Wander around and look up to enjoy the combination of some of the finest neo-classical and contemporary architecture in the country. The gorgeous golden sandstone in the Grainger Town area and the cutting edge developments on Gateshead Quays will finally put pay to any of your southern preconceptions that it's grim up north!

Classical: Grainger Town, Grey Street, Grainger Street, Monument area.
Contemporary: Gateshead Quays

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A very good regional gallery & museum. A couple of very good Landseer's overlook the cafe's interior. Seeing the paintings by John Martin (a local) is worth the visit alone; also, a good walk around of Newcastle's history. Family friendly.

New Bridge Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8AG.
On the "Blue Carpet" at the bottom of John Dobson Street. Five minutes walk eastwards from Monument Metro.
Telephone: (0191) 232 7734

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It is a huge commercial art gallery selling everything from crafts to sculpture and canvasses. It is free to visit and the Byker Vista cafe and Black door restaurant have great food. Close by there are other artists' studios and galleries.

Shieldfield, Newcastle.

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For something a bit different on a weekend & only 20 minutes from the city.

Hop on the Metro & explore the weekly market housed in the Victorian railway station, lots of books, crafty stuff, and bric-a-brac to wade through, with a farmer's market once a month. Then potter through the town centre, check out the priory ruins, stroll on the sandy beach, watch the surfers, and then hop on the Metro at Cullercoats or Whitley Bay back to town.

Tynemouth Market, Tynemouth Metro Station

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Open to the public, this is the largest independent library outside of London and a real gem.

Housed in a magnificent Grade II listed building, just how a library should be with balconies, clanking radiators, statues and spiral staircases.

Best of all it offers the perfect sanctuary to escape from the hustle of the city to while away a few hours poking around the book shelves stuffed full of fascinating reads, drinking coffee or catching recitals.

The Lit & Phil
23 Westgate Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
www.litandphil.org.uk
Tel 0191 232 0192

Nearest Rail & Metro Stations: Central Station

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Lovely walk whatever the weather. Pubs and restaurants all round, lots of people enjoying the atmosphere - and the Sage and the Baltic are open just about all year round.

By the river!

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