Newcastle

Located in the heart of the North East of England, Newcastle upon Tyne, also known as Newcastle, is a city that harmoniously blends its historical heritage with a vibrant contemporary cultural scene. Known for the hospitality of its inhabitants, the "Geordies", Newcastle offers a unique travel experience characterized by the discovery of an ancient medieval past, iconic architecture and important cultural institutions. The vitality of the city can be breathed from morning to evening when the atmosphere of the nightlife becomes sparkling in the discos or in the various clubs where you can attend particular events, cabarets or shows of various kinds.

 

 

Newcastle's origins date back to Roman times, with the construction of a fortress along Hadrian's Wall. In the 12th century, the city developed around the "New Castle" erected by Robert II of Normandy, from which it derives its name. Over the centuries, Newcastle became a major centre for the shipbuilding industry and coal mining, contributing significantly to the British Industrial Revolution.

 

 

The cityscape is dominated by the majestic steel arch of Tyne Bridge, the most famous of the seven bridges that cross the River Tyne, an architectural icon that connects Newcastle to Gateshead, both cities in the county of Tyne and Wear. Also very special is the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, a tilting bicycle and pedestrian bridge, which tilts to allow the passage of river traffic.

 

 

Not far from Tyne Bridge, Newcastle Castle offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's medieval past, with well-preserved towers and walls that tell tales of bygone eras. Not far from the castle you can also visit Newcastle Cathedral or St. Nicholas' Cathedral which, with its characteristic spire-lantern, was built in 1091, destroyed by fire in 1216 and rebuilt in 1359 becoming a cathedral in 1882 at the behest of Queen Victoria of the Diocese of Newcastle.

 

 

Also not to be missed is Grainger Town, one of Newcastle's jewels with buildings of historical importance and classical architecture designed in the 1830s by Richard Grainger. In fact, Grainger Town is the historic heart of Newcastle upon Tyne and includes Grainger Market, Theatre Royal, Grainger Street, Clayton Street and Grey Street.

 

 

A walking tour of the city center reveals hidden treasures such as Grey Street, defined as one of the most beautiful streets in the United Kingdom, lined with Georgian and Victorian buildings that culminate in the Grey's Monument, erected in honor of the second Earl Grey known for the electoral reform of 1832, which stands with its 41 meters in height characterized by a Doric column with the statue of Earl Grey. Grey Street is also home to the Theatre Royal and a number of restaurants, bars, cafes, galleries and shops such as the Grainger Market, a covered market in an 1835 hall where you can stop for a snack or to shop.

 

 

For lovers of industrial history, a visit to the Discovery Museum offers insights into Newcastle's rich maritime and scientific heritage. Also not to be missed is Life Science Centre, an interesting science village just a few minutes' walk from Newcastle Central Station. For art enthusiasts, the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, housed in a former mill on the River Tyne in the nearby town of Gateshead, hosts exhibitions by international contemporary artists to be discovered.

 

 

Natural history and ancient civilisations can be discovered at The Great North Museum: Hancock while British artworks can be admired at the Laing Art Gallery. Also of particular beauty is the Hatton Gallery at Newcastle University, at the centre of cultural life in the North East since the twentieth century, which houses a collection of over 3,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings, with pieces from the fourteenth century to the present day and including works by Richard Hamilton, Palma il Giovane, Thomas Bewick and Francis Bacon.

 

 

To relax while visiting the city, you can take a cruise along the River Tyne, observing the city from a different point of view, or stroll through numerous green spaces where you can regenerate. Leazes Park, the oldest public park in the city, offers an oasis of tranquility with its picturesque lake and manicured gardens. For a walk along the River Tyne, the Quayside offers breathtaking views, especially at sunset, when the sky is tinged with golden hues reflecting on the water.

 

While at Heaton Park you can explore walking and cycling trails that connect the park to nearby Ouseburn Park, Armstrong Park and Jesmond Dene where you can stop at the Victorian pavilion and terrace, dating back to 1880, which also house a restaurant. Sports and football fans can visit St James' Park, Newcastle United's iconic stadium, home to the club since 1892. In fact, Newcastle United Football Club is the football club of Newcastle, a renowned football division of English football.

 

 

Nature and history enthusiasts can set off from Newcastle to venture out to explore Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to discover the Roman Empire's border wall in Britain which covers some 117 kilometres. Or you can go and visit the nearby city of Gateshead to admire Antony Gormley's Angel of the North, the famous public art sculpture of the United Kingdom with an incredible wingspan (54 meters wide and 20 meters high), a must-see during a visit to Newcastle.

 

Newcastle's culinary scene is rich and varied, allowing you to enjoy traditional dishes such as 'Pan Haggerty', a gratin of potatoes, onions and cheese, or 'Stottie Cake', a round bread often filled with bacon and eggs. Local markets, such as Grainger Market, offer a variety of fresh produce (e.g. hot bread and rolls with freshly baked bacon and cakes) and artisan specialities, while the many historic pubs serve local beers, such as the historic Newcastle Brown, accompanied by typical British cuisine. The modern Ouseburn district is also a foodie destination with its excellent restaurants for a mix of culture and food.

 

For a gastronomic tour of microbreweries and delicious food, you can discover the Wylam Brewery at the Palace of Arts in Exhibition Park, a brewery with a bar room and kitchen that serves local but also vegan food. Newcastle also offers some of the best cocktail bars such as Banyan next to Grey's Monument and tastings in bars and restaurants along Grey Street, High Bridge Street and Bigg Market. All that remains is to indulge in the choice of various delicacies, especially during the seasonal events and Christmas markets that take place in the center of Newcastle.

 

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