We've got more suggestions for places to visit where you can discover North East England's rich history and beautiful gardens. There is so much to see and plenty of interesting discoveries to be made, making a great day out for the whole family.

Hexham Abbey, Hexham, Northumberland

Originally a Benedictine Abbey, this has been a place of Christian worship since AD674. See the Saxon crypt, 15th Century paintings and a variety of other artefacts from the across the ages.

Hexham Old Gaol is more than 600 years old, the oldest purpose-built prison in England. It is now a fully accessible, modern museum with fascinating hands-on displays telling the story of Hexham and the Border Reivers. See the jailer send prisoners to the dungeon and learn the history of the jail and its prisoners. Meet the plague doctor and hear about the Black Death in Tudor and Stuart times.

Children can dress up as the plague doctor's assistant. Discover the steps ordinary people took to avoid the plague, and how they were treated when they fell ill with the plague. The gruesome plague handling sessions are held every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday, 1pm-3.30pm.

Six miles north of Hexham is Chesters Roman Fort (Cilurnum), Chollerford. Built just after Hadrian's Wall was completed, Cilurnum is the best preserved Roman cavalry fort in Britain. Wander round the entire foundations of the headquarters building, including the courtyard, hall, regimental temple and the largest, most luxurious building - the commandant's house.

Down by the river, see the extremely well-preserved steam rooms and bathing areas of the garrison's bath house. Visit the museum for an impressive collection of Roman finds.

Nearby is Chesters Walled Garden, a beautiful garden containing a unique herb collection - inlcuding the National Collections of thyme and marjoram - a Roman garden, lovely themed hebaceous borders and a nursery. Open 10am-5pm every day of the week until October 31.

Bede's World, Jarrow

Visit this stunning museum celebrating the life and achievements of the Venerable Bede, early Europe's greatest scholar, who lived and worked at the monastery of Wearmouth-Jarrow 1,300 years ago.

Discover Anglo-Saxon monastic history and archaeology, rare breeds of animals, recreated timber buildings and ancient varieties of crops.

Other attractions include Jarrow Hall, an elegant Grade II listed building, with cafe and attractive Georgian-styled tea garden. There is a lively and wide-ranging programme of events and temporary exhibitions throughout the year. www.bedesworld.co.uk

Birkheads Secret Garden and Nursery, Gateshead is a beautiful three-acre garden set in beautiful countryside overlooking the Beamish valley. Seek the peace of the serene Meditation garden and while away the hours. The nursery grows and sells all kinds of plants - rare and favourites. www.birkheadsnursery.co.uk

Killhope - The North of England Lead Mining Museum, Cowshill, Weardale

Killhope is a fully restored 19th Century lead mine and a national award winning attraction. Borrow a hard hat, cap-lamp and some wellies from the museum and go deep into the hillside as your guide takes you on a tour of the mine to see the great underground waterwheel. The museum is open daily and there's also a beautiful woodland walk in the grounds - see if you can spot the rare red squirrels. www.durham.gov.uk/killhope

* Find more inspiration for great days out at www.visitnortheastengland.com or visit your local Tourist Information Centre.