For whatever reasons you have planned to visit the North East of England a visit to Newcastle is a must. Whether you are interested in the history of this magnificent city or plan to party the night away, sample the local ale, or to shop till you drop. Newcastle has plenty to offer people of all ages.
There is a good range of arts venues from theaters to galleries, making Newcastle perfect for art night or day. Plus excellent street entertainers usually around the monument area offering a range of street performance art to Peruvian music of an excellent standard.
Newcastle is a city full of life, if you feel you have had enough of the hectic city then head into the surrounding area and you will not be disappointed. Follow the coastal route and discover the small towns of Blyth and Amble. Further up the coast and you will come across Seahouses, Bamburgh, Holy Island, and Berwick-upon-Tweed which is the last town in England on this route, after that you are in Scotland.
If you prefer the inland countryside then visit Northumberland National Park, Border Forest Park and Kielder water and Hadrian's wall.
Newcastle has much to offer in the Arts and entertainment area, whether it is classical art, classical theater, or a modern approach to art and theater, to the best in local entertainment.
Theater Royal Location: Grey Street Telephone: 0191 232 2061
Newcastle Telewest Arena Location: Arena Way Telephone: 0191 260 5000
There is so much to see and do in the city, however the surrounding area also has a lot to offer and is well worth a visit.
The Tyne Bridge Although not a typical tourist attraction you know you have arrived in Newcastle, weather you arrive by train or car, the Tyne Bridge is an impressive site as the rest of the city drops from view except the Tyne Bridge. It was built in 1925-28 and opened by King George V. At half a mile long it is was the world's largest single span bridge at the time until 1932 when the Sydney bridge in Australia was built.
The Town Walls Newcastle was once a walled city. The walls were completed in the early fourteenth century, and surrounded the whole of Medieval Newcastle. Today in the city you can still see stretches of surviving walls and tower. The best site to see the wall is behind Stowell Street.
Castle Keep In 1080, Robert Curthose, the bastard son of William The Conqueror, built a wooden castle on the site of a Roman fort, this 'New Castle' is were the city took its name. In 1168, Henry II rebuilt the castle instone. The present Keep is still one of the finest example of Norman architecture although since this time there has been some modifications. In side you can explore the royal accommodation. Location: Castle Garth, St Nicholas Street Telephone: 0191 232 7938
Earl Grey's Monument This impressive monument stands in the center of the city. This 135 feet column is to commemorate the Great Reform Bill of 1832. Location: Blackett Street/Grey Street
The Angel of the North This is Britain's largest sculpture at 20 meters long and a wingspan of 54 meters. This 200 tone steel sculpture, created by Anthony Gormley has captured the imagination of people from all over the world. Location: Elighton Banks, Gateshead. (sign posted of the Durham Road and the A1).
Earth Balance This is an amazing farm, which is dedicated to the simple idea of The World and man living in harmony. Here you will see a working farm where natural resources are sustained, and discover how energy can be harvested without waste or pollution. See the balance of food and drink being produced with the health of the environment in mind. There is also a Green Garden Center, an Organic Bakery and Organic farm. Visit the farm for the ultimate Eco Trek, or for an uplifting, enlightening look at farming. This is a great family day out, with the only brew pub in Northumberland, The Cat And Sawdust. Were you can relaxes and enjoy some of the award winning beers. If beer is not your thing then relax in the Terra Ferma Café. Location: West Sleekburn Farm, Bomarsund, Bedlington, of the A189. Telephone: 01670 821 000
Hadrian's Wall A World Heritage site and the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain. It was built over a six-year period from AD122, stretching from Wallsend in the east to Bowness in the west, an impressive 73 miles long. Although today only the ruins remain there are still some good sites left to see. Location: On the B6318, 3 miles north east of Bardon Mill
Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum Experience life of a Roman in Britain 2000 years ago, wonder around the rooms, see why they occupied this site for 300 years, and why it controlled the main port of entry to the Roman Empire in Britain. Discover why it was a military supply base for the forts along Hadrian's Wall. Also learn about this amazing site's history since the Stone Age. Location: Baring Street, South Shields Telephone: 0191 456 1369
Beamish; The North of England Open Air Museum This is an amazing full day out for the family. This open-air museum really does take you back in time while you wonder around the streets and enter the shops, houses, dentist and bank. Location: A1 M (junction 63) Chester-le-Street turn off. 4 miles along A693 towards Stanley. There are good sign posts, and buses from the town center direct. Telephone: 01207 231 811 Bus telephone enquiry line: 0191 460 5144
There is everything from Rock to Dance. Listed below is a sample selection. (Telephone to find out what particular style of music the club plays most).
COOPERAGE Location: 32 The Close, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne Telephone: (0191) 233 2941 Open Friday & Saturday until 1.50am
DIVA Location: 49 New Bridge Street, Newcastle upon Tyne Tel: (0191) 261 2526 Open Friday & Saturday until 11.45pm. - 2.00am
GREY'S CLUB Grey's Court, Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne Tel: (0191) 261 4066 Open Tuesday to Saturday 10.00pm - 2.00am
JULIES Location: 10 The Close, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne Tel: (0191) 232 7240 Open Monday to Thursday, 10.00pm - 2.00am, Friday and Saturday 9.00pm - 2.00pm
KLUB IKON Location: 49 New Bridge Street, Newcastle upon Tyne Tel: (0191) 261 2526 Open all days except Sunday and Tuesday 9.30pm - 2.00am Club nights: Mondays - Brit Hop, Wednesdays - 3 Decades of Dance, Thursdays - G.A.P, Truce, Saturdays - commercial Dance,
LEGEND Location: 77 Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne Tel: (0191) 232 0430 Open Monday - Saturday 7,00pm - 2.00am, Sundays until 10.30pm Club nights: Monday - The Third Coming, lndi and 70s, Tuesday Beagle Express, Classic 70s, Wednesday - MAB (Music & Beer), Thursdays - Classic House, Fridays - Lacuna, House Music, Saturdays - Cream of Newcastle, Classic Tunes plus Soul, jazz Funk.
MAYFAIR Location: Newgate Street, Newcastle upon Tyne Tel: (0191) 232 3109 Open Friday and Saturdays, 9.OOPM - 2.00am
PLANET EARTH Location: Low Friar House, Low Friar Street Newcastle upon Tyne Tel: (0191) 230 2186 Open Monday to Thursday, 6,00pm - 2.00am. Friday and Saturday 5.00pm - 2.00am. Club nights include Nice, Funki chicks, 80's Night
POWERHOUSE Location: Alfred Wilson House, Waterloo Street, Newcastle upon Tyne Tel: (0191) 261 8874 Open Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 10.00pm - 3.00am
Newcastle has a long and fascinating history, and is the cultural and historical focus for Northumberland.
Originally the first settlement arouse on the slopes of the hills overlooking the Tyne because it offered the lowest bridgeable point over the river. Later the Romans built Pont Aelius, which was guarded by a fort and was an integral part of Hadrians Wall, positioned near to the present day swing bridge.
During the Norman Conquest in 1080, William the Conqueror's natural son built a wooden castle on top of the Roman ruins, this was like the Romans before to push a boundary north and hold it. This 'New Castle' is from were the city took its name. By the time of Henry I in 1101 - 1135 Newcastle was already an important trading center. Later between 1168 and 1178 the Castle was entirely rebuilt in stone by Henry II.
However the city developed so rapidly during the 19th century that most of the ancient and historical buildings were demolished to make space for the new industries. Yet there is still evidence left of the past. From the Castle itself there is a well-preserved castle keep that can be visited, and gives good view over the Tyne from the top.
Newcastle is home to the 'Magpies', Newcastle United football Club, and stadium of St James Park. Tours of the stadium take place on most days, and allow you to visit some of the back-stage areas, like the dressing rooms, managers dugout, and pressroom. Not far from Newcastle is Sunderland, home of Sunderland Football clubs new venue 'The Stadium of Light'. A Tour of this stadium allows you to visit all the areas including the control room right at the top. If Rugby is more your sport then visit Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club at Kingston Park.Ice Hockey Riverkings Ice Hockey Team Location: Newcastle Telewest Arena, Arena Way Telephone: 0191 260 2327Basketball Newcastle Eagles Location: The sporting Club, 1 Allison court, Metro Center, Gateshead Telephone: 0191 496 1100
There are hundreds of pubs too choice from in the city and more traditional ones well worth visiting outside. Lets not forget the famous Newcastle Brown Ale. Most of the pubs in the city center have a dress code on the weekends of no trainers, and no jeans, however there are some more relaxed pubs were any old gear goes
Shopping in Newcastle is an experience. There is everything from high street names, big name department stores, and unique boutiques. Shopping malls and small bazaars. Eldon Square This mall is the Britain's largest city shopping center, with over 140 shops, with it own pubs, restaurants and car parks. Monument Mall This is Newcastle's latest Mall. There is plenty of places to eat, and some good stores to shop. Northumberland Street Considered to be the Oxford Street of the north, this is the main and most popular shopping street in Newcastle. Metro Center One of Europe's biggest shopping and leisure centers. 360 shops in three miles of attractive tree lined mall.
Newcastle airport is only six miles away from the city center. The metro provides a fast and frequent service between the airport and City center. It is a 20 minutes journey by car. Telephone: 0191 214 3334
Car
Newcastle is well served by the A1 (M), which has many connections. Once in Newcastle there are multi-stories and pay display car parks in the center of the city. So there is little stress of finding places to park.
Coach
National Express Coach services have a wide U.K. service. For pick up points and destinations, and run regularly from London Victoria to Newcastle and else were in the U.K. Telephone: National Express - 0990 80 80 80
Rail
Newcastle Central Station is situated in the center of the city. There are main line services to Newcastle from all over the U.K. with good connections if there is no direct train. There is also an underground metro service, which is well sign posted and easy to use. National Rail Enquiery Telephone: 0345 48 49 50 Metro Telephone: 0191 232 5325
