The North East of England offers visitors chance to experience a wide range of museum attractions which reflect on the region's proud history and galleries which showcase a wide range of historical and modern art and design.

The region covers a wide area, encompassing Northumberland, Newcastle and Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, County Durham, and the Tees Valley. A key feature of many of the region's museums is that it preserves and pays tribute to the county's past and its links with nearby regions. In Northumberland, expect to find attractions such as a military museum located in unique coastal defence buildings, a legion of Roman museums and even the smallest museum in the country.

One of the most unusual museums is the Bagpipe Museum in Morpeth Chantry, a space celebrating the history of Northumbrian bagpipes which are very different to the Scottish variety. Aviation enthusiasts will love Bamburgh Castle's Armstrong and Aviation Museum, whilst the award-winning Woodhorn celebrates Northumberland's proud mining heritage.

In amongst the illuminated footbridges rejuvenated quaysides and Newcastle and Gateshead is home to several world-class cultural attractions such as the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, The Laing Art Gallery and The Biscuit Factory, the UK's biggest commercial gallery. There are also many smaller and public galleries who welcome well-known and emerging contemporary artists and display sought-after classical pieces. Many of County Durham's museum attractions provide chance to experience a real sense of the past.

Celebrate a year of Movement at The Bowes Museum

2023 will be a year celebrating the theme of 'movement' at The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, inspired by the 250th birthday of the Silver Swan. Visitors to the French style public Museum will be able to enjoy the architectural metal sculptures inspired by nature and the Museum's Silver Swan by Martin Smith, which will be on display in the grounds and in the galleries for a year from 25 February 2023.

Visitors can discover the wonder that is The Bowes Museum’s majestic Silver Swan The Bowes Museum is open from 10am to 5pm daily, closed on only 25, 26 December and 1 January.