NewcastleGateshead Quayside

The regeneration on both sides of the River Tyne is as stunning as the famous bridges which span it. The latest bridge is The Gateshead Millennium Bridge (known as the 'blinking eye' due to its unique opening mechanism), which has swiftly gained iconic status. The Quayside also boasts an array of excellent bars and restaurants, has much public art to enjoy and is the perfect place for a stroll before visiting BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art on the Gateshead Quays. BALTIC is a major international centre for contemporary visual art where you'll find an ever-changing calendar of exhibitions and activities at this landmark, former industrial building from exhibitions of internationally renowned artists to community-based work. Sited near to BALTIC is The Sage Gateshead; home for music and musical discovery. All manner of world-class music can be heard here including world, rock, pop, classical, acoustic, indie etc.
Nocturne, the biggest light art work in Britain, will add to the drama of NewcastleGateshead quayside by illuminating the QEII Metro Bridge across the Tyne with a 360m Kaleidoscope of lights. Nocturne has been hailed as a major new permanent landmark for the North East - and one which underlines the importance of Metro to the region's economy and people. Millions of people will see Nocturne every year for at least the next 15 years, from Newcastle and Gateshead's quaysides and from surrounding homes, offices, roads and railways, including the east coast mainline. The lights will never be the same twice, rising and falling in brightness and intensity of colour to match the ebb and flow of the tide on the river below.

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens and Mowbray Park

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens - offers something for all ages. The award winning museum has a range of fascinating multimedia installations tell the city's story from its early foundations to the present day and one of the galleries boasts an extensive collection of paintings by LS Lowry, who considered Sunderland his 'second home'. The museum also hosts an extensive programme of fascinating exhibitions throughout the year. Rebuilt near the site of the original Victorian glass houses is a tropical rainforest flourishing with palms, tree ferns, bananas and citrus trees all housed in a stainless steel and glass rotunda. Overhead, a treetop walkway gives a birds-eye view of the lush canopy of foliage, complete with a 30ft water feature and individual micro climates. Adjacent to Sunderland Museum, one of the oldest municipal parks in the North East; Mowbray Park, is a green oasis in the heart of the city. Now restored to its former Victorian splendour, the park features an unusual blend of historic and modern features, including an ornamental lake and a children's play area. An intriguing array of artworks celebrates the city's connection with Lewis Carroll, who wrote his famous poem Jabberwocky whilst staying in the city.

Coastline

This area of the north East of England is famed for its miles of unspoilt coastline, with golden sands and stunning cliffs. Award winning Roker and Seaburn beaches in Sunderland; Whitley Bay, Cullercoats, Tynemouth Longsands and King Edward's Bay in North Tyneside; Marsden Bay, the Leas and the seaside resort of South Shields in South Tyneside all provide an ideal location whether you want to find a quiet cove to relax, take a stroll along the cliff tops or enjoy many coastal activities such as water sports or traditional seaside fun.

MetroCentre, Gateshead.

MetroCentre is the largest shopping and leisure centre in Europe and offers a not to be missed shopping experience with high street outlets, department stores and speciality shops in atmospheric themed areas. With more than 300 shops and stores, leisure facilities including an 11 screen cinema, Megabowl bowling alley and Quasar Laser plus more than 50 places to eat and drink, your choice is whether to go for serious shopping or just a day out. Either way, there's always a treat in store for all the family.

Angel of the North, Gateshead.

One of the most visible symbols of North East pride, the celebrated 'Angel', built from 200 tonnes of steel, was created by Antony Gormley OBE. It stands 20m high which is taller than four double-decker buses, and is seen by 33 million people every year. This magnificent icon which was named as one of the Seven Wonders of Britain by the Sunday Times, will celebrate its 10th birthday in 2008.

Roman Heritage

Arbeia Roman Fort in South Shields and Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths & Museum in Wallsend are parts of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site and provide a unique insight into life on Hadrian's Wall 2,000 years ago. At Segedunum the viewing tower provides a panoramic view of the excavated fort site and the reconstructed Roman Bath House. The galleries feature exhibits from the excavation and there is also an industry gallery. The excavated remains and reconstructions at Arbeia provide a fascinating insight into life in Roman Britain. At the Museum of Antiquities in Newcastle you can see a fascinating collection of Roman altars.

Christian Heritage

South Tyneside and Sunderland have a rich Christian heritage. At Bede's World in South Tyneside, you can discover what life was like in Anglo-Saxon Britain. Bede's World is also the gateway to the Wearmouth-Jarrow monastic site, one of the most vibrant cultural centres of Europe in the 7th century which comprises St Paul's Church in Jarrow and St Peter's Church in Wearmouth, Sunderland, where the Venerable Bede lived and worked more than 1,300 years ago. Wearmouth-Jarrow is to be the UNESCO UK's nomination for World Heritage Site status in 2010.

Maritime Heritage

North Shields Fish Quay dates back to the 13th Century. The fascinating quay has a Scheduled Ancient Monument in Clifford's Fort, built in the 17th Century as part of a network of coastal defences against the Dutch. The fish quay is the perfect place to breathe salty air, eat some fish and chips and watch the passing boats and ships on the River Tyne. Souter lighthouse in South Tyneside was the first lighthouse in the world to be lit by reliable electric means. Now a National Trust property, visitors can explore the engine room, examine the keeper's cottage and enjoy the amazing views from the top of the tower.

Castle Keep and The Cathedral Church of St Nicholas

These two beautiful buildings are located in the oldest and most historic part of Newcastle, known as the "Heart of the City". Built between 1168-1178, The Castle Keep is a Grade I listed building and one of the finest examples of a Norman Keep in the country. The Anglican Cathedral Church of St Nicholas dates mainly from the 13th and 14th centuries. Its most distinguishing feature is the Lantern Tower (1448).

Tynemouth

The picturesque village of Tynemouth is a must for visitors; its Front Street is dominated at the seaward end by the magnificent English Heritage attraction of Tynemouth Priory and Castle. The relaxed atmosphere is perfect to browse the many antique shops or rest awhile with a coffee and cake. The nearby Victorian Metro station has a lively market at weekends selling a wide range of goods such as books, music and household bric-a-brac.