Newcastle’s Millenium Bridge is the first in the world that opens like the blink of an eyelid. When raised, the normally horizontal pedestrian and cycle path is 25 metres above the River Tyne, allowing vessels to pass.
Out of the city centre, the huge Angel of the North statue welcomes those arriving by road and rail.
Durham is set above a different river, the Wear. A medieval Cathedral built as a shrine to St. Cuthbert at its centre. Across a green space, Durham Castle built as residence for Prince Bishops who ruled the area for some time from the fourteenth century.
The place that is now Newcastle was first called Pons Aelius after the family name of Roman Emperor Hadrian. The 117 kilometre wall built in the Second Century AD was also named after him and forms part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chester’s Fort was placed astride the wall, outside of which is the well preserved bath house, and a civil settlement which has yet to be excavated.
Bridge tours, lectures and the Captain's Cocktail reception took afternoon into evening, all in wonderful sunshine.
