Nothing lasts forever, though, and some of the area’s biggest attractions over the years are now just memories.
But what fantastic memories they are. From fairgrounds and zoos to the UK’s largest indoor waterpark, they were the scene of countless unforgettable days and nights out.
These are just some of the lost attractions, also including shops, pubs, clubs and music venues, which will have you pining for the North East of yesteryear.
How many of these did you visit and which would you most like to see brought back?
Do you have retro pictures or nostalgic memories to share with us? Send them online via YourWorld at www.yourworld.net/submit. It's free to use and, once checked, your story or picture will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
5. Shop under glass canopy at Palmer's Arcade
Palmer's Arcade in Sunderland was built in 1876 and was home to stores including a Marks and Spencer Penny Bazaar and Mrs Palmer’s Music shop (1900). It was sadly demolished in the 1970s to make space for the telephone exchange. | National World Photo: National World
6. Watch dazzling displays at Europe's biggest free airshow
The Sunderland Airshow was a free annual event which drew hundreds of thousands of spectators. They were treated to spectacular aerial displays, including flypasts by the Red Arrows and the Eurofighter Typhoon. Launched in 1989, it was said to be the biggest free annual airshow in Europe. But it was last held in 2019 and, after being postponed the following two years due to the Covid pandemic, Sunderland City Council announced in 2022 that it had no plans to host the event again as it did not align with plans to make the city carbon neutral. | National World Photo: National World
7. Take to rotating dancefloor at famous floating nightclub
The Tuxedo Princess floating nightclub was a fixture on the Tyne in Newcastle for nearly 25 years. Eager revellers would queue each night to cross the gangplank and board the famous boat, which could hold up to 3,000 people, boasted 12 bars, two discos, and a revolving dancefloor which put clubbers' balance to the ultimate test. | Newcastle Libraries Photo: Newcastle Libraries
8. Shop at Binns department store
Binns department stores were once a feature across the North East. The firm's history began in Sunderland in 1807 when George Binns opened what was then a small drapery store. By the early 1900s, Binns was the city's biggest department store, and the business expanded, opening branches in Darlington, Newcastle, Hartlepool and South Shields, among other places. The firm was bought by House of Fraser and the shops either closed or were converted to House of Fraser stores, though the Binns name does still live on in Darlington. | National World Photo: National World