Newcastle is a buzzing place and is frequently in the top ten lists of Britain's best cities.
Based by the River Tyne, it has been an important shipping and trading centre for centuries. Coal and wool trades were dominant for a time before the area became a major shipbuilding centre in the 19th century.
Despite the rise and fall of industries the city has always retained its' status as a regional centre and has benefited from major improvements over the years.
It's a popular spot for weekend getaways, with a thriving nightclub scene as well as trendy bars, restaurants and some of the best shopping in the north at the Metro Centre near Gateshead.
Tourist attractions worth seeking out include the Lain Art Gallery, the University Museum of Antiquities (which features the story of Hadrian's Wall) and the Hancock Museum, which concentrates on natural history.
