NewcastleGateshead is steeped in 2000 years of history which can be seen as we walk around part of the city, passing en-route locations such as:
Grainger Town – recently regenerated, the stylish Victorian and classical Georgian architecture was described as the “City of palaces” when it was completed in 1842.  In 2003, Grey Street was voted the best street in Britain.  St Nicholas Cathedral – dating mainly from the 13th and 14th centuries with its famous landmark of the lantern tower dating from 1448.  The Castle Keep and Black Gate – built over the Roman fort of Pons Aelius, the fortifications were first constructed in 1080 then rebuilt in 1168.  The Black Gate was one of the castle entrances, with a house constructed on top in the 17th century.  Newcastle Quayside – Bessie Surtees House, an 18th Century Merchants house linked with the story of Elizabeth Surtees (Bessie) who eloped with the future Lord Chancellor of England.  The panorama of the Seven Bridges – of the bridges spanning the gorge of the River Tyne linking Newcastle and Gateshead some of them are the world firsts and we take the opportunity to enjoy these also.  Cross the river by way of the Swing Bridge, build by William, Lord Armstrong.  Gateshead Quays visitor centre, housed in St Mary’s Parish Church.  There are wonderful panoramic views over both quaysides and inside displays and exhibits about the projects and history of the area including the church.  The Sage Gateshead – designed by Sir Norman Foster and Partners.  Due for completion in 2005 and will cater for music of all types including concert and education facilities.  It will also be the new home of the Northern Sinfonia.  BALTIC the Centre for Contemporary Art – built into the shell of a former flour mill and transformed into one of the largest display areas in the country spread over five galleries.  

Designated by UNESCO in 1987 as a world heritage site, we visit part of the Roman Frontier system built under the orders of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD122.  Some of the best preserved sections lie in the central sector.  Here we will visit Housesteads Roman Fort for our Guided Tour of the site.  Housesteads is the most completely excavated Roman Fort in Britain and in a very spectacular location.  We will have the opportunity to look at the remains which include barrack blocks, granaries, hospital, headquarters building, commandants house and the most ingenious latrines.  A unique extension to the south gate links back to the period of the border troubles.  After the site tour we take a short walk along the line of the wall and look at some of its special features.

Durham City is the capital of the County of Durham, the area known as the Land of the Prince Bishops.  It has a relaxed but fascinating atmosphere of a market town steeped in history.  Its story including the Prince Bishops will be brought to life by your guide on a walk through the city.  A guided tour of the great Norman Cathedral which dates from 1093 is the highlight of the visit.  In 1987 the area of the Cathedral and the Castle was designated a World Heritage Site demonstrating its international importance.

There are also wonderful panoramic views from the viewing platforms. The tour ends at Baltic Square next to the multi award winning Gateshead Millenium Bridge.