Leisure time in Gateshead is easily spent.
For shopaholics the borough boasts Europe's largest retail and leisure complex, the MetroCentre, which attracts millions of visitors each year.
And if shopping is not your thing, the North East is home to some of the UK's finest sporting arenas and venues; people in the region are passionate about sports and there are many opportunities to participate as well as spectate. The borough is home to Gateshead International Stadium, one of Europe's premier athletics venues.
Although the area is renowned for its interest in football, athletics, rugby, golf, horseracing there are many other sports well represented.