Per head, the North East has received more central government and lottery funding than any other region outside London. From Alnwick Gardens, Hadrian's Wall and Lindisfarne in the north of the region to the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art in the south of the region, the North East offers a remarkable range of cultural activities.

NewcastleGateshead has BALTIC, the Centre for Contemporary Art; the Sage, a series of concert halls designed by Norman Foster; and the Theatre Royal, home to the Royal Shakespeare Company for one month every year. The North East has a thriving cultural industry - the Harry Potter films are shot on location here and local talent has plenty of outlets in galleries, theatres, comedy clubs, publishers and record labels.

Durham's Norman Cathedral and Castle is just one of a multitude of historical sites in the County, such as the medieval Raby Castle, the Bowes Museum and the 18th century landscaped Hardwick Park at Sedgefield. The County is also home to the award-winning Beamish, The North of England Open Air Musuem.

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