Newcastle and Gateshead, separated by the River Tyne, combine to provide an ideal destination for a short break.
Famed for excellent shopping and amazing nightlife, Newcastle and Gateshead also offer splendid architecture and a redeveloped quayside with waterfront bars and galleries. Further afield, the Northumberland National Park and the Northumberland Heritage Coast are within easy reach.
The Quayside
Stroll along the banks of the River Tyne and admire the stunning bridges that span it. . The modern Millennium Bridge and the historic Tyne Bridge provide an interesting contrast. The regeneration on both sides of the river has brought a mixture of excellent bars, restaurants and galleries to the area.
Castle Keep
A Norman Keep, built by Henry II on the site of the original “New Castle”. The keep has a small museum and a visit to the roof offers excellent views of the local area.
The Biscuit Factory
Local, national and international artists display their works in the UK’s largest commercial art space. Admire paintings, prints, ceramics, glass, sculpture and furniture, which is for sale at prices ranging from a few pounds to thousands.
Angel of the North
See 200 tonnes of steel shaped in to a statue standing 20 metres high, with a 54 metre wing span. Visible from the A1 it stands on the site of the former Team Colliery. An information board at the site gives details of how the statue was built.
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
A former flour mill on the south bank of the Tyne, in the heart of Gateshead Quays hosts a major international centre for contemporary art, with a varied programme of exhibitions. Baltic has five galleries, artists studios, a cinema and a library.
Metro Centre
Visit Gateshead Metro Centre, the largest shopping centre in Europe. High Street names, department stores and speciality shops combine to provide a shopper’s paradise.
The New MetroLand theme park, complete with roller coaster, an eleven-screen cinema and a ten-pin bowling alley are all inside the centre, providing excellent leisure facilities.
Getting to Newcastle/ Gateshead
By Road: The A1 passes within three miles of the centres of Newcastle and Gateshead .
By Rail: Newcastle station is on the main London to Edinburgh line and regular services go to many other major cities.
By Air: Newcastle International Airport is less than thirty minutes away from the city centre.
By Sea: DFDS make regular sailings to Newcastle from Amsterdam and Scandanavia.
Getting Round : Stagecoach buses and the Tyne and Wear Metro provide an excellent public transport system.
Other Things to Do
Travelling by Train?
A guide to buying cheap train tickets
Where to catch your train in London
Get unlimited bus travel from £1 a day
