Newcastle is my home city and i love it when i go back there to see my family. The city has undergone many changes in recent years especially along the Quayside.
Once at the heart of the 19th century Industrial Revolution and at the heart of heavy industry such as ship-building, steel-making and coal-mining, Newcastle has now jumped into the 21st century. Now it is very much a city of technical innovation, leisure and culture. There is much to do and see whether it be a visit to historical landmarks, the nearby beautiful countryside of Northumberland, musical events or the hallowed ground of St. James's Park - the home of Newcastle United! The Quayside area has been totally regenerated along both the Newcastle and Gateshead sides of the famous River Tyne. The area is a lively mixture of pubs, restaurants, hotels. The newly opened Sage and the Baltic centre for contemporary art provide opportunities for more cultural pastimes. The new and the old seem to sit comfortably side by side with the Tyne Bridge and the Gateshead Millenium bridges providing an oddly picturesque backdrop. The Angel of the North stands proudly watching over the land of the Geordies!
Favourite spots:
Tyne Bridge and Quayside
The Angel of the North - Created by Antony Gormley and completed in 1998 it stands 20m high with a wingspan of 54m. There are great views from the hilltop site. Quayside - home of the city landmark, the Tyne Bridge. Grainger Town - at the heart of the city. Beautiful 19th century buildings, Theatre Royal, Grey's Monument, Newcastle Opera House and the Grainger Market. Jesmond Dene - a wooded valley a mile north of the city it provides a welcome escape from the busy city centre. There is a Sunday craft market held on Armstron Bridge, Which runs over the Dene.
What's really great:
Castle Keep
Newcastle has developed into a city of diversity with many things to offer the visitor. My friends who have visited always comment on the warmth and friendliness of the Geordie people. I guess it is special because it is my home city and i always feel emotional when i approach seeing the Angel and the Tyne Bridge ahead of me. Anyone visiting the area should not be bored as there is so much to do!
Sights:
St.James' Park
Angel of the North
Castle Keep
Life Science Centre
Hancock Museum
Tyne Bridge
Baltic Centre of Contemporary Arts
Laing Art Gallery
I never stay in hotels as i descend on my family!
Lots to choose from and to suit a range of budgets.
New Kent Hotel Best Western*** - 127 Osborne Road, Jesmond. Tel:0191 2817711.
Newcastle Youth Hostel - 107 Jesmond Road. Tel:0191 2812570.
Copthorne Hotel*** - The Close, Quayside.
Hilton Newcastle Gateshead**** - Bottle Bank, Gateshead.
Malmaison*** - Quayside. www.malmaison.com
Vermont Hotel**** - Castle Garth. www.vermont-hotel.com
Nightlife:
The Sage
Newcastle has a reputation for lively nighlife! I have to admit that i have not been to a club for a long time. Lots to choose from!
Baja Beach Club - Pipewall Gate, Quayside.
Blue Velvet - Dean Street.
Destination - Neville Street.
Ikon & Envy -New Bridge Street.
Tuxedo Princess - Hillgate Quay, Gateshead. Floating nightclub!
World Headquarters - Curtis Mayfield House, Carliol Square.
Hangouts:
Tyne Bridge and Tuxedo Princess nightclub
You will not be lost for choice. Something to suit every taste.
Bacchus - High Bridge. Fairly large and traditional.
Bar Oz - Percy Street. An Aussie theme bar, big TV's for sports events.
Black Swan - Newcastle Arts Centre. Indie to salsa.
Bodega - Westgate Road. Great for real ales.
Chase - Sandhill. Trendy bar.
Crown Posada - Side, Quayside. Small traditional pub.
Dog and Parrot -Clayton Street West. Good for live music.
Forth Hotel - Pink Lane. One of my favourites with a mixed crowd and good beer!
Luckies - St. Mary's Place. Popular with students.
Red House - Sandhill, Quayside. Cosy. Set in one of the city's old buildings.
Revolution - Collingwood Street. Trendy vodka bar in an old bank building.Dj's.
Strawberry Inn - Strawberry Place. Next to the football ground. Ales and food.
Trillians - Princess Square. Hard rock bar with live bands - take your ear plugs!
Wetherspoons Union Rooms - Westgate Road. One of my favourite buildings. Two floors, popular on match days.
Restaurants:
Angel of the North
Again lots of choice!
Koh-I-Noor - Cloth Market.Traditional Indian.
Leelas South Indian - Dean Street. Recommended in Good Food Guide.
Rupali - Bigg Market. Cheap and cheerful Indian.
Stowell Street - heart of the City's China Town. Numerous Chinese and Asian restaurants - China City, Dragon House,King Neptune,Ming Dynasty, Thai Siam,Royal Circle, Treasure of the Orient.
Godfather - Market Street.Italian.
La Dolce Vita -Westgate Road. Italian.
Marco Polo - Dean Street. Italian.
Trattoria Uno - Sandhill. Italian
Fujiyama - Bath Lane - Japanese.
Kublai Khan - Side. Mongolian.
Fisherman's Lodge - Jesmond Dene. Stylish seafood restaurant.
Other recommendations:
The Sage and Bridges of the Tyne
If you travel north of the city you can explore the many castles of Northumberland - Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh, Alnwick, Warkworth.
The island of Lindisfarne (Holy Island) and the priory is also worth a visit. Taste the local Lindisfarne Mead. Watch out for the tides that cut off the island though!
The coastline is beautiful even if it can be cold and blustery at times.
Durham city and its Cathedral are within easy travelling distance.
If you like sport then you may be able to get a ticket to a Newcastle United or newcastle Falcons match.
Really nice writting! I am always fascinated by a places I never heard of, that are big bustling cities. Thanks for providing such good photos too. Very nice! -James
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