Sell Your Motorhome
We are the local specialists in selling campervans in your area. We will sell your motorhome in Haltwhistle, Hexham, Wearhead and Corbridge. Get the best price for your motorhome in Consett, Bishop Auckland, Crook and Durham. We have motorhome buyers for you in Chester-le-street, Washington, Gateshead and Newcastle upon Tyne.
Newcastle upon Tyne (UK: /ˈnjuːkɑːsəl/ NEW-kah-səl, locally /njuːˈkæsəl/ (listen) new-KASS-əl),[4] often simply Newcastle, is the largest city and metropolitan borough in North East England. It forms the core of the Tyneside conurbation, the eighth most populous urban area in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Tyne's northern bank, approximately 8.5 mi (13.7 km) from the North Sea.[5]
Newcastle developed around a Roman settlement called Pons Aelius[6] and the settlement later took the name of a castle built in 1080 by William the Conqueror's eldest son, Robert Curthose.
Historically, Newcastle's economy was dependent on its port. In particular, its status as one of the world's largest ship building and repair centres.[7]
Today, the city's economy is diverse with major economic output in science, finance, retail, education, tourism, and nightlife. Newcastle is one of the UK Core Cities, as well as part of the Eurocities network.[8][9][10]
Famous landmarks in Newcastle include the Tyne Bridge; the Swing Bridge; Newcastle Castle; St Thomas’ Church; Grainger Town including Grey's Monument and the Theatre Royal; the Millennium Bridge; St James' Park; and Chinatown.
Culturally, Newcastle is famed for its nightlife; bakery chain Greggs; television personalities Ant & Dec; the Great North Run half-marathon; and Newcastle United Football Club.
Newcastle was part of the county of Northumberland until 1400, when it became a county of itself.[11][12][13][14] The city and the surrounding area created the new metropolitan county of Tyne and Wear in 1974.[14] Newcastle is locally governed by Newcastle City Council.
Explore Hexham
Stunning architecture, picturesque parks, and a bloody history are all waiting to be explored in Hexham. Immerse yourself in stories about the Vikings, historical criminal families or ‘Border Reivers’, and the Anglo-Saxon Abbey. Hexham is home to the beautiful Sele Park, floral gardens in the town centre, and the stunning grounds of Hexham House. Beneath the charming market town, Hexham holds a bloody history of marauding Vikings, and England’s first purpose-built prison, Hexham Old Gaol, which can be traced back to the 1300s.
Enjoy Hexham Old Gaol museum which was built using stone from the nearby Corbridge Roman site. The Border History Library within the Old Gaol is home to a fascinating collection of photographs, books, poetry and music about our border territory. Feast your eyes on a wealth of artefacts, descend into the dungeons, and try out the stocks - if you dare...
Boasting the impressive Hexham Abbey, this town never fails to impress. The monastery-turned-abbey was built in 674 AD, and the eerie crypt from the original building still remains today, with some of the dusty stones coming from the Roman ruins of Hadrian’s Wall. The abbey is a peaceful place of solace and refuge, where visitors can admire awe-inspiring architecture, 7th century sculptures, and 15th century painted wooden panels. The Abbey also hosts a delightful craft fair.
Opposite the abbey, you will find the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, a magnificent Victorian building which attracts the best international and national artists from music, drama, and dance, as well as nestling away two art galleries. The Queens Hall is also home to the town's library and visitor information centre.
Perhaps you fancy trying something different? Hexham Racecourse holds a popular Ladies’ Day once a year, you could visit the Shambles market on Tuesdays, or how about coming to town for the annual Hexham Book Festival?
End your tour of Hexham at the idyllic Tyne Green on the banks of the River Tyne. Lush green spaces, thick woodland, and views of Hexham Bridge can all be admired here.
Hexham is perfectly located for exploring the surrounding countryside including Northumberland National Park, Hadrian's Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site, Housesteads Roman Fort, Chesters Roman Fort, Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum.
Hexham is easy to access via public transport with regular bus services as well as trains from Newcastle and Carlisle on the Tyne Valley Line. If you are coming by car Wentworth car park is a short walk into the town centre (The walk is up quite a steep hill). When parking check the colour of the bay to determine if you are in a short, medium or long stay space.
Discover Corbridge
Corbridge is so much more than a quiet little Northumberland town - it has a vast history and a Roman heritage that can still be seen today. So, whether you’re a history-lover or an avid shopper, there is something in Corbridge for you to enjoy. This is one original and surprising village and small town. Some of the oldest finds in Britain, including rare Roman armour and the Corbridge Lion, are housed in our English Heritage Roman Town. Where you can see a time capsule of Roman life inside the newly refurbished museum and then explore the remains of the streets they once walked. All just a few miles away from the World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall itself and the popular coast to coast Hadrian’s Wall Path.
Corbridge is also known for its large number of independent businesses. The present day Market Place has a baker, art shop, traditional grocer and more. With award-winning Forum Books close by at The Chapel – a stunning transformation of the old Methodist Chapel complete with preserved pulpit – along with Vintage At The Tower.
Across the village there are acclaimed independent clothes and shoe shops for fans of fashion, featuring top brands, as well as beauticians and hairdressers. For foodies there are many indy cafes, several historic pubs, a deli, a butcher, and a wine bar. Plus a range of Italian, Indian and English restaurants.There is much else to discover including jewellers, a baby/nursery store housed in an old converted bank, a cookshop, garden room, florists, gift shops and furniture stores. Plus interior design shops and antique and vintage emporiums. Several are regularly featured on national TV and in magazines and newspapers both in the UK and across the world. And there are excellent hotels and B&Bs to stay in along with a range of self-catering accommodation.
Bishop Auckland
Known as the gateway to Weardale, Bishop Auckland is a bustling market town in the Vale of Durham, standing high above a meander in the River Wear with commanding views of the surrounding countryside.
Walk from the town centre straight into the beautiful grounds of the magnificent Auckland Castle, the country residence of the Prince Bishops for more than 900 years. And don't miss the annual Bishop Auckland Food Festival which takes place in the castle grounds every April.
The town is set for major developments over the next few years thanks to The Auckland Project. Building on more than 1,000 years of history, The Auckland Project will transform the centre of the town, with several attractions in and around the grounds of Auckland Castle.
Attractions include the 150 acre ancient Deer Park, Mining Art Gallery, Bishop Trevor Gallery and Auckland Tower visitor centre. Other exciting developments due to open over the coming years include the Faith Museum and Spanish Gallery and redevelopment of the 17th Century Walled Garden which will feature stunning new glasshouses providing 'garden rooms' restaurant and event spaces.
Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, brings the town to life between the August and mid September each year, when thousands of people will experience 2,000 years of history, myth and legend in a fun family outdoor live action spectacular. Plus for the first time in 2021, visitors could explore the pre-show 11Arches Park, complete with amazing performances, immersive attractions, and spectacular stunt show 'Fina and the Golden Cape'.
Bishop Auckland's historic town centre has a thriving arts and cultural offering, with the Bishop Auckland Town Hall home to a superb library, cinema, theatre and arts complex. Plus, the town has more than 200 shops - head for Bondgate for boutiques and specialist shops that you won’t find on the high street.
And after a busy day, sample the delights of one of the many cosy cafés to help keep the energy levels up!
A mile from the town are the remains of Binchester Roman Fort, home to the best preserved Roman military bath house in Britain. And at Escomb, you can see one of the finest examples of early Christian architecture in Northern Europe at the restored 7th Century Escomb Saxon Church.
Chester-le-Street
Chester-le-Street is a great north market town, home of the Riverside Cricket Ground and proud of its Christian heritage.
The picturesque cricket venue is home to Durham Cricket and hosts more than 50 days of domestic cricket from April - September as well as international fixtures and big name concerts, with Elton John, Sir Tom Jones and Jessie J all performing at the venue in recent years.
Heritage
The town's fascinating past means there are lots of things for history lovers to see and do when visitng the town.
Set off on Cuddy's Corse, a 7.5 mile walking trail starting at St Mary's and St Cuthbert's church and heading on to Durham City via Finchale Priory, or explore the history of the town by following the heritage trail where pavement markers direct you between eight information boards. The route includes several historical locations through the town, and you can glimpse the Roman Fort site behind the Parish Centre by Ankers House & St Mary and St Cuthbert's Church. The church itself has been a place of Christian worship since 883AD, when monks from Lindisfarne bearing the body of St Cuthbert built a shrine which became, for more than a century, the Cathedral of the Kingdom of Northumbria.
Did you know? It was here that the Gospels were first translated into Saxon English and one of only three facsimiles of the Lindisfarne Gospels can be seen at the Parish Church. The attached anchorage contains fascinating displays on Roman, Saxon and Medieval times
Family Fun
There are plenty of opportunities for some family fun in Chester-le-Street, from local nature reserves and country parks, to the town's Riverside Park. The park is a popular place to walk, exercise and simply enjoy the surroundings, with artist-designed ornamental gardens, an events arena and a popular play area and paddling pool. It is also home to a lively splash pad skate park and play area to keep the children entertained.
Discover Gateshead!
On the south bank of the River Tyne sits Gateshead – a town with a trendy, artisan edge as well as an expansive and beautiful countryside ready for you to explore.
The famous Quayside is where visitors find By The River Brew Co – a popular microbrewery and award-winning restaurant, street food market and all round hipster’s paradise. Explore further along Gateshead Quayside and find art and culture in the form of BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Artand Sage Gateshead – the impressive, curved-roof music venue which can be seen from the Tyne Bridge. Wander still further along the river towards the historic Dunstan Staiths structure to enjoy a bite to eat at the independent Staiths Café.
On your way up from the River Tyne and behind hotel and spa, Hilton NewcastleGateshead, visitors should head to local favourite, The Central Bar for live music and great company. Visitors who just love to shop should head to Metrocentre and stroll from shop to shop as they enjoy a spot of retail therapy. The massive, indoor shopping centre is home to high street shops, designer brands and big-name department stores as well as family-friendly entertainment, restaurants and bars.
Now it's time to explore Gateshead’s countryside, parks and gardens. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through woodlands, along trails and beside the meandering river at rural hotspots including Derwent Walk, Chopwell Woods and Watergate Forest Park. Tuck into a picnic whilst watching the swans on the lake at Saltwell Park or visit popular outdoor attraction,Gibside National Trust for a brilliant family day out in Gateshead.
Discover the region’s industrial past with a visit to Tanfield Railway and take a steam train ride throughout the year, with the popular North Polar Express wowing the crowds during the festive season. Or browse Shipley Art Gallery, a free gallery in Gateshead with a range of exhibitions and events for all ages.