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.
9. Dine at famous Italian restaurant loved by celebrities
Ristorante Roma claimed to be Newcastle's first Italian restaurant and brought a taste of the Mediterranean to the North East for more than 40 years. It attracted many famous diners down the decades, including Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck, Charles Heston and Laurence Olivier. There was great sadness when owner Pascal Fulgenzi announced in 2008 that it was closing. | Google Photo: Google
10. Cheer on the Black Cats at Roker Park
Sunderland fans have many happy memories - and a few less happy ones - of the club's years at Roker Park before they departed for the Stadium of Light in 1997. What was Roker Park is now a housing estate, but the Black Cats have made plenty more memories to treasure since the big move. | Getty Images/Mark Thompson/Allsport Photo: Getty Images/Mark Thompson/Allsport
11. Dance at beach-themed nightclub with boat DJ booth
With surfboards and a shark among the seaside memorabilia greeting revellers, Beach club brought a splash of fun and colour to South Shields' nightlife. But its most memorable feature was the massive boat in the centre of the room which served as the DJ booth. Beach closed to make way for Arbeia (originally known as Amari, and then Red Door), a new bar owned by Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall. | Google Photo: Google
12. Watch musical legends at majestic ballroom
Sunderland's Locarno Ballroom was a stunning venue which attracted some huge names in its heyday, including Rod Stewart and the Faces, David Bowie, Pink Floyd and The Who. | Bill Hawkins, Sunderland Antiquarians Photo: Bill Hawkins, Sunderland Antiquarians