And in direct contrast, the large towns and cities of Northumbria offer every excitement. If you're interested in history, medieval Durham is unmissable - the Castle and Cathedral form a World Heritage Site. Or if you prefer a faster pace, Newcastle, Darlington, Middlesbrough and Sunderland give you the best choice of shopping and eating out in the North. Cultural life flourishes here - Sunderland has the country's National Glass Centre; the Angel of the North in Gateshead makes news around the world, and the region's Millennium celebrations have included building two new major arts venues.

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Newcastle and theRriver Tyne