Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, or Newcastle as it is more commonly known, has worked hard to throw off its image as a dreary, industrial city and to develop a thriving tourism industry. Clearly successful in its attempts at regeneration, Newcastle has now become a highly popular UK weekend destination, particularly with the younger crowd who flock to its bars, restaurants and nightclubs, intent on having a good time.

Situated on the River Tyne's north bank, the city boasts a 2,000-year-old history and a treasure-trove of architecture, with the most classical buildings listed in the UK. Although the city really only reached prominence in the Industrial Revolution, it has long been a capital and defensive point of the north of England for the Romans and Saxons respectively. The city's origins as a Roman town are still evident in Hadrian's Wall, whose ruins can be seen stretching eastwards to Wallsend.

Today, these Roman ruins and the grand elegance of areas such as the neoclassical Grainger Town in the city centre contrast with the ultra modern buildings of the city's new Quayside development. Newcastle's waterfront glitters with chic boutiques, excellent restaurants, stylish hotels and modern art. The Gateshead Millennium Bridge, a work of art in itself, arches across the River Tyne to link Newcastle to Gateshead Quays.

The city's modern amenities lie comfortably alongside a myriad of historic sites, parks, traditional markets, galleries and museums, and although it may not yet be on everybody's list of top destinations, Newcastle is a thriving, vibrant city with plenty to offer the visitor.

Castle Keep and New Castle

Address: St Nicholas Street, Castle Garth Newcastle-Upon-Tyne

Admission: £4 (adults), under 18s free when accompanied by adult. 10am Monday to Saturday and 12pm on Sunday, last admission 4.15pm, close 5pm. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

Telephone: (0)191 232 7938

Hadrian's Wall

Address: Newcastle-Upon-Tyne

Admission: Free

Telephone: (0)1434 322 002

BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art

Address: South Shore Road, Gateshead Quays Newcastle-Upon-Tyne

Admission: Free Daily 10am to 6pm, Tuesdays 10.30am to 6pm. Last entry is 15 minutes before closing

Telephone: (0)191 478 1810