Sounds like A N o1 T OON

I WAS in my 20s when I last visited Newcastle and my memories of the city are somewhat hazy. with its spectacular view of the Tyne and its bridges, dozens of bars and restaurants and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.

After dinner at the excellent Blackfriars restaurant, located in a 13th century friary, and a good night’s sleep we were ready for more exploring.

There’s so much to see and do in the area – museums, art galleries, walking tours, Hadrian’s Wall and its Roman forts, the Angel of the North – but we headed for a day at the seaside. A 20-minute Metro ride took us to Tynemouth and King Edward’s Bay.

The small sandy beach enclosed by cliffs and grassy banks is perfect for paddling and making sandcastles. Be sure to get your lunch at the popular Riley’s Fish Shack.

Looming on high is Tynemouth Priory and Castle – the 2,000-yearold fortress where early kings of Northumbria were buried.

Now owned by English Heritage, it was a fascinating last stop on our fascinating Tyneside break.

But there was one further treat ahead – dinner in the Jesmond Dene House restaurant.

Chef Michael Penaluna’s modern British menu is exceptional. You must try his surprise signature pudding, the Dark Chocolate Sphere. Meltingly delicious – and the perfect way to round off a really memorable trip to Newcastle. FACTFILE: Rooms from £140 B&B, offers and packages available, jesmonddenehouse.co.uk 0191 212 3000. virgintrainseastcoast.com, visitnewcastle.com.