We have outlined a number of interesting attractions and places to visit for visitors to Newcastle, these include:
The nearby Gateshead Quays is home to the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts, one of the largest art spaces in Europe. It was once a flour mill but has been successfully restored and now has the distinction of having five galleries, a library, cafes, a restaurant and a cinema. The rooftop restaurant in particular is worth a visit, you can get some great views of the city and surrounding area. The area is particularly resplendent by night where coloured lights from the quaysides and the bridge make for a delightful spectacle.
Situated right in the heart of Newcastle, the historic area of Grainger Town contains beautifully restored Georgian architecture, visitors can relax have a coffee and watch the world go by. Trendy and fashionable clothes shops are located here and the nearby Grainger Market is where you can spend some time exploring through the stalls selling books, clothes and foods among other things.
Newcastle has a reputation as a shopper’s paradise and it is easy to see why. Newcastle Shopping offers visitors with a range of options including Eldon Square is host to 140 shops including well known department stores. Eldon Garden is home to the designer shops and a favourite for local and visiting fashionistas.
However by far the largest shopping complex is the MetroCentre in Gateshead, it is one of the biggest shopping complexes in the whole of Europe. While having the huge range of shops (over 300) for all tastes as one could reasonably expect in a complex of this size, it has a number of extras to keep the whole family entertained. There is an indoor theme park, the chance to go bowling and an eleven screen cinema.
The Biscuit Factory is the largest arts store in Britain, here you can witness a huge number art items including paintings, ceramics, sculpture, print and furniture by both UK based and international artists. Whilst being a hip place for those with a penchant for art, its cool reputation makes it a great place to chill out, relax and you can eat in the cafe and restaurant. The Biscuit Factory is located on Stoddart Street in Newcastle, the exhibitions are constantly changing, art pieces sold are in turn replaced with new work. Encouragingly for visitors it is open 7 days a week and entrance is free making it a great tourist draw.
The locals are well known for their sense of humour and fun loving nature. It is thus not surprising Newcastle has a vibrant nightlife. The Quayside with its large selection of restaurants and bars is a popular place to go. Further out of the centre there are is an easy going atmosphere in the bars and restaurants on Osborne Road in Jesmond. Newcastle also has its own Chinatown situated around Stowell Street, for fans of Chinese food it is a great place to eat. There are many bars to choose from one of the best known and popular ones is Jesmond viewed as sociable and fashionable and somewhat more sedate than the Quayside.
Bigg Market in Newcastle is where you can find plenty of noise and excitement, there are just over 20 pubs in the area so you have plenty of choice of where to go. Those wanting a traditional pub may enjoy The Old George, one of the oldest pubs in Newcastle, dating back to the 17th century. In its former guise it was a coaching inn and its original low ceiling and wooden beams have been retained as original features.
Newcastle Castle Keep is a historic 12th century castle founded by Henry II, the castle is one of the few remaining Norman Keeps in the UK. The castle is located in Castle Garth in Newcastle, it is a building of historic and architectural significance and this is reflected in its Grade I listed building status. The ground floor includes the chapel and garrison room, the first floor is home to the Queen’s Chamber, on the second floor the Great Hall is entered from the impressively decorated arched doorway. Visitors can take a tour of the castle to learn more about its rich history.
The Great North Museum is located on Blandford Square in Newcastle. The Hancock Museum is a natural history museum that includes a number of collections, exhibitions and artefacts life size casts of the African Elephant, large T-Rex model and interactive models of Hadrian’s Wall. The Hatton Gallery includes a number of permanent and temporary collections with works dating back to the 14th century. Visitors can view a range of paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings at the gallery. A visit here offers an interesting day out for the whole family.
Life Science Centre is located in Times Square, central Newcastle. Inside visitors can find a number of events, theatre shows, exhibitions and the planetarium. The centre hosts a number of exhibitions on varying subjects related to science. The planetarium is the largest in the North of England, here visitors can see a number of films and learn more about the solar system. The science theatre hosts a number of live demonstrations and talks. The centre includes a varied programme that changes on a regular basis ensuring visitors can see and learn new aspects of science each time they visit.
It is recommended that prior to coming to Newcastle; visitors do their research and ensure any sights and attractions they plan on visiting are actually open on the days you intend on coming. The transport is also worth checking as maintenance and engineering works can mean a restricted service on public transport.
For visitors Newcastle offers a range of attractions, from its creative arts scene, to its lively and varied nightlife and shopping there is much to see and enjoy here. The city has enjoyed the substantial redevelopment and modernisation it has had in the past decade and for visitors it is now an interesting and varied place to visit.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
