IT'S back to school time but why not spend your weekends enjoying some of the fantastic attractions and places in North East England - the summer fun doesn't have to end completely. Here are some ideas of places to visit.

The 40-mile stretch of coast from Amble to Berwick-upon-Tweed has been officially recognised as both a Heritage Coast and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - to be conserved on behalf of the nation. Visit the fishing village of Craster and the 130-year-old smokehouses which produce the world famous Craster kippers. From here you can also take a walk to the majestic Dunstanburgh Castle. Download a route for this walk from www.visitnorth eastengland.com/walking

North of Beadnell is the beautiful coastal village of Bamburgh, quintessentially English and dominated by the stunning castle on a rocky outcrop high above the village. The castle has been described as the finest in England. Take a tour through the magnificent King's Hall, the Victoria Scullery, the armoury and dungeon. Stroll along miles of golden sands in the dramatic shadow of the castle, watch the cricket and finish a wonderful day out with delicious afternoon tea and scones at one of the cosy tea rooms or welcoming hotels.

Picture House, Film, Art and Design at Belsay Hall, Northumberland. Belsay Hall hosts another fantastic exhibition, this time curated by film directors, sound and music producers, performers, artists and fashion designers. With silver plated ballgowns, eerie contraptions, twisted forests and mournful songs, Belsay's empty rooms will be filled with ghosts, voice and visual magnificence.

Step back in time with a visit to Beamish, The North of England Open Air Museum, where the past comes to life. Beamish is no ordinary museum but a living, working experience of life as it was in the Great North in the early 1800s and 1900s. Set in over 300 acres of beautiful countryside, the museum vividly recreates life in North East England nearly 200 years ago. An interesting history lesson for the whole family and a great day out too.

For an altogether different day out, visit Dalton Park in Murton, Seaham. Dalton Park is a spectacular outlet shopping destination offering big brand names at discounts of up to 50 per cent off high street prices. Key brands include Marks & Spencer outlet, Next clearance, Joseph, Oasis, Levi's, Adidas, Kurt Muller, Crabtree & Evelyn and Austin Reed. There is a Farmers and Craft market on Saturday, September 11 and Sunday, September 12 with an array of speciality handmade crafts, gifts and foods. To check times of opening visit the Dalton Park website: www.dalton-park.co.uk

Locomotion, The National Railway Museum at Shildon, County Durham, tells the story of the railways through fantastic interactive displays and the national collection of 60 engines and other rolling stock. There is also a play area, picnic area and café.

The Durham Light Infantry Museum & Durham Art Gallery is just half a mile north of Durham City off the A691. Discover the history of Durham's own army regiment which has seen action in battles across the world. The Durham Art Gallery has a major exhibition, The Return of the Romans, which tells of the Roman presence in County Durham, including recent archaeological discoveries and a programme of events until tomorrow.

The building at Aykley Heads is set in landscaped grounds, making it ideal for picnics. The DLI museum is open daily 10am to 5pm. Tel: 0191-384-2214.

* Find more inspiration for great days out at www.visit northeastengland.com or visit your local Tourist Information Centre.