TYNE BRIDGE, such a stunner.

A great place to begin exploring is near central station and a firm favourite of things not to be missed is the Lit and Phil Library, not that visiting a library maybe high on your agenda for a weekend break or perhaps it is, no judgement here, either way, it’s a gorgeous building with tonnes of history and beautiful interiors, there are tours available too if so desired. Close by is Stephenson’s Quarter where you’ll find The Boiler Shop, an iconic music venue, steeped in history, appealing to railway lovers and music fans alike. Not forgetting The Telegraph Pub with wonderful roof terrace, The Common Room and its late opening cafe Bar, 5 Quarter if in need of a relax and recharge, yes please.

The Quayside is a place not to be missed, especially on a Sunday for the Quayside market where there are phenomenal food choices, local independent makers and other stalls available, it’s great to peruse or if you prefer you could watch it all unfold whilst taking in the views of the epic Tyne Bridge and having a drink at, By The River Brew. Fancy taking in some art whilst there? there is the Baltic, home to brilliant exhibitions, Six Baltic restaurant and an incredible viewing platform if you’d like to see Newcastle from a different perspective, always recommended anywhere you go, surely?

If markets are your thing then Newcastle has a few on offer, The Grainger Market with it’s recent roof refurb, worth a visit just for this, when the light hits and shines through onto the floor it’s a terrific sight to see - it’s the small things isn’t it? The Grainger Market has such a history which is apparent to see, opened in 1835 and home to one of the oldest, Marks and Spencers original Penny Bizaar, don’t cha know. The beauty of the market is the combination of old and new, traditionally and contemporary and how they work together to create a bustling space in the heart of the City. The independent businesses are plenty including Geordie Gifts, Bao Down, King Baby Bagels and traditional butchers, bakers and fruit and veg stalls, for more traders check here. Whether you’re wanting to pick up some supplies or take a seat and enjoy some scran (food in Geordie for anyone wondering?!), you can do it all under one glorious roof but don’t forget to look up while you’re there or anywhere really, sometimes the best things are spotted when eyes are wide and looking up. (Note: Put your phone down :)).

If you’re looking for craft, independent makers and creative markets check out Made Up North, Rebel Crafters and The Night Market UK.

Sage Gateshead

Young Hearts Run Free by Mul Draws

The Ouseburn is a hub for all things creative reflected by the random mix of street art dotted about the place, independent businesses and melting pot of initiatives which work well together to bring the area to life. There is the well known music venue, The Cluny, if you fancy a drink under a big bridge, who doesn’t? there is The Ship Inn, alongside here you’ll find The Ouseburn Farm or fancy a horse riding lesson, it is possible, as here lives Stepney Bank Stables.

If your ideal City break doesn’t consist of music or animals, then there are lots of options for food including Ernest, Brack Burger, Kiln and Cook House, to name a few. If you fancy taking a tour of the Victorian tunnels and learning more about the history of the area, tour options available here, you’ll also find, Northern Print, Ouseburn Garden, Seven Stories, Ernie, Cobalt Studios, The Tanners Arms and other gems waiting to be found.

Newcastle doesn’t fail to deliver on it’s food options no matter which area you are in, a particular favourite is The Magic Hat cafe, which is a fantastic initiative to tackle food waste, it rescues surplus food destined for landfill and creates magic with the ingredients. The exterior is covered in scaffold but don’t let that put you off, like all great things it’s whats on the inside that counts and the offerings on the inside are worth it.

Prefer to be entertained with a bit of theatre, options are endless, there is the Tyne theatre and Opera House, a must see historic building, stare at the ceiling and spot Shakespeare if you can, perhaps you’ll have to visit to understand, it’s like stepping back in time in the best possible way and another example of the outside not necessarily reflecting the inside. Alphabetti theatre a smaller DIY venue full of quirks and cool, a great space to pop in for a coffee or see some up and coming theatre. Not forgetting, the theatre Royal and Live Theatre. Art, venues and Museums are a plenty too, check out Laing Art Gallery, Discovery Museum, Hatton Gallery, Tyneside Cinema, The Biscuit Factory, Sage Gateshead, Wylam Brewery, Farrell Centre and a multitude of other culturally cool buildings and spaces. If you’re quick enough to get a ticket, there are tours of Grey’s monument, alongside Heritage walks run by local volunteers, what better way to see a City than through the eyes of a local.

The North East has a gorgeous coastline, alright it might be the North sea but with the rise in popularity of cold water immersion then the North East is bang on trend, if the sea can be trendy, it’s 2023 so anything is possible, I’m going with trendy North sea, who’s with me?

If you’re someone who wants to explore further a field on a City break, yep, hands up this is me, then the metro system makes it possible to travel further outside the City to stunning places such as Whitley Bay, Cullercoats, Tynemouth and beyond. Feeling adventurous, then head for a dip with Dip Club Official, if paddleboarding or other watersports are your thing then try CBK adventures or want to learn to surf, check out Surf Yonder. If you prefer to keep close to the City, there are options to be active but more central including the Cycle Hub, One Foot Forward Running Club and Tyne Bridges Kayaking experiences.

Did I miss anything? yep, I did, the music scene, record shops, charity shop trails, vintage emporiums, street art lurking everywhere and more but it’s always good to leave a little something to be explored and not lay it all out.

So all that’s left now, is so much more, isn’t there always? however, now it’s time to take your own adventure and make your mind up whether it is true what some might say, is it grim up North or is it actually a bit shiny? It is home to the magpies after all, so it would make sense. Answers on a postcard please, whilst sipping a Newcastle Brown or cuppa tea (Ringtons, of course), whatever your preference.