Visitor Information

Visitor Contact Centre

Find everything you need to plan your visit, including accommodation, things to see and do and places to eat:

Call         03000 26 26 26           
Email     visitor@thisisdurham.com
Text       ‘Visit’ and your enquiry to 80011

Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm. Closed weekends and Bank Holidays.

Calls – cost of a local call, calls from mobiles may vary. Texts – standard network charges apply.

Further information on the areas that the Northern Saints Trails pass through can be found on the following websites:

Durham
Hartlepool
Newcastle/Gateshead
Northumberland
Northumberland Coast
Northumberland National Park
North Pennines AONB
North Tyneside
South Tyneside
Sunderland
Tees Valley

Route information
Please note that Northern Saints Trails can be walked in any direction for any duration - you can walk as little or a much as you choose. Non-directional wayfinder discs have been installed along the Northern Saints Trails to reassure you that you’re on the routes, but full details and downloadable maps are available on this website.

Route feedback
If you would like to provide feedback on the routes or report issues, please fill out the form on this page.

Countryside Code and Public Rights of Way

A revised Countryside Code has been published to provide guidance for those visiting the countryside during the pandemic:

Respect other people: Consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors; Park carefully so access to gateways and driveways are clear; Leave gates and property as you find them; Follow paths but give way to others where it’s narrow.
Protect the natural environment: Leave no trace of your visit, take all your litter home; Don’t have BBQs or fires; Keep dogs under effective control; Dog poo - bag it and bin it.
Enjoy the outdoors; Plan ahead, check what facilities are open, be prepared; Follow advice and local signs and obey social distancing measures.

Read more on the Countryside Code.

The Northern Saints Trails utilise Public Rights of Way, find out more for further information and frequently asked question.

Getting here and getting around

Getting here by:

Car - The North East is served by excellent roads. The A1/A1(M) motorway and A68 provide fast, easy access to the region from the North and South. From the West, the A66 provides a scenic cross-Pennine route from the Lake District and M6 motorway.

Train - The North East is well-served by national rail, covering the journey from London in around 3 hours. Fast through-trains run from most other parts of Britain. For details telephone National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk

Coach - There are several coach services daily to the North East from London and other major centres. Ask your local coach travel agent for details.

Air and Sea - The North East is easily accessible from Newcastle International Airport and Teesside International Airport, both served by regular domestic and international flights. On Tyneside, ferry services operate to North Shields throughout the year from Ijmuiden (Amsterdam). Ask your travel agent for details.

Getting around by:

Sustainable transport - The North East is served by an excellent network of bus and local rail services, as well as the Tyne and Wear Metro.

Traveline North East provide an online Journey Planner for you to plan your journey using criteria including from and to, date and time, mode of transport and wheelchair access.

If you are travelling by electric car, or hiring a vehicle upon arrival, the North East has a network of charging points available.

For further information and advice, contact the Visitor Contact Centre on 03000 26 26 26 or email visitor@thisisdurham.com