'Locals are passionate about this part of the UK. Famed for its stunning countryside, friendly atmosphere and rich history, the north-east is also home to some of the UK's most vibrant cities, high-tec industries and exciting culture.'
The north-east of England covers an area that stretches north from the towns of Middlesbrough and Darlington all the way to the Scottish border. Over the last two thousand years the area has been ruled by Romans, Saxons and Vikings, to name just a few.
The Roman Emperor Hadrian famously built his wall here in AD122. At 73 miles long, it's one of the north-east's top tourist attractions and a World Heritage site.
The north-east is also reputedly where the Vikings first landed in the UK. In AD793, Vikings attacked the Anglo-Saxon monastery on the holy island of Lindisfarne, just off the coast near Berwick-upon-Tweed. You can still visit the island today and take a look around its beautiful castle.
For more information about the region's history, see the England's North East.
A friendly welcome is guaranteed in the north-east
Choose the north-east for your studies, and you'll be sure to meet some of the friendliest people in the UK. From cheerful bus drivers to helpful neighbours, you'll find that residents of the north-east are known for their fun-loving attitude.
If it's nightlife you're after, you'll be spoilt for choice. There are countless bars, clubs and restaurants, particularly in the cities of Durham, Newcastle and Sunderland. In fact, the travel publisher Rough Guide has voted Newcastle's nightlife as the UK's number one tourist attraction.
The north-east's lively spirit is also embodied in its distinctive accent, thought to be one of the oldest in the UK. With its musical sound, it might take a little getting used to – but it helps to mark out the region as somewhere with its own distinctive identity.
The north-east: a thriving industrial hub
For centuries, the north-east was famous for shipbuilding and coal-mining. Although the glory days of those industries are now past, today the north-east is home to some of the UK's most cutting-edge businesses.
It's a leading location for the development of low-carbon vehicles and renewable energy technologies such as wind, wave and tidal. It's one of the UK's main centres for the petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries, and has a world-class reputation for stem-cell and genetic research.
The north-east is also home to a large number of new companies specialising in digital media and software. Many of these dynamic businesses boast strong links with the region's universities.
Get more information about the north-east's high-tech industries on theLive and work in north-east England.
Art and culture in the north-east
If you're looking for inspiration, the north-east offers some of the most diverse art and culture in the UK. Some of the region's top attractions include:
- Anthony Gormley's giant 'Angel of the North' sculpture
- Gateshead’s Baltic Centre
- The award-winning Sunderland Museum and Winter Garden
- Newcastle's Great North Museum and library
- Newcastle's Theatre Royal – a favourite of big touring shows
- Durham's Gala Theatre
- Metro Radio Arena – for live gigs
- The Laing Art Gallery
- The Sunderland Empire theatre
- The Beamish Museum, eight miles south-west of Newcastle.
You can find out more about attractions in the north-east at the visit north-east website.
Enjoy the north-east's stunning natural landscape
It's always good to balance your studies with some 'downtime'. What better way to get some peace-and-quiet than by exploring an area of the north-east's stunning, unpopulated landscape?
The north-east boasts vast areas of natural beauty, including 100 miles of Northumberland coastline, the North Pennines and the Northumberland National Park.
You could spend a day exploring the beautiful Durham Dales or take a walk in the Wear Valley and see the impressive High Force Waterfall.
Meanwhile, the region is home to a huge variety of wildlife. The Farne Islands offer great opportunities for bird-watchers, including spectacular displays of puffins in the breeding season.
If you prefer more active outdoor pursuits, why not try kayaking, diving or windsurfing at the North East Diving Academy at Roker Beach?
Study in the north-east, and you'll discover a vibrant, welcoming environment that can help you fulfil your potential.
Useful links
England's North-East - www.englandsnortheast.co.uk
