The Millennium Bridge or "Blinking Eye Bridge" that connects Newcastle with Gateshead

The diamond of the north, Newcastle has come a long way since the decline of heavy industry in the '80s.

The city has been reborn as the trendy cultural capital of the northeast, known for its nightlife, brown ale and as the host of the world's biggest half marathon.

First stop on your tour of the city should be the Quayside, whether it's to view the latest exhibition at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, party hard with the locals, catch a concert at Norman Foster's latest creation The Sage, or take in the magnificent view of the bridges spanning the river Tyne, connecting Newcastle to the north with Gateshead in the south.

In Newcastle, football (don't call it soccer) is not just a pastime - it's a religion. St James' Park is Newcastle United's hallowed football ground. On a match day it is a sea of black and white and the cheers of "Howay the lads!' and rowdy renditions of Blaydon Races can be heard all over town.

Just beyond the city itself, get lost in the gardens at Alnwick Castle - the magical setting of Harry Potter's Hogwarts, hike in the wilds of Northumberland, visit the seal colonies at Holy Island or be transported back to Victorian England at Beamish open-air museum.

While you're travelling in the northeast, why not pay your respects to the controversial modern sculpture the Angel of the North, the lengthy Roman fortifications of Hadrian's Wall and Durham's stunning cathedral.