Old meets new at Chester-le-Street
The ancient Roman town of Chester-le-Street in County Durham offers a step back in time for romantics. Cricket fans will know Chester-le-Street well for the Emirates Riverside ground - which as well as county cricket also hosts the occasional test match and music event too. Nearby Riverside Park has a huge play area to suit everyone from toddlers to teens, and a splash pad too. At the centre is a 16ft castle - the Nearby Lumley Castle might have provided the inspiration. Grown-ups might prefer the beautiful gardens and the riverside walk.
Relive the past at Beamish
Experience what life was like in the 1820s, 1900s and 1940s at Beamish - The Living Museum of the North. With guides dressed in period costume, and buildings moved brick by brick from their original site, you can genuinely feel like you've travelled back in time. A pit village, colliery, tram and 1940s farm are among the many highlights, while special events are held throughout the year and worth keeping an eye out for.
Days out in Durham
Durham, with its outstanding castle and Romanesque cathedral dating back to 1093 is a Unesco World Heritage site. Book a guided tour to get the true experience. Looking for a cheap hotel in Chester-le-Street? The Travelodge Chester-le-Street Hotel is the perfect base from which to visit the town, and can also be used as a jumping off point for Durham and the wider county.