Britain’s regional museums & galleries – North East England

North East England’s regional museums & galleries

Never was a region of Britain populated with so many museums, exhibitions and galleries. North East England (www.ntb.org.uk) is a region steeped in social, religious, industrial and military history carefully preserved to remind and inspire us about life in this fascinating area of England.

The newly launched Puffing Billy replica at Pockerley Waggonway Beamish

Open-air museum of the North

The Beamish Open Air Museum (www.beamish.org.uk) in County Durham isn’t your traditional museum but an open-air, living and working experience that has recreated life as it was in the North. Buildings have been rebuilt from around the region including a town, colliery village and working farm. Don’t miss a trip on the 1825 railway as well.

Discovery Museum

At the Discovery Museum (www.twmuseums.org.uk/discovery/) explore one of the most outstanding collections of scientific and technical material outside London as well as important collections of maritime and military history. Witness two centuries of this region’s development in science and technology and its influence around the globe. Examples of world 'firsts' include Charles Parsons' 'Turbinia', the first vessel to be powered by steam turbine, and Joseph Swan's lightbulbs.

Angel of the North

Angel of the North

Make your way to Newcastle Gateshead and stop off at the outskirts of the great city to see the Angel of the North (www.gateshead.gov.uk/Leisure%20and%20Culture/Angel/Home.aspx).

This amazing artwork is Britain's largest sculpture and weighs 200 tons with a wingspan of 54 meters. It was created by Antony Gormley OBE and has become an iconic symbol of North East England.

Zetland Lifeboat Museum

In the Redcar and Cleveland district visit the remarkable Zetland Lifeboat Museum. The museum houses the world’s oldest lifeboat in Britain, The Zetland. Built in 1802, The Zetland has saved some 500 lives. Other displays include replica fishermen’s cottage, gallery and local maritime history.

Laing Art Gallery

Laing Art Gallery

The Laing (www.twmuseums.org.uk/laing/) is the North East England's principal art gallery. It contains a vast collection of British oil paintings, watercolours, ceramics, silver and glassware that have assumed national and international significance. The gallery is also well renowned for its successful and eye-catching exhibition programme of both historical and contemporary art. The gallery’s distinctive tower has become a major landmark in Newcastle Gateshead city centre.

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