You can't visit Newcastle without a walk down to the waterfront, and of course see the iconic Tyne Bridge. We were there on a Sunday and walked from the side of the bridge along the river to the Millenium pedestrian bridge as there were small stalls all the way along which were selling everything from hot drinks to dog treats. There was a food area with international foods at reasonable prices and the atmosphere was really good.

What happened to Old Tyne Bridge? The stone bridge was constructed but then damaged by flood in 1339. Repairs proved costly and took place in sections: it was not fully repaired, as a part stone and part wooden bridge, until the 16th century and was part destroyed by a great flood in November 1771.

Would you go to London and not visit Big Ben? Well. probably. It really isn't that good to be honest. Would you visit Birmingham without seeing The Bullring? Definitely, it's dreadful. Would you visit Newcastle without seeing the Tyne Bridge? Of course not, it's a beauty. Most of the reason for the visit to the area was to see the bridge in all it's glory. It was worth the trip, without doubt. Almost a century old, the great steel structure is a wonderful sight still doing the job it was designed for all those years ago. A must see.