day are allowed to pass, only with a permit, through its subtle splendour. This unspoilt valley, not far from Wooler, is perhaps the finest in the Cheviots; quiet and beautiful and peace echoes through it.

Angel of the North

A 20-metre slab of steel sitting on former pitland doesn't sound promising, but the Angel of the North is the new landmark of the region. Many say they know they're home when they pass Antony Gormley's masterpiece on the A1, its outstretched arms welcoming all comers.

Tynemouth Priory

Tynemouth Priory is another evocative sight on the region's coast. Perched at the mouth of the great river, it's another romantic spot, steeped in history.

Kielder Water

The hushed serenity of Kielder Water is a piece of man-made heaven in north Northumberland. Boats bob along it, wildlife scurries at its side, it is a reservoir that somehow floats in the imagination.