North East

RegionEngland, United Kingdom

North East is a STATE in England, United Kingdom.

The North East of England is a captivating blend of rugged coastline, historic cities, and warm Geordie hospitality. This region boasts the vibrant city of Newcastle upon Tyne with its iconic Tyne Bridges and legendary nightlife, alongside Durham's magnificent cathedral and castle. The stunning Northumberland coastline offers miles of pristine beaches and the dramatic Bamburgh Castle, while Hadrian's Wall snakes through the countryside revealing Roman history. Don't miss the charming fishing villages like Craster (famous for its kippers) or the wild beauty of the North Pennines. The region's industrial heritage shines through in its museums, while its contemporary art scene thrives at locations like the Baltic Centre.

Best time to visit North East

May to September for pleasant weather and coastal walks, though winter has its own dramatic beauty. July-August for festivals but expect crowds. September offers quieter visits with mild weather.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather
Warm 28-32°C, end of rains

Travel notes

Crowds
Low
Prices
Low

Transition month, improving roads

Know before you go

Getting there

TML

Tamale Airport

Domestic

120 km away

ACC

Kotoka International Airport

International

650 km away

Getting around

"Excellent rail connections between major towns. Metro system serves Newcastle and surrounding areas. Buses cover most routes. Car recommended for exploring rural areas and coastline. Cycling popular along coast and Hadrian's Wall paths."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

10 Mbps

Mobile data

Fair

WiFi

Limited to hotels in major towns

Local SIM

Local SIM available at Tamale Airport from $5

Stay safe

Overall

7/10

Road safety is a concern; avoid night travel. Petty crime is low but be vigilant.

Night safety

6/10

Road safety is a concern; avoid night travel. Petty crime is low but be vigilant.

Transport

6/10

Scam risk

5/10

"Generally safe but take normal urban precautions in city centers at night. Coastal areas can have dangerous tides - heed warning signs. Rural roads may be narrow and dark."

Entry and health

Health information

"No special vaccinations required. NHS services are available to UK residents; EU visitors should carry EHIC/GHIC. Tap water is safe to drink. Coastal walks require sturdy footwear due to uneven terrain."

Culture

Local customs

"Greet locals with a friendly 'Howay man' (pronounced 'ho-way'). Pub culture is strong - it's customary to buy rounds of drinks. Football (especially Newcastle United) is a passion - avoid wearing rival team colors on match days."
EnglishGeordie dialect

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$3-5 | a local meal costs around $3-5

Hotels

$20-50 | budget guesthouses range $20-50/night

Local transport

$2 | local bus ride ~$2

Cost notes

Prices are lower than in southern Ghana. Bargaining is expected in markets.

Timezone

Europe/London +00:00 (GMT), +01:00 (BST)

More facts

Population

2,669,941

Area

8,592 km²

ISO code

GB-NEL

Type

Region

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Biz, North East

WildlifeCultural HeritageOff the Beaten PathAdventureHistorical Sites