The historic city on the Tyne (210 000 pop.) has developed rapidly in recent years.A good overview you have from the norman castle. Even more beautiful is the view of one of the seven bridges over the river Tyne. The High Level Bridge was opened in 1849, the first road and rail bridge in the world.

Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art The successful transformation of a grain warehouse on the south bank of the Tyne shows new art. Magnificant is the view from the roof of the restaurant. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm, entrance free. South Shore Road, Gateshead

food                                                                                                                                                              Blackfriars Café Bar Perhaps England's oldest dining room in a former convent from the 13th century Friar Street                    Café 21 Best british kitchen with french influence. 21 Queen Street

where to stay                                                                                                                                                      Youth Hostel Only about 15 minutes walk to City, 60 beds. 107 Jesmond Street                                                          Malmaison Hotel Currently the most hippy hotel in the Quayside. 120 rooms. Quayside

Hadrian's Wall Emperor Hadrian built in the year 122 of this wall, about 5 meters high and 120 km long. It was to built to seperate "the Romans from the barbarians" and to mark the end of the civilized world. Between Corbridge and Haltwhistle the watchtowers are still well preserved. An impression of the lives of the soldiers you can get at Fort Housesteads (daily fromApril to September. 10am-6pm, Oct. 10am-4pm -March, £ 3.80).