Newcastle

Newcastle upon Tyne, A coal port and shipbuilding centre for centuries, is today a lively industrial metropolis, overlooked by the majestic arch of the Tyne Bridge. Alleys slope down from the 12th-century Castle Keep and its Black Gate to the rejuvenated quayside, where old warehouses have been converted into stylish hotels, restaurants and bars.

NEWCASTLE CATHEDRAL
Built in the 13th-14th century on the site of an earlier Norman church, The Cathedral is a superlative building dedicated to St Nicholas. It is the Mother Church of the most northerly diocese in England. The Chapel of the Incarnation contains a dramatic stone sculpture. It has the oldest surviving and most ornate lantern tower, one of the best known landmarks of the city of which there are only three others in the country.

NEWCASTLE MILITARY VEHICLE MUSEUM
Over 50 historic military vehicles, from bicycles to armoured tanks, and a World War I trench and Anderson air raid shelter have been painstakingly restored and are now on display in the last surviving pavilion of the 1929 North East Coast Exhibition. A museum of WW2 and other military exhibitions created by members of the North East Military Vehicle Club.

THE TYNE BRIDGE
A prominent landmark, the bridge was built by Dorman Long of Middlesbrough and was the largest single-span bridge in Britain when it was opened in 1928 by King George V. It later served as the model for the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

NEWCASTLE CASTLE
The ' New Castle ', from which the city derives its name, was founded by Robert Curthose, the son of William the Conqueror, in 1080. Originally built of wood and earth, it was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century. The Keep has survived as has the Black Gate, which was cut off from the keep by the construction of a railway line in Victorian times. To this day it is one of the principal heritage attractions in the Northeast and is one of the best surviving examples of a Norman Keep in the country.

DISCOVERY MUSEUM
Themed galleries in the museum house exhibitions on the city's military history, maritime heritage and Victorian heyday. Also to be found are an interactive Science Factory and the 33m (100ft) Turbinia, once the world's fastest vessel. Topics covered include the Cities Roman past to the present fashion industry.

HANCOCK MUSEUM
An excellent natural history museum that first opened in 1884, it is named after celebrated local naturalists. The permanent galleries contain exhibits ranging from stuffed birds to fossils and include displays on ancient Egypt, natural history and geology. The Hancock Museum reveals the secrets of the natural world from the animal and insect world to the devastating forces of nature. tel: 0191 222 7418 / 222 6865

LAING ART GALLERY
The renowned gallery has an excellent collection of British art, a children's gallery and an award-winning 'Art on Tyneside' exhibition which traces the development of the region's art and craft tradition. It covers paintings from the 18th and 19th century and contemporary artwork. A diverse programme of family activities and resources are available.