As other visitors have noted - and this includes Bill Bryson in his Notes From A Small Island, an…read moreopportunity is being missed by there being no visitors centre or just somewhere to have a sit down...at my age, I don't do grass sitting...that's best left to those under 10 and this combined with the poor parking leads to an overall impression that visitors are not particularly welcomed. It's a puzzler why Gateshead mbc have chosen not to develop the site further...make no mistake, I do not crave a mcdonalds or burger king, but what the heck is wrong with a few seats and a centre? I often think overseas visitors must be sorely disappointed. Maybe mr gormley made the council swear they'd leave it well alone...adding to the feeling of visiting a remote, yet peaceful space which transcends us into an other worldliness like heaven...well, either that or the council have run out of cash...

Standing at 75 meters tall, it is the largest sculpture of an angel in the world. The Angel of the…read moreNorth is a very impressive sculpture in Gateshead. You can get to the Angel via bus, the 21 Angel bus service between Brandon and Durham stops here, and also goes via Newcastle city centre and Gateshead Interchange, do be advised it is pretty much in the middle of nowhere and there are no food/drink or even toilet facilities nearby, so do plan ahead. The Angel is such a beautiful structure, it is actually viewed by approximately 33 million people a year, due to people passing on the A1 and East Coast Mainline, but it really is much better up close and in person when physically visiting the statue. The field it is located in is an ideal place for a picnic with a great review, especially when the weather is nice. 4*

Love coming here. I really only come here now for the view at the top of the castle. I find it very…read morepeaceful and a wonderful place to unwind after class. They offer a nice student discount. Climbing the stairs to reach the top is well worth it if you are physically able! Just another gem of Newcastle.

Well, after going to the Edinburgh Castle this is not as impressive. It is cool that is such an…read moreold building, but I wish it had more going on inside, it is pretty much empty and you just climb and climb until you get to the top, which is the best part. You can see the whole town and the view is pretty nice.

Only on a few times on the summer this is once again on in September. Lots of artisan food stalls…read more Things to eat and drink. The Staiths is such an interesting place too! Not a great location for parking, but it's a nice cycle or walk from the city centre on the south side of the river. I bought hot sauce, deep fried avocado taco and peanut butter. Worth a trip!

A small, but nice castle to walk through. Not too bad either at £4 per person. Offers some nice…read moreviews of Newcastle from the top. Worth the stop

I came across this odd landmark a few years ago doing geocaching. Having never seen or heard of one…read morein the UK before I found it rather intriguing. What it is, is a sulphur spring right beside the river tees. The smell of rotten eggs greats you as you approach down a small path but after about 5 minuets the smell no longer seems to be there however if you move away some distance and return it's back like a bad smell. Apparently it has some healing properties according to the Victorians who flocked to taste the waters. Having had a little taste my self it wasn't that inviting. The original fountain was replaced in 2000 but still looks the part (see images). If you are heading up teesdale via Barnard Castle then it's on the way. A small lay-by is provided to park in and then it's just a short 100m walk down a path.

The Penshaw Monument is a tourist attraction, which is great for pictures and walking. Located a…read moregood 3 miles from the Tyne and Wear Metro system, the monument is a good afternoon trip from Newcastle or Sunderland. Pack a lunch and wear some comfortable clothes, this monument and the adjacent walking trails are hidden treasures of the Northeast.

This would once have been a beautiful building. Unfortunately, after Henry VIII disbanded monastic…read morecommunities in England, Wales and Scotland in the 1500s, all that remains is the gatehouse. This functioned as a vicarage to the local church and is now in the care of English Heritage and probably dates back to the 1100s. Definetly worth the walk, or the drive.

Legend has it that the Abbey on Inchcolm Island in the Forth, began when King Alexander I was…read moreshipwrecked in 1123, and took shelter in a hermit's hovel. After the hermit saved his life, the King decided to build a priory on the Island. In any case it was definitely a priory by the mid 13th century when in 1235 it became an Abbey and grew from there. Inchcolm Abbey is regarded as one of the best preserved medieval monastic building complexes. It really is impressive. To get here you need to get one of two ferry services from Queensferry (make you sure you choose the option to get off at the Island and don't just pay for the cruise) which takes about thirty minutes. Once there you are free to explore the Abbey (and the rest of the island). It really is a great trip, if you're anything like me and generally like ruined piles of stone. But in all seriousness so much of it is still intact, that you really get a feel for the place. Actually it can become a bit maze like with all its stairs and many floors. One particular nerve racking part involves a steep climb up some very small winding stairs. These monks really were midgets! In fact I'm quite surprised Historic Scotland still lets visitors climb these precarious heights, but I'm glad they do. From the top of the tower you get a fantastic view of the Island and across the Forth. It also makes a great family day out, especially with the cruise to boot. Kids love to run around the Island and if its a nice day it makes a perfect picnic venue.

Just because we live in Edinburgh doesn't mean we can't enjoy the city. The folks who run the city…read morecentre (Waverley Bridge) bus tours also run a boat to Inchcolm Abbey. Go for it - an absolutely brilliant and fascinating day out. Couple of tips, buy coffee on board, if you get off at Inchcolm (do, it's amazing) either take a picnic or have a meal before or after the cruise. They only have very expensive bottled drinks and biscuits and chocolate on the island. Take your camera, wear flat shoes and comfy clothes and go for a paddle if its warm. Look out for the seals, so cute. Fantastic day out for all ages.

An iconic landmark and central meeting place for the people of Newcastle! Standing 40m high pride…read moreof place amidst the hustle and bustle of the city centre shops and right next to Monument metro station at the top of Grey Street. A statue of Charles Grey stands proudly at the top and at the base of the monument you will most commonly see the people of Newcastle waiting to meet friends as well as the occasional busker or political protest! The expanse of land around the monument is home to seasonal markets, events and summer outdoor film screenings so this really is the central point of the city centre! Not everyone may be fully aware of the history behind it.....but regardless it remains an iconic symbol for Geordies. They occasionally run tours to the top of the monument offering a fantastic view over the city but this is ad hoc so you have to keep your eyes peeled!

Wonderful meeting in the town centre. Greys looks down famous Grey street…read more Home to the monument metro station you will find lots of bands busking here. People doing magic. And much more. In the summer they have big movie screens and you can watch film in the town centre. Lots of shops near by. Very nice.