My Top 10 Places
By Jonathan Edwards, Olympic triple-jump champion and world-record holder
1. The Angel of the North
For me, the Angel encapsulates the attitude of the North East – bold, assured and brave. It also symbolises the fantastic warmth and welcoming attitude of the people. As a piece of public art, I just love its shape and form, but more than that, I love that it makes a powerful statement about the cultural regeneration of the North East.
2. Gateshead International Stadium
Much of my early athletics career was spent at the stadium and it laid great foundations for the sporting success I’ve enjoyed. The stadium has a great reputation and athletics heritage, and is where Brendan Foster broke the 3,000m world record in 1974.
3. NewcastleGateshead Quayside
From the BALTIC, to The Sage Gateshead, the Swing Bridge to the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, the quayside is just stunning. Following on from the Angel, the regeneration that has taken place has changed both sides of the river beyond all recognition over the last few years and is a wonderful place to walk.
4. Sugar Sands Beach
All of the Northumberland coastline is fantastic but my favourite is Sugar Sands beach just north of Alnmouth. It’s a great place to take the family, with secluded sandy beaches and rock pools for the children. Warkworth, just further south, is also a favourite family haunt.
5. Barn under a Wandering Star
It was always my favourite restaurant, both when based in Jesmond and at the Biscuit Factory. Contemporary cuisine with an Asian twist – the food there is excellent. I’m looking forward to visiting the new Barn Asia.
6. Durham
I had a really enjoyable three years studying my degree in Durham. It remains a special place for me and the Cathedral and Castle are magical.
7. Town Moor
Our home backs on to the Town Moor and its like having a piece of the country on your doorstep in the middle of the city. Within just a few yards from the back door we can be out in the open fields, with hundreds of acres of green space, walking the dogs, biking with the children, and sledging in the winter.
8. Walking at Craster
The walk from Craster, north along the Northumberland coastline passing the magnificent Dunstanburgh Castle to Low Newton-by-the-Sea, is one of my favourite routes.
9. Dean Street
Standing in Grey Street looking downhill to Dean Street, the architecture is just incredible. There’s such a wonderful collection of styles rubbing shoulders with each other.
10. Northumberland Golf Club
Having a top quality golf course just minutes from the city centre is great. The boys play now and often join me on a round.
Look out for more celebrity Top 10s in our quarterly What's On Guide, your essential guide to the events, performances and exhibitions in and around NewcastleGateshead.
