Half a mile of golden sand, and stretching a good distance back to the cliff slopes. Ideal for an afternoon in the sun, swimming and with a wonderful surf - it's one of the UK Surfing Championship locations. In the cooler months it's perfect for walking, jogging and sport; you'll even catch the Toon training there on occasions.

Tynemouth is an old village bursting with charm and history. Located at the mouth of the River Tyne, (surprisingly!), ten miles east of Newcastle it is easily accesible by the local Metro service or car.

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The Ouseburn Valley is perhaps Newcastle's best-kept secret: family friendly, a stone's throw from the city centre and stuffed full of characterful pubs, music venues, art galleries and culture hubs. It's got Seven Stories - the Centre for Children's Books - next to 36 Lime Street; a rabbit warren of artists' studios next to the Round; a brand new theatre in the round specialising in theatre for young people which is next to the Cluny, Newcastle's famous live music venue.

Up the hill is the Stepney Bank Stables, the City Farm is over the road, there's the anarchist cinema The Star and Shadow nestling up to the ArtWorks Gallery and the Tanners pub.

The river itself winds through the valley, passing most of the sights - a wander along the path next to it is a relaxing way to get your bearings.

The whole area is bursting with fun and unusual activities for all ages. Highly recommended, whether you want to enjoy a nice beer on the Green or spend a whole day exploring the best of Newcastle's culture.

Lime Street is the heart of the regenerated Ouseburn, slap-bang underneath Byker Bridge. Nearest Metro stops are Manors and Byker. Nearest bus stop is St Dominics (cross the road to the Tanners and head down Stepney Bank towards the massive factory chimney). The Q2 Yellow Bus stops at St Anne's Steps, a 5 minute walk from the Ouseburn.

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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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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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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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