The NewcastleGateshead region is surrounded by stunning scenery, offering some fantastic day trips just a short bus or Metro ride from the city. The Metro stops at South Shields, North Shields, Tynemouth and the picturesque Whitley Bay, where at low tide visitors can walk out to St Mary's Lighthouse, which was built over 100 years ago. Just 53km (33 miles) north of NewcastleGateshead is Alnwick Castle (tel: (01665) 510 777 or 511 100; website: www.alnwickcastle.com), an impressive border fortress that was built in the 11th century and used more recently as the filming location of Hogwarts School in the Harry Potter films. And just a short train journey south of Newcastle is the historic city of Durham (tel: (0191) 384 3720; website: www.durhamtourism.co.uk), famed for its magnificent 12th-century cathedral and castle.