At one time, Newcastle was seen as the typical gritty Northern city which had little going for it except bars and clubs. However, the city has always been more than this and has recovered fantastically from the economic hardship that it suffered during the 1980s along with its fellow Northern cities. Here are 10 of the best places to visit on Tyneside.

10: Great North Museum

The Hatton Museum and the Hancock Gallery make up the Great North Museum. Hancock was opened in 1884, Hatton in 1925 but it wasn’t until late 2009 when the two buildings joined forces. The museum is already a huge hit with more than 600,000 visitors a year and is among the top 20 most visited UK attractions. Great North Museum

9: Seaton Delaval Hall

This Grade I listed historical building can be found outside the city of Newcastle in Northumberland. The house was finished in 1728 but has not had the happiest of histories with the architect and owner dying before it was finished. The house is designed in English Baroque style and is also surrounded by scenic grounds. Some say the house is haunted by the ‘White Lady’. Seaton Delaval Hall

8: Belsay Hall And Gardens

This is another Grade I listed historical building which can be found in Belsay, just outside Newcastle. The house was completed in 1817 after seven years of building and has the stunning Yew Garden on its grounds. It is looked after by English Heritage and is open to the public. Belsay Hall And Gardens

7: Seven Stories

This is the UK’s national centre for books and is located in Ouseburn Valley which is in close proximity to the city’s Quayside. It is the first museum in Britain which is dedicated entirely to British children’s books. The museum’s staff often go on tours of the country and the library holds more than 50,000 children’s titles. Seven Stories

6: The Castle

This is a fortification from Medieval times which gave the city its name. The site was used by the Romans during their invasion of Britain and was known as Pons Aelius. A wooden castle was then built in 1080 before the stone castle was completed in 1177. The famous black gate was added around 1250. The City Council manage the keep which is open to the public. The Castle

5: Tyne Bridge

This arch bridge was built over the famous River Tyne which flows through the city. It was opened in 1928 and has been seen as a symbol of the city ever since. The bridge is approximately 389 metres long and is a must see for anyone visiting Newcastle for the first time. Tyne Bridge

4: St James’ Park

This is a football stadium of major importance to locals because of their fanatical support of the city’s team, Newcastle United. It has recently been renamed the Sports Direct Arena in an unpopular move which has angered fans. The stadium’s capacity is above 52,000 and it was originally opened in 1892. It was expanded in 2000 and will be used as a venue for football during the 2012 Olympic Games. St James’ Park

3: The Discovery Museum

This science museum in Newcastle places great emphasis on local history. It is one of the largest museums in the North East of England that is free to enter and it has even won several awards. The museum was redeveloped in 2004 in a project that cost £13 million. It now attracts more than 450,000 people a year. The Discovery Museum

2: Quayside

This is a popular and famous area of Newcastle that overlooks the River Tyne. This area was once a busy industrial and commercial centre of the city but became rundown before major work was completed to modernise the docks. Now, it is home to a number of music, art and cultural attractions for all the family. Quayside

1: Tyneside Cinema

This is more than just a cinema that shows movies. It is an entertainment centre with different screens and themes which ensure that no two trips to the Tyneside Cinema are the same. There are also a host of chic and elegant cafés and restaurants. Tyneside Cinema

The attractions above show that Newcastle is not the city you think it is. Visitors to Newcastle are always pleasantly surprised by the culture on offer and if you choose to live here, you will have all misconceptions quickly corrected.