Gateshead International Stadium

The stadium sits on the banks of the River Tyne, a sprawling modern sports complex that feels genuinely impressive the first time you clock it. Home to Gateshead Harriers and regular host to international athletics events, it's the sort of place that gets properly busy during competition season - we're talking proper crowds and genuine buzz.

Unless you're catching an event, there's not a huge amount to do as a casual visitor. It's a working stadium, not a theme park. But if you're into running, athletics or just want to watch elite-level sport live, the calendar's worth checking. The track itself is a thing of beauty - fast, well-maintained, and you can feel the serious training happening here.

From Stanley, you're only a short drive away. If you're staying at Beamish Holiday Park nearby, it's easily doable as a half-day outing, particularly if there's a fixture on. The walk around the stadium and down to the riverside is pleasant enough on a decent day.

Kids will get restless without an event on - it's not really set up for casual family ambling about. But if you've got a young athlete in the family or you're genuinely interested in track and field, catching a meet here is a solid experience. Prices for events vary wildly depending on what's on, so check ahead before making the trip.