This is a cracking real ale pub at the top of the slope leading down to the South Shields ferry. Excellent beers are always on offer and you can often get a quick taster to help you make your mind up. It's friendly, cosy and inviting and you can't beat grabbing a berth in one of the pub's two bay windows for unsurpassed views across the Tyne to North Shields.

River Drive, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE33 1JR. Nearest Metro station: South Shields (or you can pile off the Shields ferry and head up the bank)

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This is a five minute crossing of the River Tyne between North and South Shields which presents a panorama of cranes on the banks of the mighty Tyne. They stand like giant preying mantis etched on the western sky, looking bereft. The ships which were once their prey are gone, now made in warmer climes where the workers can be paid less. The lovely wee ferry provides a glimpse, an echo, of more heroic times when a worker took pride in wages earned by real skills.

And to the east lies the North Sea, as cold and uninviting as it sounds. Yet still the trawlers venture out of the mouth of the Tyne in search of the mighty cod, and Norway beckons, inviting the Geordie to embark on a yet more arduous ferry journey to frigid fjords where they can languish on the latitude of an Arctic circle.

Take the metro from the centre of Newcastle to North Shields then follow the Pedestrian Ferry signs to the River Tyne. Upon disembarking take the metro from South Shields back to Newcastle. The Day Saver ticket on the metro covers the cost of the ferry.

Children love this adventure, and a great pint of ale can be had at the Alum pub by the ferry at South Shields.

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Go up to the top on the roof and take your camera. It's great for views of the Tyne Bridges, over the station, over the river and out of the city.

Nearest station - Central Station.
Near the quayside
museums.ncl.ac.uk/keep/

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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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From the outside this looks as if it could be the scariest bar in Newcastle.

However once you've plucked up courage and opened the door, you'll find that although stuck in a time warp decor-wise - somewhere in the mid70s, this serves the best beer in Newcastle with views to better those from the Baltic.

Oh and the graffiti in the toilets contains some absolute masterpieces – well worth a read. A perfect place for a Sunday afternoon pint. Well worth the hike along the quayside & up the nettle strewn path.

St Lawrence Road, Byker
0191 265 5764
Nearest Metro: Manors

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The Angel of the North is an amazing peice of art and is over 20 metres tall. It welcomes people to Gateshead and Newcastle and there's a great view of it from A1 motorway. I would really recommend standing at the Angel's feet and looking up - its a sight to behold.

About 3 miles from Newcastle city centre, next to the A1. Get the bus from Pilgrim Street, Newcastle.

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Unique to Newcastle and situated above a door way behind St Nicolas' Cathedral. A strange rabbit gargoyle – no-one knows why it's there or how it got there in the first place.

Behind St Nicolas' Cathedral

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The Seven Stories is an ongoing project that preserves original manuscripts and artwork from renowned childrens' authors such as Allan and Janet Alberg, JK Rowling, Tony Ross, Michael Bond. This is a fun, interactive environment for children and adults that subtley encourages reading and learning through play.

Also there are regular events where authors and illustrators will visit, give a reading of their work and sign books for visitors too. The ground floor is also host to an excellent bookstore dedicated to the very best in children's literature.

Workshops are regularly available throughout the summer and the cafe is well worth a visit for a quick refuelling and a nice view of the river! Or if a big lunch is required pop along to the Cluny, where they do a mean handmade beef burger, with handcut chips and salad.

See www.sevenstories.org.uk for information about events, and detailed directions.

Seven Stories 30 Lime Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2PQ.

Close to Byker Metro Station, but if you are feeling energetic take a good walk along the Quayside or get off at the very last stop on the Q2 bus (Runs Haymarket-Quayside) and ask your driver for further directions.

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For eating, drinking & a great gallery in The Baltic. It's not necessary to use the Quayside Link as the walk from Grey's Monument down Grey Street and Dean Street to The Side passes some of the finest architecture in Britain, never mind England. There are also a few good pubs and some excellent restaurants on the way to the quay and at the bottom on the right-hand side you will find the wonderful "Side Gallery"

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If you want to see Newcastle in all of its multi-level glory, the best place to be is on the viewing platform of Baltic, the art gallery on the Gateshead side of the Quayside. It's wonderful to look down on such a busy, beautiful city.

Baltic, Gateshead Quays. Use the handy 'Quaylink' bus direct from the centre of Newcastle.

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