Looking for things to do in the Easter holidays? Well, the North East may not hold one of the seven wonders of the world but there are several places you should visit at least once in our region.

Whilst you may not be able to compare our region to the dizzy heights of Manhattan or the scenic safari plains of Africa, the North East still has a great number of landmarks and tourist destinations to visit.

Whether you prefer the indoors or outdoors, there is plenty to see in the region that you should visit at least once in your life.

Now, as the Easter Holidays begin, it has never been a better time to visit a landmark in the region that you've never seen before.

Here's a list of just nine landmarks from the North East that we've put together - which is your favourite?

County Durham's Heritage Coast

Sometimes there is nothing better than a walk along the beach - especially if you have a pup to walk too!

County Durham's Heritage Coast which spans from Seaham Hall Beach to Crimdon has been said to be one of the top tourist destinations to visit this Easter.

The well-known 11-mile coastal trek which takes walkers down the coast is one way to spend the day, where on the way, tourists are treated to plentiful ocean views, arches and stacks and can even hunt for sea glass which washes up onto the shore.

The Northern Echo: Seaham Hall Beach.Seaham Hall Beach. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Penshaw Monument

Further North, you can take a journey up Penshaw Monument, an ancient Greek-style memorial.

The grade I listed building was constructed between 1844 and 1845 to commemorate the Durham Report on the future governance of the American territories.

Thousands visit the site each year, and once you've seen the views from the top you can always have a walk around Herrington Country Park, opposite the monument.

The Northern Echo: Penshaw Monument.Penshaw Monument.

National Glass Centre

Also in Sunderland is the National Glass Centre, where you can experience the art and history of glass blowing and view artists exhibition.

The centre is part of the University of Sunderland, and opened in 1998. 

Work by many artists can also be purchased in the museum's shop.

The Northern Echo: National Glass Centre.National Glass Centre. (Image: Picture: UNVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND)

Durham Cathedral

Durham Cathedral is arguably the city's most iconic and historic landmark, and opened in 1133. The grade I listed building forms part of the Durham Castle and Cathedral World Heritage Site.

There is plenty to do at the cathedral, especially during Easter where commemorative events to mark the holy period are taking place.

The Cathedral, whilst being well known to North East residents has also appeared on the big screen over the years.

Most notably in the Harry Potter series as well as in the 2019 blockbuster Avengers: Endgame where it was fashioned as Thor's home planet, Asgard.

The Northern Echo: Durham Cathedral.Durham Cathedral. (Image: The Northern Echo)

The Angel of the North

Perhaps the most iconic symbol of the North East which can be seen proudly as you drive down the A1, the Angel of the North is a must-see.

Construction of the angel ended in 1998 after four years to act as a millennial image that would be a marker for the town of Gateshead and wider Tyneside.

An estimated 150,000 people visit each year and you can get access to the car park if you want to pay a visit off the A167 Durham Road. 

The Northern Echo: Angel of the North.Angel of the North. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Beamish

Known as the North East's living museum, Beamish is a must-visit in the region.

Whether you want to have a gander in the sweet shop or a look around some of the perfectly preserved and decorated terraced houses there is always plenty to do at the museum which first opened in 1972.

Like Durham Cathedral, Beamish Museum is no stranger to the big screen and was used as a set in the season 7 finale of Downton Abbey.

An unlimited ticket costs just under £30 for a full year. 

The Northern Echo: Beamish Museum.Beamish Museum. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The Bowes Museum

Barnard Castle's Bowes Museum is a fantastic visit should you enjoy looking at a multitude of fine paintings.

The museum was built to house the art collection of John Bowes and his wife Joséphine Benoîte Coffin-Chevallier, and opened in 1892.

A ticket costs £18.00 per person per day.

The Northern Echo: The Bowes Museum.The Bowes Museum. (Image: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Hartlepool Historic Quay

For a day out with a nautical theme, the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Hartlepool which opened in 1994 is a must see.

The attraction is a recreation of a 18th-century seaport and even includes the Battle of Trafalgar ship HMS Trincomalee, a Royal Navy frigate and Britain's oldest warship.

Tickets cost £8 for adults and £6 for kids when booked online.

The Northern Echo: National Museum of the Royal Navy, Hartlepool.National Museum of the Royal Navy, Hartlepool. (Image: KAYLEIGH FRASER)

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Locomotion, Shildon

County Durham's railway museum, Locomotion, is a must visit for those who love trains and all things transport.

Then Prime Minister and MP Tony Blair opened the museum in 2004 and now attracts thousands of visitors each year. 

Most recently, the Flying Scotsman spent Christmas at the museum and gave visitors a unique chance to have a look at the historic steam engine.

The Northern Echo: Locomotion, Shildon.Locomotion, Shildon. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)