The Best Travel Guide to Newcastle upon Tyne

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Newcastle upon Tyne

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Overview

Newcastle upon Tyne The guide was updated: 2023-02-17

Over the past few decades, Newcastle upon Tyne, or simply Newcastle, has emerged as a prominent city in terms of technical innovation and culture, making it one of Great Britain’s most vibrant cities and a wonderful holiday destination with excellent shopping hot spots and even better nightlife. Connected by seven bridges that span the spectacular riverside, Newcastle (located on the north bank of the River Tyne) and Gateshead (a town situated on the south bank) together form a unified, diverse, and highly lively tourist destination.

Facts

Population:	818,000 (2022)
Currency:	Pound Sterling (GBP) £1 = 100 pence
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Emergency: 999 Police: 101
Newspapers:	The Evening Chronicle – www.chroniclelive.co.uk
Opening hours:	Most shops are open Mon–Sat from 9am to 5:30pm. Larger shopping malls are open until 9pm. On Thursdays, shops are open later until 8pm.

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Section in Newcastle upon Tyne

The Quayside is a spectacular area day and night with the iconic Gateshead Millennium Bridge, the world’s first and only tilting bridge, linking Newcastle and Gateshead for pedestrians and cyclists. Gateshead’s BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art is an art-lover’s dream, whilst Newcastle’s array of riverside bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants, paired with The Sage Gateshead’s diverse programme of musical events, ensure you will be well catered for through daylight to nightlife.

The Castle Keep

The Castle Keep

The Castle Keep in Newcastle is one of the finest of its kind surviving in Britain today. It is an ancient monument and a Grade 1 listed building. It sits upon ground previously occupied by the Roman fort Pons Aelius, an Anglo-Saxon cemetery and a Norman Motte and Bailey Castle from which the City takes its name.

Angel of The North

Angel of The North

One of the most famous attractions in North East England is the majestic 20-metre tall Angel of the North. The statue was created by Antony Gormley from 200 tons of steel and is seen by millions of people every year. The monument is located in the south of the city.

Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum

Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum

The Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum is an impressive reconstructed fortification with a constantly changing offer of exhibitions of jewels, coins, pottery, weapons, armour, and other archaeological finds seven days a week. The fort was first discovered in the late 19th century.

The Tyne Bridge

The Tyne Bridge

As a world-famous sight, the Tyne Bridge was the world’s largest single-span bridge when it was opened by George V in 1928. Spanning the river Tyne, it connects Newcastle with Gateshead. The bridge's history goes back hundreds of years, when its first prototype was constructed in year 122.

BALTIC Centre of Contemporary Art

BALTIC Centre of Contemporary Art

This renovated flour mill is one of the biggest temporary art spaces in Europe with over 3,000 square metres of art, a cinema/lecture space, a library and an archive for the study of contemporary art. The centre presents a dynamic and ambitious programme of changing exhibitions, events and projects, offering something new with every visit. In addition to its four galleries, the building boasts three different food and drink spaces and a shop, making it a place to eat, drink and relax, as well as somewhere to discover new art.

Tyneside Cinema

Tyneside Cinema

Inside this lush building you will find not only a cinema, but also the Tyneside Coffee Rooms and a bar. Tyneside Cinema offers a unique cinema experience with three different screens called The Classic, The Electra and The Roxy. The space can also be used for conferences and meetings.

Longsands Beach

Longsands Beach

Regardless of the weather, this beautiful beach is just perfect for a walk in the sand. Longsands Beach is located on the coast near Tynemouth. If you fancy a trip to the beach, it is not far from Newcastle. This place is also popular for surfing, swimming and kayaking.

Jesmond Dene Park

Jesmond Dene Park

This park is located along the Ouseburn River and stretches all the way to the outskirts of Newcastle. Jesmond Dene is perfect for picnics, walking, running or just relaxing. Come here for a family day out and enjoy this scenic park. Located north-east of the downtown area.

The Quayside

The Quayside

On the Quayside you can see happy people strolling along the river. From here it is only a stone's throw to the major attractions in Newcastle such as BALTIC or the Tyne Bridge. There are multiple cafes and eateries along the way, and an abundance of scenic spots for memorable photos.

Grey Street and Grainger Town

Grey Street and Grainger Town

This area of Newcastle is the city's historic centre, full of magnificent old buildings. Beautiful Grey Street is particularly popular with its restaurants and cafes. You can also visit the Grainger Market in Grainger Town for some good quality food.

Victoria Tunnel

Victoria Tunnel

The Victoria Tunnel runs under Newcastle down to the Tyne. It was originally built to transport coal and was converted to a shelter during World War II. Today you can visit this old tunnel and learn some interesting and revelatory facts about the town’s history.

Genting Casino Newcastle

Genting Casino Newcastle

A visit to Genting Casino Newcastle is ideal if you feel like Blackjack, Roulette and other games and gambling. You will find it conveniently located just behind the Central Station. The bar and restaurant onsite will keep your energy levels high all night.

Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall

Just outside Newcastle, the remains of Hadrian’s wall recall the engineering skills of ancient Rome. Crossing rivers and cliffs, the former frontier fortification stretches over 80 miles in the north of the British Island. A visit to the wall including the Roman fort and museum should be planned as a whole day trip.

Great North Museum: Hancock

Great North Museum: Hancock

Explore the secrets of nature in Newcastle’s Natural History Museum, which is one of the best in the UK. Outstanding exhibitions and curious creatures will make you gape. Step in and use the chance to get a close glimpse at peculiar insects and unusual reptiles.

St. James' Park

St. James' Park

Visit St. James Park and watch a match of Newcastle United. The football stadium is one of the most popular in England and holds about 52.000 visitors. Whether there is a game on or not, the St. James Park and the surrounding area is always worth a visit.

Stephenson Railway Museum

Stephenson Railway Museum

At this museum you can learn everything about steam enginges, locomotives and the history of the railway. If you plan in advance, you can even book a ride on an old diesel locomotive. There is a programme for everyone from grown-up train enthusiast to the little ones.

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