Newcastle

The Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle. Built in 1884, the museum hosts a variety of natural history and archaeological exhibits and is free to visit. The exterior of the building has very recently undergone major restoration work. The name commemorates the Victorian-era naturalist brothers John and Albany Hancock. Some of their works can still be seen in the museum, including John Hancock's most famous work, 'The Struggle with the Quarry'.

The illuminated Civic Centre in Newcastle city centre as seen from the Great North Museum.

Looking across the Boldon Flats nature reserve towards Cleadon, with a towering Cumolonimbus cloud in the background. The 160 year old Cleadon water tower can be seen in the background.

St Mary's is a small island at the north end of Whitley Bay which is connected to the mainland by a tidal causeway. There is a small visitor centre on the island which offers guided tours of the lighthouse. A particular highlight is watching the seals around the island. Just be sure to check the tides before visiting!

The frozen main lake of Exhibition Park with the Wylam brewery in the background. The park dates back to the Jubilee Exhibition of 1887 and is part of the larger Town Moor on the edge of central Newcastle. PIP#1: Another view of the lake.