Newcastle is the natural base for the eastern end of Hadrian's Wall — Segedunum, Chesters, and the great Vindolanda forts are an hour or so by car. The Northumberland coast — Bamburgh, Holy Island, the Farne Islands — is a long but rewarding day out. Closer in: Tynemouth and Cullercoats for the beach, Durham for the cathedral, the Angel of the North in Gateshead, and Beamish open-air museum.