Buzzing estates full of bargains.

If you're looking for a bargain, Blaydon is the place for factory outlets, discount stores and home improvement.

The Business Park, Business Centre and surrounding areas have become the hub for shoppers.

Trade Kitchen Furniture based at The Business Centre on Cowen Road, Blaydon offers a bespoke service with a wide range of kitchens to suit your individual taste and style.

Also at the Centre is Prefix , with a range of tools for the budding DIYer as well as trade, with easy free parking.

Capricorn Windows also has its base here. It makes and installs very high quality UPVC windows and doors, porches and conservatories, all with high security locking systems and the best double glazed units.

The firm also supplies and fits UPVC roofline and rainwater systems.

If you're into home improvements head to the Business Park, on Chainbridge Way. Here you'll find The Cane Factory, established for 16 years with cane furniture to suit all tastes and budgets. Suites start from pounds 199 and there is a selection of accessories.

All forms of upholstery including suites can be recovered with a massive choice of fabrics to choose from so you're sure to find that something you're looking for.

Nearby is Cash & Carry Carpets ( a family run shop with no gimmicks and always hundreds of carpets in stock for immediate fitting or delivery.

The 12,000 sq ft Factory Fabrics outlet is another popular destination. This is crammed with millions of metres of wonderful fabrics from all over the world.

From light and airy voiles to jewel-like crewelwork, tapestry, chenille, brocades and dazzling damasks, you'll be spoilt for choice. And with prices ranging from just 99p for clearance prints to pounds 24.99 per metre for top-of-the-range designer fabrics, you won't feel the pinch in your pocket.

There is also a ready-made curtain department for its extensive range of curtain and upholstery fabric. If you would rather leave it to the experts, Factory Fabrics offers a complete in-house curtain-making service right down to hanging your finished curtains.

Artchain is an exciting new concept. Affordable and diverse, it offers an enormous range of pictures from local, national and international artists, plus a quality framing service.

Beautiful sculptures, exquisite handmade jewellery and cards, East of India products, home accessories and quirky gifts make this a fantastic gallery to browse around with a complimentary coffee in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Also at Blaydon Business Park is James Anthony Workwear, established for seven years and with the largest selection of work boots anywhere with around 1,200 pairs. It also stocks the most competitive priced workwear. One of the firm's busiest areas is corporate embroidery.

The Ceramic Experience, at Dutton Court, Chainbridge Road, is popular with adults and children. It is a ceramic cafA where customers can express their artistic flair creating unique gifts for friends and family painting mugs, plates and ornaments, or where proud parents can have their children's hands and footprints moulded in clay and framed.

And why not have a party with a difference? Play in the soft play, paint an ornament and have traditional party food.

The Olde Curiosity Shop is open seven days a week and has ample free parking. The shop offers a wide range of products for home and garden. There is a delivery service available and customers are also able to buy online.

Escape Bathroom & Tile, at Derwenthaugh Marina, offers customers a complete design supply and fit service of luxury bathrooms.

A pleasant drive along the river just past the factory shops and Arco will take you to their impressive showroom.

At Suiteworld, a family run three-piece factory outlet, suites and sofas are sourced from factories all over the world.