The UK’s largest dedicated contemporary art institution outside of London and with great views over the Quayside and cityscape.

Great Theatre in South Shields right on the River Tyne. It aso has a second auditorium for films and a gallery space for exhibitions.

The Hatton’s gallery is nestled in the University quarter but seek it out for its diverse collection of over 3,000 works from the 14th – 20th centuries.

The gallery is home to an internationally important collection of art, focusing on British oil paintings, watercolours, ceramics, silver and glassware.

This is definitely one for the kids!

Seven stories is the National Centre for Children's books and always has lots to do

Arts, craft and ceramics lovers will like the Shipley.

The Shipley’s art collections were designated as being of national importance in 1998 and include local favourite, William Irving's painting The Blaydon Races.

This independent commercial gallery has a real reputation for not only exhibiting the unusual but also for having items for every budget. Not that you have to buy.. just have a wander round its 2 floors.

Side is dedicated to showing the best in documentary photography. It has a small cinema attached which often shows films related to the changing exhibitions.