1. The Sage :

A visually stunning building in silver metal set into the south bank of the River Tyne. It symbolises the new, high flying, Newcastle, vibrant , hi tech  and leading the way as a party capital. The Sage plays host to an unrivalled roster of musical performers, from Chris de Burgh to Fiddles on Fire , from Northern Sinfonia to tribute bands of all the major rock acts. Go and have a coffee in this amazing building with its  panoramic view of both the river and the city. www.thesagegateshead.org

2. 7 Stories : Outside of a Hollywood movie, where could you find a 7 storey building devoted to books for children ?. In the Uk there’s only one such place, Newcastle.                                             
7 Stories in Ouseburn, houses  a  wonderland of characters which children have adored for years . Winnie the Pooh, Mowgli and Baloo, Horrid Henry, Beatrix Potter, Harry Potter, and many many more –they’re all there ,some you’ll know ,others you’ll discover.And it doesn’t stop at just books, there’s story telling going on all the time and kids can join in with dressing-up and dramatic fun, creative writing and wordplay, illustration and crafts.
Take your kids and find out how much fun your own childhood memories still are.

www.sevenstories.org.uk

3. The Old George : Don’t you agree, there’s something mind blowing about drinking in the same pub where Charles I drank in 1646 ?. If you’re a history buff or even if you’re not, don’t  miss the uniqueness of a visit to The Royal George , probably the oldest pub in the city . It well repays  the short walk to Newcastle’s Bigg market because this former coaching inn is such a one off with its low ceilings and wooden beams. Spend time in the Charles 1 Room, the king even left his chair behind for you to sit in.

4. The Bridges : London may have the Thames but Newcastle has the legendary RiverTyne,  which has been immortalised in song, floated night clubs, raced on and berthed tall ships. Lets go outside and wander along this iconic waterway which has always been the beating heart of Newcastle. There’s no better way to see it than through the eyes of its famous 7 bridges.Wander to  the enigmatic Tyne Bridge, slavishly copied by the Aussies in Sydney harbour, soak up the city, at the The High Level  which precariously carries the railway and on toThe Swing Bridge designed by the genius of Lord Armstrong and the newcomer, the £22m Millenium Bridge plus the rest of the family, the King Edward VII, The Queen Elizabeth II and The Redheugh. For  keen walkers, there are actually 8 others ? See if you can  find them all ?.

5. Laing Art Gallery : we all love pictures,after all thats what our brains work in .We may not agee with each other’s choices but don’t we just love to argue and disagree ! So if you want to see, contemporary art ? modern art ? historical art ,well its all at The Laing Art Gallery in the centre of Newcastle, a beautiful building with beautiful things inside. Its also free and open seven days.

The Laing has so much and haseven developed a new concept in art called the Eye to Eye Gallery,  but I’m not letting any cats out of any bags, go and see for yourself.Well worth it.

6. International Centre for life :

At school, we all knew that the subjects which made us yawn,  were probably quite fascinating if we could only dump the boring bits . We live in an  incredible world  with amazing things like astronomy, archaeology, evolution and dinosaurs happening all around us and they all make sense once they’re unravelled for us.

The Centre for Life is a place where they make all of this stuff fun. They have an amazing collection of exhibits to see and interact with , for parents  and kids alike.Thousands of visitors have already been thrilled by this wonderland of fascinating information.  Do you know how fire really works ? then come and find out. (for free child entry visit the website link below or click the image above.

www.life.org.uk

7. The Curry Train What is the best kept secret in the North East ? Well, every year 10,000 people sneak out of  Newcastle  aboard a train which never stops at any town. Your correspondent can now reveal that people are lured into the depths of the glorious Northumbrian countryside by a Mr Daraz Aziz who proceeds to give them one of the finest Indian meals anywhere. This nightly Curry Train has been running from Newcastle to Corbridge Station since 1990 and gives the combined pleasure of a 20 mile rail journey through super scenery plus an outstanding meal in the superb  Valley restaurant which was the former railway station.It is unique and something everyone should experience, its fabulous. Mine’s a Rogan Josh and Peshwari Nan, Mr Aziz please!

8. Tynemouth :

The old English Music Hall song “Oh I do like to be beside the seaside” dates back to 1907. It sums up us Brits love of sand and sea. So, if you’re in Newcastle, you must go and see Tynemouth. This village about 10 miles from the city,comprises buildings from the 18th and 19th century, its beautiful, Catherine Cooksonish and you’ll fall in love with it !! It also has stunning beaches , the famous Longsands, where you can surf, sail, wind surf, jetski, sub-aqua, swim and canoe.The icing on the cake is its ancient Priory and Castle, dating back to the 11th Century. Travel back in time to a unspoiled place where you’ll naturally relax into a carefree mood. www.english-heritage.org.uk/

9. Boat trip down the Tyne: Give yourself atreat for a few hours, by escaping the hustle and bustle of the city to take a cruise on its famous River Tyne.On a River Escapes cruise, with the wind in your hair you’ll see world renowned landmarks like the Millennium Bridge, Tyne Bridge, The Sage, the Baltic Centre for Comtemporary Art plus many scenes from historical TV dramas.Cruise to the mouth of the River Tyne and see Catherine Cookson country ( the famous South Shields ) or go the other way, upriver to Ryton Willows. You’ll also be treated to a fascinating commentary on the region’s history from a knowledgeable guide, while you sit back with your relaxing drink or  tempting snack. Scheduled cruises run throughout year.

10.Newcastle Races : Most of us love The Sport of Kings and Newcastle is home to 30 race meetings spanning both the Flat & National Hunt Seasons.The Racecourse also boasts two 18-hole golf courses a driving range, nature reserve, public house. 2009 first half highlights include:

• April: Grand National Day .
• May: Bank Holiday Family Fun Day .
• May: Ladies Night  
• June - 3 day Northumberland Plate Festival: the highlight of the year at Newcastle.
• July: Beeswing Ladies Day - dress to impress at this ever-popular race day.

The course is set in 812 acres of glorious grass and woodland and is located just three miles north of Newcastle city centre and is easily accessible by road, rail and air.

www.newcastle-racecourse.co.uk/

Top Ten List written by Brian Walker