MetroCentre, Gateshead, is perhaps our best known shopping centre, and no wonder, with over 300 shops under one roof!

Fashion is high on our list and designer divas should head for Linthorpe Road in Middlesbrough, the stylish stores around Newcastle's Grainger Town, the quirky shops of Durham's Saddler Street and the exclusive boutiques in Yarm and Jesmond. Alternatively, if you're looking for bargains, Dalton Park near Seaham has year-round reductions on the most desirable designer labels and Royal Quays Outlet Shopping at North Shields is a treasure trove of well-known names at amazing discounted prices.

The cities all have an excellent range of High Street names conveniently ranged around largely traffic-free areas, such as Newcastle's Northumberland Street, Durham's Silver Street or the centre of Sunderland. It's good to know you're only ever a coffee bean's throw from a pavement café, lively bar or breezy lunch stop.

Looking for the off-beat and original? Head to one of the market towns (most are less than 40 minutes from city centres) or cosmopolitan suburbs. Jesmond in Newcastle, for instance, has designer jewellers, interiors shops and, at the Biscuit Factory, some very affordable art. Wandering the pretty streets of Corbridge or Guisborough, you can't fail to find an unusual gift or piece of homeware while market towns such as Barnard Castle and Alnwick, or coastal Tynemouth, are great browsing spots for antiques.

Art and craft galleries are spread throughout the region, from Tweedmouth's Tower House Pottery to the stained glass, embroidery and textile arts at Fowler's Yard in Durham and modern art at Gallerina in Darlington. Often, like Kirkharle Courtyard near Kirkwhelpington, they're in villages just off the main roads. Ask for our free pocket guide for detailed shopping information.