Newcastle upon Tyne

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These vtravellers love Newcastle upon Tyne

Overview
Guide
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Attractions
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Overview

Far more than just another northern conurbation, Newcastle is vibrant and energetic with a rich history that seems to be etched onto every street corner.

Originally known as ‘Pons Aelius', Newcastle was founded by the Roman emperor Hadrian between AD120 and 128, and a sizeable section of his wall is still visible close to the city today. After the Romans came the Normans, and in 1080 Robert Curthose, son of William the Conqueror, built the wooden ‘Novum Castellum' or New Castle, from which the city takes its name.

Coal exportation became the mainstay of the economy which paved the way for the development of shipbuilding and other successful heavy industries. But these fell into decline in the latter half of the 20th century and the city was forced to reinvent itself.

It was through art that Newcastle spearheaded an incredible period of regeneration, and art (from Anthony Gormley's iconic Angel of the North to Sir Norman Foster's The Sage Gateshead) is very much a part of the area's modern identity. The region reborn, it has regained its confident swagger to become the crowning jewel of the North East.

Situated on the north bank of the River Tyne, Newcastle is linked to Gateshead by a series of seven bridges and the two centres form an exciting destination that is positively buzzing with creativity and energy.

So forget images of coal slags and unemployment - modern day Newcastle is a bustling regional capital with a thriving restaurant and bar scene that is making national critics sit up and take notice.

Boasting excellent galleries, stunning architecture, great nightlife, friendly locals and quick air and ferry links to Europe, Newcastle is establishing itself as one of the UK's must-visit destinations.

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Feature

Guide

Public Transport

Newcastle's excellent Metro network is the easiest way to get around with stops at most places of interest. It operates two lines which connect the airport with both Newcastle and Gateshead city centres as well as destinations further afield such as Whitley Bay, South Shields and Sunderland. An extensive bus network (which includes the ultra-quiet QuaySide electric buses) provides services for destinations not covered by the Metro.

Single, return and zoned day saver tickets are available for both the Metro and the buses and there are also Network Traveltickets that allow unlimited travel on the bus, Metro, the Sunderland to Blaydon rail line and the Shields Ferry. Daily, weekly or yearly passes are available and there are often special fare promotions at weekends.

The last Metro service finishes around 2300, but some night bus services are available on the busier routes. Traveline North East (tel: 0870 608 2608) provides comprehensive timetable and fare information for all local bus, Metro, train and ferry journeys throughout the North East.

Taxis

There are numerous taxi ranks throughout the city and, particularly at night, there seems to be a constant flow of taxis ferrying passengers around town so there is never too long a wait. However, the weekends do get very busy, so for those who want to avoid queuing, it is worth pre-booking a taxi at peak times. Try Central Taxis (tel: (0191) 271 6363), Noda Taxis (tel: (0191) 232 6854) or Mayfair Cars (tel: (0191) 287 8787).

Car Hire

There are plenty of car hire companies operating in Newcastle. Avis (tel: (0191) 214 0116 or 0870 608 6350), Europcar (tel: (0191) 261 0833 or 286 5070) and Hertz (tel: (0191) 286 6748 or 0870 850 265) all have offices either at the airport, in the city or both.

Bicycle Hire

There are several cycle paths in and around Newcastle-Gateshead and hiring a bike is a great way to see the sights - particularly those that are a little further out of town. Various companies offer bicycle hire. Try Tyne Bridge Bike Hire (tel: (0191) 277 2441) located in the Newcastle Guildhall Visitor Information Centre on Quayside close to the distinctive green Tyne Bridge.

Introduction

The new Northern Stage theatre, Barras Bridge (tel: (0191) 230 5151) opened in August 2006. Formerly the Newcastle Playhouse, the building closed down in 2004 for a £9m rebuild, and it now offers three performing spaces, with Stages 1 and 2 separated by a unique sound-proof acoustic wall, which can be removed to create the Epic Stage, the biggest stage in the North East. Other top class theatres include the spectacular Theatre Royal (tel: 0870 905 5060) on Grey Street; the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) stage a season here each year. Founded in 1973, the city’s Live Theatre (tel: (0191) 232 1232) on Broad Chare is another great venue with an excellent reputation for innovative theatre.

Caedmon Hall (tel: (0191) 433 8420) on Prince Consort Road in Gateshead puts on a great programme of musicals and DanceCity (tel: (0191) 261 0505) on Temple Street in Newcastle is a great place to watch dance performances ranging from classical through to contemporary.

Geordies are renowned for their sense of humour and the region supports a good live comedy circuit; one of the North East’s best comedy clubs is TheHyena Café (tel: (0191) 232 6030) on Leazes Lane.

It’s also worth checking out The Gate (tel: (0191) 223 5000) on Newgate Street, a glass-fronted entertainment centre that includes a 12-screen cinema as well as a number of popular bars and restaurants.

For quieter nights, check out the Star And Shadow Cinema (tel: (0191) 261 0066). This cinema screens the very best from the world of art house cinema.

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