Newcastle upon Tyne: A Diverse and Dynamic City
A vibrant city that is statistically the most popular destination in North East England, Newcastle upon Tyne is a multicultural area that blends history with contemporary. Boasting an array of bars, shops, restaurants and attractions, Newcastle is a feature-packed destination choice suitable for all manner of travellers. So from wanting to sample the famous nightlife scene to taking part in the world-renowned Great North Run, there’s something for everyone in Newcastle!
History to Explore
With a rich history dating back to Roman times, it is no surprise that Newcastle upon Tyne pays homage to its heritage in numerous ways. First of all, the beautiful architecture of the city is still on show to this day, and can be viewed at nearly every turn. In particular, central Grainger Town is one place worth visiting, with 40% of the buildings in this area being listed for their architectural and historical importance. As for bygone sites to explore, the Victoria Tunnel is a hidden – and award-winning – place of interest. Originally built in 1842, the Victoria Tunnel is a guided attraction where you can experience and learn about the tunnel’s history throughout the years. Yet this isn’t the oldest structure in the city, with Newcastle Castle dating all the way back to the 11th century! And if you want to go even more in-depth with the overflowing heritage of Newcastle, spending an afternoon at the highly respected Discovery Museum is recommended.
Shopping Wonderland
If you are looking for a place to shop till you drop, look no further than Newcastle upon Tyne. From well-known retailers to small independent stores, the city is known as one of the premiere destinations in England when it comes to shopping. With that in mind, one place worth visiting is the Grainger Market. With a history dating back to 1835, Grainger Market contains a wide array fast food options, butchers and shops – including the oldest Marks & Spencer in the world! Along with countless high street establishments and frequent street markets, the popular and expansive intu Eldon Square shopping centre – with over 150 retailers in total – also provides a haven for shopping enthusiasts. And if you want to take a break from spending all your money on gifts and treats, plenty of activities are on offer in Newcastle. One of the best examples of this includes the family-friendly Life Science Centre, which features an exciting selection of science-themed activities, events and exhibitions. Other fun days out can be enjoyed at acclaimed attractions such as the Laing Art Gallery, Seven Stories and Jesmond Dene Park.
A Night on the Toon
If there is one thing that is synonymous with Newcastle upon Tyne, it is its thriving nightlife scene. Affectionately known as a ‘Night on the Toon’, the city’s bars and clubs are a frequent attraction for revellers throughout the UK and beyond. Although with so many nightlife options on offer, and many of them so central and near to hotels, it can prove difficult to choose where to go! With that said, if you’re looking to have a wild party until the early hours in a lively atmosphere, many head for the long-established Digital nightclub. Busier than an airport during rush hour, Digital is an immensely popular and award-winning establishment that features regular live music acts and weekly themed nights. Other well-received Newcastle nightclubs include Riverside, House of Smith and Tup Tup Palace. In addition, for something a little less frenetic – but equally as fun – a cabaret extravaganza can be sampled at the highly regarded Boulevard Show Bar. Oh, and if you are peckish for something to eat, Newcastle does not disappoint in that aspect. Whether you want to enjoy high-end dining, a traditional Asian meal from the Chinatown district, or just a late-night snack before going back to your hotel, the city has an innumerable amount of dining options available to meet all budgets and tastes.
Events for all to Enjoy
As the most populated city in the North East of England, it is only natural that Newcastle upon Tyne is characterised by an abundance of events and festivities. The largest host of regular events in Newcastle is the Metro Radio Arena, which features frequent performances from many major music and entertainment acts throughout the year. More intimate venues also populate the city, with shows a fixture at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle City Hall and O2 Academy among others. For those that want to catch a game of football, St James’ Park, the home of Newcastle United F.C., is also positioned in the heart of the city. As far as annual events go, Newcastle is also not lacking in this regard. As well as seasonal festivities and specialist festivals, the city is the starting point for the famous Great North Run. Known as the biggest and most popular half marathon in the world, this September endurance test sees you begin in Newcastle as you run by landmarks, hotels and cheering spectators until you finally drag yourself over the finishing line in nearby South Shields.