The International Ferry Terminal at Royal Quays, North Shields is only 7 miles (11km) east of the city centre. It’s the North of England’s main sea link with Scandinavia and Northern Europe, operating regular passenger services from Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands.

Buses operate from the terminal to Newcastle Central Station and the journey is around 30 minutes.

• DFDS SEAWAYS – operates direct services from Sweden, Norway, and Holland all year round. Sailings are to North Shields from Kristiansand in Norway, Gothenberg in Sweden and Amsterdam (Ijmuiden) in Holland. Tel: 08705 333000 or + 44 (0)191 293 6262. www.dfdsseaways.com