Posted by Matt on May 2, 2009 – 1:11 pm
Those interested in the Battle of Culloden may want to head up to the visitor centre at the battlefiled next weekend (8-9 May). An event uncovering the battle and its far-flung consequences is being held at the National Trust-run location in Scotland. Visitors will explore the events leading up to the battle between the Highlanders and Hanoverian army in 1746, and learn about the effects it had on Scotland.
There will be displays of armour and weapons, story-telling for children, and guided tours of the battlefield. It is open on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th May, with a £3 charge for battlefield tours. Call 0844 4933259 for details.
Posted by Matt on March 26, 2009 – 10:01 am
A new travel website has been launched for the Tees Valley. It will provide important travel information for both residents and visitors to the area, linking bus, rail, road, cycling and walking routes, as well as covering taxi and community transport information.The website is connectteesvalley.com. One of the more popular aspects of the site is its journey planner which incorporates live traffic updates.
Posted by Matt on March 26, 2009 – 9:56 am
A new museum is to open in Newcastle on May 23rd, allowing collections from various establishments to be put on display.The Great North Museum will feature works from the Newcastle University Museum of Antiquities, the Shefton Museum, and the Hatton Gallery. This will collectively form one of the best displays of archaeology, geology and natural history anywhere in Britain, and will certainly become a major attraction in the North East. The museum is actually located in the buildings of the former Hancock Museum on Barras Bridge, Newcastle. The Hancock closed its doors in 2006, allowing redevelopment into this new venture.
Posted by Matt on February 15, 2009 – 3:34 pm
Various National Trust properties in Scotland are to be brought into bloom by the addition of daffodils in their grounds. Over 400 varieties can already be seen at Brodie Castle alongside the Moray Firth. You will also be able to see displays at Crathes in Aberdeenshire, House of Dun in Montrose, Threave Gardens in Dumfries and Galloway, and House of Binns at Linlithgow.
All of the estates and private homes are open to the public daily.
Posted by Matt on February 9, 2009 – 12:51 pm
The National Trust is trying hard to raise £6.3 million to prevent the historic Seaton Deleval Hall in Northumberland from being split up and sold to private buyers. The hall is in desperate need of attention to restore it to its former splendour. It is regarded as one of the greatest historic treasures in the North East and trustees are desperate for the money to be raised.
The National Trust has announced an eBay auction of items to try and raise more money. Items on offer include “unique” experiences , such as behind-the-scenes tours of properties and private dinners.
Posted by Matt on February 4, 2009 – 11:40 am
The first new steam train to be built in Britain for 50 years made its first passenger-carrying journey on Saturday 31st January 2009, and again on Monday 2nd February 2009. The Tornado was built by enthusiasts at Darlington – home of the world’s first railway, and once a major centre for the manufacture of steam engines. The initial passenger journey carried many enthusiasts – some of whom had donated to the project, which cost £3 million.It travelled between Newcastle and York on the first journey, and between Durham and Doncaster on the second.On Saturday 7th February 2009, it will make its first trip from Darlington to London’s Kings Cross, along the East Coast Main Line. You can read more about the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, which has built the Tornado, on this link.
Posted by Matt on February 4, 2009 – 11:08 am
The North York Moors village of Goathland is reeling after being told its main lifeblood is ending. TV Series “Heartbeat” has been filmed in the pretty location since 1992 and at the height of its popularity attracted over 15 million viewers per episode. Now it looks set to end filming immediately, along with its spin-off series “The Royal”. On TV, Goathland is known as Aidensfield, and is set in the 1960s. Visitors to the village can see many of the sights and period vehicles from the show when not being used for filming.
Whether this will be a permanent end to filming the show is not known. Producers cite a “backlog of shows” as the reason. Local businesses have mixed views, with some stating this could kill the village’s popularity, whilst others remain positive that tourism will still continue due to the excellent local scenery and attractions. After all, the town is a station stop on the wonderful North York Moors Railway.
Posted by Matt on January 30, 2009 – 9:53 am
A new £7m attraction in the Tees Valley has opened, aiming to bring a £1m boost to the local economy.
Saltholme Wildlife Rreserve and Discovery Park is situated in the Tees estuary between Middlesbrough and Hartlepool. It is run jointly with the RSPB and expects to bring in 100,000 visitors a year, who will see all manner of bird and river wildlife in its natural environment.
