What's on in NewcastleGateshead
July/August/September
Newcsatle always surprises first-time visitors - it's far more beautiful than you might expect, with its historic buildings, from the well-preserved city walls to the Castle Keep just by the station. Drink it all in at pavement cafes and bars in Grainger Town and on the Quayside: the cafe at BALTIC, Gateshead, is a particular sun trap. Then hit the coast - minutes away by Metro - for surfing, rock pooling and knickerbocker glories.
Yoshitomo Nara + Graf A-Z Project at BALTIC, Gateshead
Until 26 October 08
Acclaimed Japanese pop artist Yoshitomo Nara paints sweet but slightly sinister characters, most often children and animals, which you can't help but be charmed - and slightly alarmed - by. Nara's first exhibition at BALTIC, in collaboration with design unit Graf, features a village full of his iconic creations.