Hexham
Close to Hadrian's Wall, Hexham is steeped in history. Superb Hexham Bridge, spanning the Tyne with its nine arches of stone, was built in 1793. The town has two medieval towers - the Old Gaol, which houses the Border History Museum telling the bloody story of the Reivers, and Moot Hall. And beautiful Hexham Abbey, with its ornate carvings.

Whitehaven - an 'England Gem Town'
The picturesque harbour dates back to 1633 and Whitehaven's mining began in the 13th Century. Get the full story at the Beacon and Haig Colliery Mining Museum, and uncover the 'Dark Spirit of Whitehaven' in the Rum Story.

Carlisle - The Great Border City
At Carlisle Castle you can explore chambers, stairways and dungeons and see the 'licking stones' which gave prisoners lifesaving moisture, and visit the Border Regiment Museum. The splendid Cathedral has superb oak carvings and the Citadel, once a prison, is an interesting place to spend time.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne
The world's first tilting bridge, the Millennium Bridge, gives you stunning views of the Tyne and the Newcastle and Gateshead quaysides. Close by are the Baltic Centre, Britain's newest national art gallery, and the striking Sage music centre.

Sunderland
The Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art showcases international new work, and Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens tells the town's story and more, with paintings by Lowry, Victorian masterpieces and a spectacular display of over 1500 flowers and plants. Other sparkling attractions are the National Glass Centre and Sunderland AFC's Stadium of Light.