Arts Galleries & Museums

Baltic, Gateshead

Housed in a landmark industrial building on the south bank of the River Tyne in Gateshead, Baltic is the biggest gallery of its kind in the world presenting a diverse programme of contemporary visual art. It is open daily and admission is free. Tel: 0191 4781810; visit: www.balticmill.com

Bowes Museum

Situated on the outskirts of Barnard Castle, the Bowes Museum has a nationally renowned art collection, including: paintings, decorative art, ceramics, textiles, tapestries, clocks and costumes. There is also a gallery of children’s toys through the ages and a great attraction is an 18th century automated silver swan which periodically preens itself, looks round and appears to catch and swallow a fish. The building itself is very striking and was designed by the architect Jules Pellechet in a grand French style within landscaped gardens. The museum is open daily. Tel: 01833 690606; visit: www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

Dales Countryside Museum

This fascinating museum, managed by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, tells the story of the people and landscape of the Yorkshire Dales past and present. Displays interpret the development of the Dales from prehistoric times to the present day. Themes include: school days, home life, leisure time, religion, transport, communication and tourism, farming, local crafts and industries. The Museum itself is housed in an exciting and imaginative conversion of the Hawes railway station in Wensleydale. Visit: www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/index/enjoying/dales_countryside_museum.htm

Green Howards Museum

The Green Howards' Museum, located in the centre of Richmond market place, tells the story of the illustrious Green Howards Regiment from its beginnings to the present day. Artefacts and photographs of the Crimean War, the North-West Frontier of India, the Boer War and archive film of World War I form just a small part of the vivid presentation of the Green Howards' story in both peace and war. Visit: www.greenhowards.org.uk

Richmondshire Museum

This fascinating museum charts the history of Richmond and the surrounding dales. Exhibits include the surgery set from the James Herriot All Creatures Great and Small television set, a Dales village post office and a grocer’s shop. Open daily April - October. Visit: www.richmondshiremuseum.org.uk

World of James Herriot

This popular museum in Thirsk is dedicated to the world renowned vet James Herriot and offers visitors an interactive experience of the life and times of a man, who became a national celebrity after the airing of the BBC drama All Creatures Great and Small. See the television sets for Skeldale House and James’ car together with period veterinary instruments. Visit: www.worldofjamesherriot.org

Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA)

As well as a collection that comprises outstanding fine and applied art from 1900 to the present day, MIMA hosts regular exhibitions, tours and workshops. Admission is free but the gallery is closed on Monday. Tel: 01642 726720; visit: www.visitmima.com

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Although it is a bit further afield, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park near Wakefield is well worth the trip. With four indoor galleries and 500 acres of 18th century parkland, it is an international centre for modern and contemporary art. Here you can see works by Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Antony Gormley and Elisabeth Frink, as well as exhibitions by international artists. The Park is one mile from Junction 38 of the M1 and is open daily. Admission is free. Tel: 01924 832631; visit: www.ysp.co.uk

The Angel of the North

If you are travelling north, it is worth looking out for the iconic Angel of the North near Gateshead. It is Britain’s largest sculpture and was designed by Antony Gormley. The sculpture can easily be seen from the A1 road or it is possible get up close by going to its base at the southern edge of Low Fell.

Temenos

Temenos - a 110m (360ft) long sculpture by Anish Kapoor - was unveiled in Summer 2010 in Middlehaven Dock, Middlesbrough. It is the first of five giant sculptures planned for the Tees Valley. Temenos, which means a place apart or sacred ground, rests amongst a host of eye-catching structures, including the famous Transporter Bridge and Riverside Football Stadium.