Small but charming, this city is famous for its impressive bridges, adoration of football, independent breweries and wild nightlife. Read on to discover the top things to see and do in Newcastle.
Newcastle Upon Tyne, known simply as Newcastle, is the perfect northern destination for a weekend city break in the UK. Once a base for coal mining, manufacturing and shipping, the city is now a vibrant and cultural hub boasting many things to see and do. With amazing pubs, cool bars, top restaurants and fantastic nightclubs, the thriving nightlife draws people from all over. And you can expect a warm welcome from the locals too. The people of Newcastle, referred to as Geordies, not only have a unique dialect, but are known as some of the friendliest people in the UK.
Discover the top things to see and do in Newcastle below:
1. See the Tyne Bridge
One of the most emblematic symbols of the city, the Tyne Bridge is one of seven bridges crossing the River Tyne in the Newcastle and Gateshead areas. Built in 1928, its striking steel arch design bears a striking resemblance to the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia. Walk over the Tyne Bridge to get great views of the Quayside and the other bridges up and down the river.
2. Explore the museums
Newcastle is home to a wealth of museums and cultural attractions. Head to the Discovery Museum to uncover Newcastle’s history, as well as the changes in technology and science. Travel back in time at the open-air Beamish Museum, a living museum where visitors can experience what life was like in the North East from the Georgian period to the fifties. Explore natural history at The Great North Museum, or enjoy a fun filled family day out at The Life Science Centre.
The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Seven Stories and The Biscuit Factory are also cultural highlights well worthy of a visit in Newcastle.
3. Tour St James Park
Football lovers can make their way to St James Park, the home of Premier League club Newcastle United F.C. Located in the heart of the city, the stadium is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Book tickets to a game and enjoy the infectious electric atmosphere. Or join a stadium tour and uncover the history of the club as you go behind the scenes.
4. Get to know the Quayside District
Head out on foot and explore the historic Quayside District. Once an industrial and busy commercial dockside, the area has benefitted from a huge redevelopment project to provide a creative environment for the modern arts, music and culture. Today, this area is filled with restaurants, bars and nightclubs, as well as the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and The Sage Gateshead, a performing arts centre.
5. Visit a microbrewery
Newcastle is becoming known as the go-to place for independent breweries and brewpubs. Wylam Brewery, located at the Palace of Arts in Exhibition Park, is one of the largest in the area, and opens its Tap Room and Terrace to the public from Fridays to Sundays. By The River Brew Co on the Quayside, is a microbrewery, and in addition to its daily public Tap Room, offers tours of the brewery every Saturday. The Ouseburn area is also home to many authentic breweries with public tap rooms.
6. Uncover history at Newcastle Castle
Built around 900 years ago, Newcastle Castle is an ode to the rich heritage of the city. This well-preserved Norman tower has now reopened as a museum and explores the history of the city through engaging exhibits and events. Visitors can learn about how Newcastle was founded, discover the passageways and chambers and also admire the incredible views from its rooftop.
7. See the Angel of the North
This enormous sculpture, designed by Anthony Gormley, has been guarding the city since 1998. It was built as a commemoration to the miners that worked beneath the site of where it now stands. Located beside the A1 Road in Gateshead, the steel angel measures 66 feet and has a wingspan of 177 feet. You can simply drive past to catch a glimpse but it’s definitely worth making the stop at the designated parking area to get up close and really understand the magnificence of this structure.
8. Enjoy the food and drink scene
Foodies looking for a city break packed full of flavour have come to the right place. Newcastle is crammed with a great selection of restaurants, pubs and bars. Go on a culinary tour of the city and try the local delights such as a traditional afternoon tea or some fish and chips. After you’ve satisfied your hunger, dive into the famous nightlife scene with a pub crawl to fully understand why this city is known as the party capital of the north.
This does sounds like an amazing place to be, really interesting blog and the way you have written it, It is amazing. Please keep on writing blogs like this.
Beautifully written blog, I loved reading it, please keep on writing blogs like this in future as well.