Exceptional, not-to-be missed gallery/museum. As an American visitor, I think some of the 4-star…read morereviews come from Brits and other European visitors who are used to the expansive and impressive collections, such as the British museum. It is small, as they have noted, but the quality of the curation more than makes up for its size, which isn't that small in comparison to our pitiful museums in the US. I was most impressed with the curation of the 19th century works with more modern pieces. The galleries tell a story. This isn't a museum to rush through. Reading the descriptions of each piece really helps you see the total theme of each exhibit. That is some detailed work by the museum staff, and one that should be applauded. Also of note: what a fantastic museum gift shop! Perfect for those local artisan gifts and museum pieces that you won't find in other shops. That alone is worth a stop (and doesn't require a ticket to enjoy).

Laing is a smallish but distinguished, well-maintained gallery of "traditional" art, with an…read moreemphasis on the 18th and 19th centuries (both British and international). It is housed in an ambitiously designed building that fuses old and new architecture. It looks much bigger from outside, the actual galleries are few and small. Expect to spend nor more than 1 hour at this place, which makes it perfect for a rainy day (which this was). Laing Art Gallery is located on the corner of New Bridge St. and John Dobson Street (opposite of the bus stop where many of the cross-country bus services, by like Megabus, stop). Its permanent collection is free of charge. and contrary to what I had read previously in forums, I DID take non-flash photos and didn't do it secretly, so it's allowed. Don't expect too much though: While there are indeed several masterpieces by British (Holman Hunt, Burne-Jones, Alma-Tadema) and international painters, the total number of paintings is low, and there's mostly exactly 1 painting per master. This might have to more with the size of the exhibition space than the actual collection, as their website claims that paintings are exchanged regularly to "show the impressive range of art". Anyway, compared to the faux and crap modern art at The Baltic Centre on the other side of Newcastle's city centre, Laing is pure gold. There are also examples of local and regional crafts and arts. See some photos for reference.

My personal favourite place to buy meat, veggies and bread…read more Big barn type market in the centre of Newcastle. Numerous stalls that offer all types of different services. Numerous award winning butchers that offer prime cuts of meat, fantastic mince and healthy plump chickens and eggs! Wonderful bakery that makes the best breads and pastry I have tried. Wonderful vegetables and fruit stands where you get can a serious deal on great vegetables. Cheapest and most authentic pick and mix selection I have ever seen Fish monger, show repair, tea shop, cafes, clothing and boot sale, cd shops, home repair, clothing alterations ... Even a room with a scale in it! Grainger Market is magical. A must see, I consider the market a tourist attraction because of how traditional it is. The people in the booths all seem very authentic and very helpful.

It took me far too long to actually go to Grainger market. I love places with lots of little…read moreindividual businesses. I was used to markets being places with cheap tat and someone with a thick Black Country accent yelling from a van about sausages, and it's just definitely not like that here. There are still veggies, butchers (and decent cheeses to boot), but there are some seriously talented craftspeople too. It's good for a look around even if you don't feel like buying anyth8ng, odds are you probably will end up doing so.

The exhibitions at this small gallery change regualrly…read more There is a small hands on area for children with some great wooden mosaic manipulatives amongst other things. Regular children's activities during holidays and weekends. Late night openings sometimes too.

Lovely building with great architecture, has something for all ages, well worth a visit, been…read morepopping in for nearly 40 years!!

I love the exterior of this building but the interior is a major disappointment with 5 floors of…read morenothing, a total waste of space. This is supposed to be a building to house contemporary art but the art was very minimal and nothing that excited or inspired or touched me in any way. The only good thing I can say about this gallery is the roof top terrace gives a fabulous view of the bridges and the shop has some cool things but apart from that, it left me uninspired and disappointed.

I came across it by accident. It was a very foggy Saturday morning in Newcastle and my head was…read morebegging for a cup of coffee. First I spotted the cafe, then the bookstore, which was a treasure trove of sorts, then I noticed the label Free Entry and I was already walking towards the reception desk. The receptionist met me with a very warm smile eager to welcome me and tell me about the exhibitions - from all five floors, only two were open. The ground floor contained an installation by Jordan Baseman and the second floor had a pharmacy exhibit by Damien Hirst. Baseman's work consisted of three audio/video clips with disturbing stories of people being sexually harressed or somehow psychologically damaged or scarred. The second exhibition was a bit disappointing: in a very small room the whole arrangement was that of a pharmacy store with the counter installed in too. Only after reading the brochure I realized the artist's idea behind it, which I found a bit fa-fetched and untruthful. I spent almost an hour inside because of the shop and the cafe which treated me with a great service: I bought a melting chocolate flapjack and a hot cup of espresso. For such a lovely architectural design, I though it was a bit of a shame that they do not to use the whole space for art, I am sure there is a lot of interesting art that could be and should be made available to the public.

Currently the Outsiders Newcastle Gallery has become "The International Bank of TrustoCorp" by…read moreAmerican art collective, TrustoCorp. It has been said that the motives for Trustocorp's works aren't aligned with a specific political or artistic ideology. Instead it is a gut reaction to tell the world how stupid it is. Hence their previous works have been showcased in a mainstream environment including fake products in grocery stores, fake tabloid magazines on newsstands, and street signs. During this art exhibit, many installations and interactive pieces are presented. These new works are more abstract but contain the same element of bold and detailed imagery to catch the viewers attention. On view til November 10, 2012.

DRAWING IN PROGRESS, which runs from November 26th to March 20th 2011, is a collection of 40…read morepost-war American drawings that will now form part of the gallery's permanent collections. This exhibition is the perfect opportunity to highlight the fantastic work acquired to date. and entry is FREE

The Centre Square has plenty of benches, a lovely grass area, some fountains (which are usually…read morefenced off but occasionally you can walk in them) and a large TV screen. The large screen usually just shows the news channel but does show special events like the Olympics, films, concerts etc. There's the large Bottle of Notes sculpture, a pretty pond (which often has ducks) and the library nearby too. Teens/students (usually the 'alternative/emo' crowd) tend to hang around the Centre Square but they never seem like intimidating groups. Just watch out for the odd frisbee heading in your direction! MIMA (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art) is a free entry art gallery which has different exhibitions on throughout the year so it's a place you can definitely visit more than once. Unless there's a school party inside, it's generally a very quiet gallery, sometimes a little too quiet and I feel a bit awkward walking around on my own. The gallery has three floors, although there's not always an exhibition on each floor, it varies. There's a large staircase to get to each floor, or a lift if you're not a stair-person. They often have plenty of free leaflets about the art work on display, plus a small shop where you can buy various art-related stuff. There are a couple of seats around the gallery, but they also provide free fold-up stools so you can sit and study the art for longer. Overall, I would say it's a great gallery, you can probably spend about an hour looking around (depending on what's there at the time) and it's well-worth a visit. It's free so you're not losing out if you don't like it!

The gallery is part of Newcastle University nestled in a courtyard beside the fine art department…read moreand is worth taking the 5 minute walk from the city centre to check out. It has it's own collection however there is a lovely vibrancy about it probably helped by the fact it interacts with with art department by having a common entrance and contemporary art exhibitions. The staff were very knowledgeable and I recommend spending a few minutes talking to them about the building, as much as the shows, as it'll make your experience. Did I mention it's free?

In the heart of Newcastle a welcome rest and place to spend the night. 4 minute walk from Monument…read moreMetro stop and 6 minute walk to Newcastle Train station. Lots of shops and bars close by. 10/10

Standing at 75 meters tall, it is the largest sculpture of an angel in the world. The Angel of the…read moreNorth is a very impressive sculpture in Gateshead. You can get to the Angel via bus, the 21 Angel bus service between Brandon and Durham stops here, and also goes via Newcastle city centre and Gateshead Interchange, do be advised it is pretty much in the middle of nowhere and there are no food/drink or even toilet facilities nearby, so do plan ahead. The Angel is such a beautiful structure, it is actually viewed by approximately 33 million people a year, due to people passing on the A1 and East Coast Mainline, but it really is much better up close and in person when physically visiting the statue. The field it is located in is an ideal place for a picnic with a great review, especially when the weather is nice. 4*

His hair is shit but he has a massive huge cock. Honestly he does…read more He likes other things that I don't want to tell you!

An iconic landmark and central meeting place for the people of Newcastle! Standing 40m high pride…read moreof place amidst the hustle and bustle of the city centre shops and right next to Monument metro station at the top of Grey Street. A statue of Charles Grey stands proudly at the top and at the base of the monument you will most commonly see the people of Newcastle waiting to meet friends as well as the occasional busker or political protest! The expanse of land around the monument is home to seasonal markets, events and summer outdoor film screenings so this really is the central point of the city centre! Not everyone may be fully aware of the history behind it.....but regardless it remains an iconic symbol for Geordies. They occasionally run tours to the top of the monument offering a fantastic view over the city but this is ad hoc so you have to keep your eyes peeled!

Wonderful meeting in the town centre. Greys looks down famous Grey street…read more Home to the monument metro station you will find lots of bands busking here. People doing magic. And much more. In the summer they have big movie screens and you can watch film in the town centre. Lots of shops near by. Very nice.