Map Of Newcastle City Centre
Introduction
Newcastle is a vibrant city located in the north-east of England. It is a city full of history, culture, and natural beauty. The city has something for everyone, from historical landmarks to beautiful beaches and mountains. In this travel guide, we will cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
Newcastle Castle
Newcastle Castle is a must-visit attraction in the city. It is a medieval fortification that dates back to the 12th century. The castle has a fascinating history and offers stunning views of the city from its rooftop.
The Angel of the North
The Angel of the North is a contemporary sculpture that has become an iconic symbol of Newcastle. The sculpture stands 20 meters tall and weighs 200 tonnes. It is an impressive sight and a great place to take photos.
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art
The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art is a modern art museum located on the banks of the River Tyne. The museum features a variety of contemporary art exhibitions, workshops, and events.
Discovery Museum
The Discovery Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Newcastle. The museum features interactive exhibits, including a recreation of a Victorian street and a steam-powered railway.
Hidden Gems
The Victoria Tunnel
The Victoria Tunnel is a hidden gem in Newcastle. The tunnel was built in the 19th century to transport coal from the mines to the River Tyne. Today, visitors can take guided tours of the tunnel to learn about its history.
City Rooftop Views
Newcastle has some fantastic rooftop bars and restaurants that offer stunning views of the city. Some of the best include The Botanist, The Bridge Tavern, and The Vermont Hotel.
The Ouseburn Valley
The Ouseburn Valley is a creative hub in Newcastle. The area is home to a variety of independent shops, cafes, and galleries. It is a great place to explore and discover something new.
Food Scene
Quayside Market
The Quayside Market is a popular spot for foodies in Newcastle. The market features a variety of street food vendors offering everything from pizza to dumplings.
Jesmond Dene House
Jesmond Dene House is a beautiful hotel and restaurant located in the heart of Newcastle. The restaurant serves modern British cuisine using locally sourced ingredients.
Cook House
Cook House is a hidden gem in Newcastle. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It has a relaxed atmosphere and is perfect for a casual meal.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Free Museums
Newcastle has a variety of free museums, including the Great North Museum, the Discovery Museum, and the Laing Art Gallery. They are great places to visit and learn about the city’s history and culture.
Parks and Gardens
Newcastle has some beautiful parks and gardens that are free to visit, including Jesmond Dene and Leazes Park. They are perfect for a picnic or a relaxed afternoon stroll.
Happy Hour
Many bars and restaurants in Newcastle offer happy hour deals on drinks and food. It is a great way to enjoy the city’s nightlife without breaking the bank.
Outdoor Adventures
Hiking in the Northumberland National Park
The Northumberland National Park is just a short drive from Newcastle and offers some fantastic hiking trails. The park is home to stunning landscapes and wildlife, including red squirrels and otters.
Surfing in Tynemouth
Tynemouth is a popular spot for surfing in the north-east of England. The beach offers some great waves and is a great place to learn how to surf.
Cycling in the Tyne Valley
The Tyne Valley offers some fantastic cycling routes, including the Hadrian’s Cycleway. The route takes you through beautiful landscapes and historical sites, including Hadrian’s Wall.
Family-Friendly Activities
Seven Stories
Seven Stories is a national centre for children’s books located in Newcastle. The centre features interactive exhibits, workshops, and events for children of all ages.
Beamish Museum
Beamish Museum is an open-air museum that tells the story of life in the north-east of England in the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum features a variety of exhibits and activities, including a steam railway and a traditional fairground.
Blue Reef Aquarium
The Blue Reef Aquarium is a great place to learn about marine life. The aquarium features a variety of exhibits, including a tropical ocean tank and a seal sanctuary.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
The Victoria Tunnel
The Victoria Tunnel is a hidden gem in Newcastle. The tunnel was built in the 19th century to transport coal from the mines to the River Tyne. Today, visitors can take guided tours of the tunnel to learn about its history.
The Biscuit Factory
The Biscuit Factory is a contemporary art gallery located in an old biscuit factory in Newcastle. The gallery features a variety of exhibitions, including paintings, sculptures, and photography.
The Alnwick Garden
The Alnwick Garden is a stunning garden located just outside of Newcastle. The garden features a variety of plants and flowers, as well as a treehouse and a poison garden.
Natural Wonders
The Northumberland Coast
The Northumberland Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline located just a short drive from Newcastle. The coast features stunning beaches, dunes, and cliffs, as well as a variety of wildlife, including seals and seabirds.
Holy Island
Holy Island is a small island located off the coast of Northumberland. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including puffins and seals, and features a beautiful monastery and castle.
Kielder Water and Forest Park
Kielder Water and Forest Park is the largest forest in England and home to Kielder Water, the largest man-made lake in northern Europe. The park is a great place to explore and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and watersports.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Diamond Strip
The Diamond Strip is a popular spot for nightlife in Newcastle. The area is home to a variety of bars and clubs, including the famous Bijoux nightclub.
The Quayside
The Quayside is another popular spot for nightlife in Newcastle. The area features a variety of bars and restaurants, as well as stunning views of the River Tyne.
Ouseburn Valley
The Ouseburn Valley is a creative hub in Newcastle and offers a variety of nightlife options, including live music and comedy shows.
Local Markets
Jesmond Food Market
Jesmond Food Market is a weekly market that takes place on Armstrong Bridge in Jesmond. The market features a variety of local food and drink vendors, including artisan bread, cheese, and craft beer.
The Grainger Market
The Grainger Market is a historic indoor market located in the heart of Newcastle. The market features a variety of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to vintage clothing.
Quayside Market
The Quayside Market is a popular spot for foodies in Newcastle. The market features a variety of street food vendors offering everything from pizza to dumplings.
Beaches and Mountains
Tynemouth Beach
Tynemouth Beach is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming in the summer months. The beach features stunning views of Tynemouth Castle and the North Sea.
The Cheviot Hills
The Cheviot Hills are a range of hills located on the border between England and Scotland. The hills offer some fantastic hiking trails and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The Northumberland Coast
The Northumberland Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline located just a short drive from Newcastle. The coast features stunning beaches, dunes, and cliffs, as well as a variety of wildlife, including seals and seabirds.
Cultural Immersion
The Laing Art Gallery
The Laing Art Gallery is a popular art museum located in the city centre of Newcastle. The gallery features