The 10 Best History Museums in North East England, England

This Volunteer Life Brigade maritime museum details the history of the first Volunteer Life Brigade to be formed in the United Kingdom and her colonies on December 5th 1864 after the loss of 32 souls within sight of the shore when the schooner "Friendship" and the steamer "Stanley" came to grief on the Black Midden rocks at the mouth of the river Tyne during a South Easterly gale on the afternoon and early evening of the 24th November 1864. The museum contains many unique artefacts salvaged or donated from vessels wrecked along our shore and historic photographs and paintings showing the role of the brigade since it was formed. The brigade is still fully active providing search and rescue services along the coast from the Tyne to Seaton Sluice and upriver to the Tyne bridges and further if required. The brigade are the eyes and ears for the coastguard and are a declared search and rescue facility to HM Coastguard.

The Mining Art Gallery will provide a permanent home for more than 400 works from prominent local artists connected with the regions mining communities, including Tom McGuinness and Norman Cornish. The gallery will be located in the former Old Bank Chambers in the heart of the Market Place. Parking available at North Bondgate car park, DL14 7PG. PLEASE NOTE: We are temporarily closed due to Covid-19.

Steeped in history this imposing Norman fortress, in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, is a rugged reminder of northern England's turbulent history. This was no baron's stately home. Newcastle Castle is a grim reminder of royal authority where armies gathered and criminals were imprisoned and executed. It is where the story of Newcastle began, the reason the city got its name and has the most commanding views over the city and the River Tyne. Open for the public to explore and enjoy our rich and varied history Newcastle Castle takes the safety of public and staff very seriously. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic we have introduced a number of measures to keep you safe whilst you explore, discover and enjoy.

Visit Roman Vindolanda today and you will find one of the North East’s most famous and not to be missed tourist attractions lying in the beautiful landscape of Hadrian's Wall Country. Formerly a key military post on the northern frontier of Britain, Vindolanda is the home of Britain's 'Top Treasure' - the Vindolanda Writing Tablets - and is one Europe's most important Roman archeological sites, with live excavations taking place every year. The recently fully refurbished on site museum provides a breathtaking exploration of the Trust's ongoing discoveries and accounts of Roman life. There are no other places on earth where it is possible to experience Roman Britain, Hadrian's Wall and history coming to life before your very eyes all in one space! Come and explore it for yourself and find out why Vindolanda is treasured worldwide.

It’s free to get in to Discovery Museum, which is a massive space showcasing the best of Newcastle’s heritage over three floors and extensive galleries crammed with inventions, world-firsts, model ships and interactive activities for curious kids – and adults! Telling the story of Newcastle and its people from Roman times through to the present day Discovery Museum champions the spirit of the north east area. With events on all year.

Following Government advice, Durham University’s museums, galleries and Botanic Garden are temporarily closed. We will be using the closed period to carry out improvements at all our sites. At the Oriental Museum this will include: - completing the new Silk Roads permanent gallery, which will provide an updated introduction to the museum and its collection. - installing the special exhibition, 'Lu Xun’s Legacy in Print Making in Modern China', celebrating the impact of Lu Xun (1881-1936) arguably the most important cultural figure of twentieth century China. Stay in touch on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. From Ancient Egypt to modern China, we are the only museum in the North of England devoted entirely to the art and archaeology of the great cultures of Northern Africa and Asia. The Oriental Museum is normally open Monday - Friday, 10am - 5pm and Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays, 12pm - 5pm.

Lying in magnificent countryside next to a sweeping section of Hadrian's Wall and based at the site of Carvoran Roman Fort, the Roman Army Museum is an authentic and dramatic tribute to Rome’s extraordinary military legacy. Step into the life of a Roman soldier and experience life on the front line of Emperor Hadrian’s formidable British frontier. Explored through reconstructions, objects excavated along Hadrian's Wall and the Vindolanda Trust’s inspiring interpretations of army life including the exclusive 3D Edge of Empire film, the museum pays unforgettable homage to Rome's military accomplishments in Britain.

Visit the place where railways were born! Set in our original 1840's railway station follow the history of Darlington and the growth of the railways. We have a shop with souvenirs to suit all tastes and pockets and a varied events programme. There really is something for everyone!