Three of the quirkiest things to do in the North East

The North East is crammed with famous attractions, historical landmarks and some fabulous ideas for a great day out. That's why so many people love visiting the region and can persuade others to relocate to the area for good. However, if you are looking for something a little more unusual to do, look no further.
Here are three of the quirkiest things to do in the North East: 
Diggerland
This theme park is exactly what it says on the tin - a land of diggers. Located in Langley Park, County Durham, visitors can drive a variety of machines including JCBs and mini-tractors, enjoy the 'Spin Dizzy' digger merry-go-round and if they dare, brave the cloud-skimming SkyShuttle digger ride. Diggerland is apparently the only place where adults and children can drive real construction machinery. It's open weekends from 10am to 5pm (until November). 
Branxton Cement Menagerie
If you find yourself in the vicinity of northern Northumberland, stop by Fountain House in Branxton and visit the curious gardens. In amongst all the conifers and other vegetation are numerous, life-sized animals. Former owner John Fairnington spent years filling it with rhinos, lions, giraffes and crocodiles he made himself, not to mention the gnome habitat. There are various messages and dates scratched into the garden's surfaces, going a small way to explain how the menagerie evolved. It's open 'daily during daylight hours'.
Tyne Cyclist and Pedestrian Tunnels
The network of tunnels that exists beneath the River Tyne was opened to the public in the 1950s but is now barely used. While not strictly a defined museum or tourist attraction, the tunnels do serve as an eerie, time-warped experience, transporting you back to a different time via an old wooden escalator. Grade-II listed, the tunnels stretch from Howdon to Jarrow and were used predominantly by shipyard workers. The tunnels are currently closed for refurbishment, but tours are ordinarily available for visitors.   
These are just a few of the different activities that you might like to try when in the North-East; that's aside from the vibrant night-life, pretty villages, incredible entertainment venues and other unique attractions that make this region of the UK so utterly brilliant.