NewcastleGateshead is a vibrant city in northeast England, celebrated for its bustling cultural scene, up and coming foodie hotspots and welcoming atmosphere.
Culturally, NewcastleGateshead is a powerhouse. The city boasts numerous theatres, galleries, and music venues, including the celebrated Theatre Royal and the contemporary Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, located just across the river, is a world-class venue for music and performing arts.
The beloved Quayside is a must visit for anyone who is passing through NewcastleGateshead. The iconic seven bridges offer a stunning backdrop to a city that is just waiting to be discovered!
Newcastle's people, known as Geordies, are renowned for their friendliness and warm welcome, meaning you will always feel at home in NewcastleGateshead! This spirit within the city makes it an inviting destination for visitors and a cherished home for its residents. Come and visit, you won’t regret it!
Where to eat and drink in Newcastle
Newcastle is fast becoming a foodie hotspot, with an abundance of dynamic food and drink spots. From traditional British scran to international cuisines, the city offers a gastronomic adventure for locals and visitors alike.
One of the best places to discover a range of food and drink options is The Grainger Market in Newcastle City Centre. Located a ten-minute walk away from Newcastle Central Station, the Grade 1 listed building has been a place of wonder since 1935. Nowadays, you will find an eclectic mix of independent food stalls within the walls of the bustling market. No one will be left hungry after a trip to the Grainger Market.
Enjoy hand-rolled bagels at King Baby Bagels, one of the most popular lunch spots in the city. If the baby pink shop exterior doesn’t entice you, the loaded bagels will. Directly opposite, you will find La Gamba where you can experience authentic Spanish cuisine right in the heart of Newcastle. You will often find the small but mighty shop full of people enjoying an afternoon glass of vermouth alongside tasty tapas dishes. For those after a plant-based meal, Snackwallah will impress even the fussiest of eaters. Enjoy delicious authentic vegan Indian street food for a very reasonable price.
For those interested in exploring Newcastle's pub culture, the city does not disappoint. Traditional pubs like The Broad Chare offer hearty gastro British dishes including their famous Sunday roasts. These pubs are also great places to sample local ales and ciders. The ambiance is typically warm and welcoming, providing a true taste of Geordie hospitality.
In the past few years, Newcastle has been highlighted as a city not to be ignored when it comes to fine dining. With 18 restaurants in the Michelin Guide, the city knows a thing or two about haute cuisine. For those after an unforgettable experience, visit Kenny Atkinson’s Michelin star restaurants, Solstice and House of Tides. Head into the artsy neighbourhood of Ouseburn and discover Cook House which proudly sits in the Michelin Guide.
Whether you’re seeking traditional British dishes, exploring international flavours, or simply enjoying a pint in a cosy pub, Newcastle offers a culinary journey that is sure to delight any food enthusiast as the city's blend of historic charm and modern innovation makes it a true haven for food lovers.
Discover Newcastle's cultural gems
NewcastleGateshead is a city that is rich in cultural heritage waiting to be discovered by visitors.
A cornerstone of NewcastleGateshead's cultural life is its thriving arts scene. The city is home to several renowned institutions, including the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. Housed in a converted flour mill on the Gateshead Quayside on the banks of the River Tyne, BALTIC is one of the largest contemporary art spaces in Europe. It offers a dynamic program of exhibitions featuring artists from around the globe, alongside workshops and events that engage the community in artistic exploration.
NewcastleGateshead's commitment to the performing arts is shown in the many theatres around the city. The Theatre Royal, a majestic building that has been a cultural staple since 1837, hosts a diverse range of performances, from West End musicals and drama to ballet and opera. Head over the River Tyne to the unique building, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music. The music centre is renowned for its acoustics and hosts concerts spanning genres from classical to contemporary, including performances by the Royal Northern Sinfonia.
Newcastle is home to the Lit & Phil, a historic library that has served as a haven for writers, thinkers, and readers since 1825. With its extensive collection of books and regular literary events, it remains a vital part of Newcastle’s intellectual and cultural fabric.
Explore one of many free museums and galleries in NewcastleGateshead when you visit. Go back in time and explore the days gone by in The Discovery Museum. Watch out for the iconic Turbinia, the world's first steam turbine-powered ship.
In NewcastleGateshead, the cultural calendar is never empty. Whether through its museums, galleries, theatres, festivals, or community events, Newcastle offers a cultural experience that is as diverse as it is enriching.
Places to visit in NewcastleGateshead
In NewcastleGateshead you will find plenty of visitor attractions to meet everyone’s tastes.
Uncover the history of the city at Newcastle Castle. Dating back to 1178, Newcastle Castle Keep is one of the finest examples of Norman stone in Britain. The site itself was previously occupied by a Roman fort, an Anglo-Saxon cemetery and the original ‘New Castle' from which the city takes its name. From the top, the castle also has an outstanding view of NewcastleGateshead.
Admire the iconic Angel of the North on your visit to NewcastleGateshead. Standing tall overlooking the surrounding scenes of NewcastleGateshead, the Angel of the North sculpture has become an iconic work of public art by Antony Gormley which is admired by up to 150,000 visitors each year. At 54 metres wide and 20 metres high, ‘the Angel’, as it’s fondly known by locals, dominates the NewcastleGateshead skyline and is an awe-inspiring symbol of North East pride and culture.
A trip to Newcastle would not be complete without a trip to see the impressive St James' Park. The football ground is fondly known as “The Cathedral on the Hill” by fans and is home to Newcastle United. If you can’t make a game, take part in one of the popular behind-the-scenes tours or if you dare, brave the St James’ Park rooftop tour.
The seven famous bridges across the Tyne each have their own unique architectural and historical significance. The iconic Tyne Bridge is often seen as a symbol of the city. Make sure you walk along the Quayside to get an iconic view of the Quayside.
Trains to Newcastle and Gateshead
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Find trains to NewcastleRest and recuperation in NewcastleGateshead
If you find yourself in NewcastleGateshead and need some time to take a step back and recharge your battery, take one of the many opportunities in the city to relax and look after your wellbeing.
In the neighbourhood of Shieldfield, you will find Yoga x Life. The yoga studio offers an escape from the bustling city. Whether you are a regular in the practice of yoga, or simply wanting to try a new calming hobby, the studio has something for everyone. There is a daily schedule from dynamic to yin and meditation and even a cafe on site serving barista coffee, superfood smoothies and a selection of vegan and gluten-free foods.
NewcastleGateshead is home to many outdoor green spaces. If you are after some refreshing fresh air, head to Jesmond Dene. With a different spot to be discovered at every turn, the Dene hides a waterfall, multiple bridges a mix of native and exotic trees and is also home to a lot of wildlife. The narrow-wooded valley that follows the river Ouseburn between South Gosforth and Jesmond Vale stretches for over three kilometres. If that wasn't enough, there is also a visitor centre and Pet's Corner nestled within the trees. Pet's Corner is home to pot-bellied pigs, goats and sheep alongside rabbits and birds and is entirely managed by volunteers.
Taking a moment to yourself away from screens is a great way to boost your wellbeing. If you are looking for something to do to fill the phone shaped hole, why not head to a café in Newcastle with a book. There are many cafés city wide that welcome visitors for longer stays. Why not relax in Pink Lane Coffee, Tiny Tiney, Coffee Trader or Laneway & Co with a good read. Be sure to sample some great drinks and food when you visit.
Enjoy a healthy meal from Naked Deli in Newcastle City Centre. They aim to bring healthy and nutritious food to the city. They are located opposite Theatre Royal, make sure to give them a visit!
Adventure in the toon
NewcastleGateshead offers a wealth of adventure opportunities that cater to thrill-seekers. The city’s outdoor spaces are a perfect backdrop for a variety of exhilarating activities.
CBK Adventures offers an array of activities, including kayaking on the River Tyne. Exploring the water offers a unique perspective of the city’s iconic bridges, just make sure you don’t fall in!
Cycling enthusiasts can take advantage of Newcastle’s extensive network of cycle paths and trails. The Hadrian’s Cycleway, for example, is a popular route that runs from the heart of the city along the line of Hadrian’s Wall, offering a mix of urban and rural scenery. Additionally, the city’s numerous parks and green spaces provide a serene setting for leisurely rides and family outings.
Another unique adventure opportunity in Newcastle is in Ouseburn, an area known for its creative and cultural vibrancy. Here, visitors can explore underground tunnels with the Victoria Tunnel tours, which delve into the city’s industrial past. Explore the tunnels that go directly underneath Newcastle landmarks. You also get the unique chance to walk underneath Hadrian’s Roman Wall.
Whether you’re kayaking on the River Tyne, cycling along historic routes, or exploring the city from below, there’s no shortage of ways to get your adrenaline fix. Newcastle’s diverse adventure offerings ensure that every visitor can find something to excite and inspire.
Shopping in NewcastleGateshead
NewcastleGateshead is home to a variety of shopping destinations, from bustling markets and boutique stores to large shopping centres and high-end retailers.
One of the most famous shops in Newcastle is Fenwick. Opened over 140 years ago, the flagship store has been a hub for great shopping in the city ever since. Browse the extensive beauty hall, modern home décor and the famous Food Hall.
NewcastleGateshead has two big shopping centres. Eldon Square is your city centre spot to discover new looks, delicious treats and fresh inspiration. It's got hundreds of brands in the heart of Newcastle, ready and waiting for you to get stuck in and enjoy. Whether you’re popping in, meeting for a bite and a browse or on a shop-’til-you-drop mission and is home to an impressive list of over 100 stores and over 20 restaurants, housed under one roof.
Over the river in Gateshead, Metrocentre is Europe's largest indoor mall-style shopping centre, with over 300 popular high street shops spread over five malls. If you walked past every shop front in the centre, you would cover 3.5miles! The shopping mall is also home to lots of restaurants, so you won’t go hungry on your shopping spree.
Unmissable events in Newcastle
NewcastleGateshead is home to many events throughout the year that keep visitors and locals busy! The ever-popular NE1 Restaurant Week takes place twice a year. The week gives everyone an opportunity to sample some of the most popular restaurants in the city centre, for a fraction of the price. Eating out in Newcastle was never so easy!
One of Newcastle’s biggest events is The Great North Run. Taking pace in September every year, the city to coast half marathon is the world’s biggest, with over 60,000 competitors running each year. The race raises millions for charity each year and offers an unbeatable atmosphere.
Christmas in Newcastle is a big deal. The unique markets, outdoor ice rink and Christmas lights in the city offer an unbeatable festive experience for locals and visitors alike. The most popular event over the festive season is the annual tradition of revealing Fenwick’s Christmas Window Display.
The queue to wander past Fenwick’s Christmas display always snakes with great anticipation along Northumberland Street in the heart of Newcastle city centre. Each year, typically in early November, the Fenwick Christmas Window is revealed and thousands of festive shoppers and families on a day out in Newcastle clamour to see what the new Christmas window theme will be.
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