England is one of the most popular tourist destinations it world, with millions of visitors each year coming to experience the history and culture that this relatively small nation has to offer.
Whilst London is obviously the most popular British destination for overseas tourists, there are plenty of other great places to visit all over the country.
One place that shouldn’t be missed is Newcastle. This north-east city has many reasons for which you should consider placing it high up on your itinerary and here are five of them:
1. The Cultural Hot spots
Sitting on the banks of the River Tyne, Newcastle is home to many highly acclaimed museums and art galleries. Take a walk across the Millennium Bridge to the Gateshead side of the river and you will find the The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts, an award-winning arts project housed within a converted flourmill.
On the less-modern side of the cultural spectrum, is the historical Theatre Royal, a Grade I listed building that has been at the heart of Grey Street since 1837. It is now one the most established and esteemed theatres in the North of England, and offers a vast programme of concerts, ballets, shows, plays and pantomimes.
2. The Beautiful Architecture
- An example of some of the beautiful architecture to be enjoyed in Newcastle
Newcastle is home to some of the most beautiful examples of Georgian and Victorian architecture in the country. The world-famous Grey Street has been awarded the accolade of the “finest street in Britain” on many, and the surrounding streets and alleyways in Grainger Town are equally as impressive. Now a designated conservation area, many of the buildings are four storeys high, with vertical dormers and a selection of turrets and spikes. At the head of Grey Street stand Grey’s Monument, a 130 ft high column built in 1838 that is still standing proud today in the middle of the city.
There is also the Central Arcade with it’s beautiful Edwardian shopfronts, a 13th century Dominican Friary and pieces of the historic Town Walls to be explored in this part of the city.
3. The World Famous Nightlife
Newcastle is well renowned as the party hotspot of the north. The city has a wide variety of pubs, clubs, bars and music venues to cater for all tastes, and there is something happening every night of the week. Popular, too, with bachelor and bachelorette groups, Newcastle has a huge variety of daytime activities to complement the obligatory nighttime festivities that occur during this type of trip.
If you are looking for a pint of beer in a traditional English-style pub then Newcastle will not disappoint. There may have been an influx of modern bars to the city in recent years, but there are still plenty of places with historic charm left to enjoy a nice pint or two.
For late night drinking and those that fancy a dance, Newcastle really does have all bases covered. You will find many late-night bars and clubs dotted around the city to get your groove on in.
4. The Beautiful Quayside
The Quayside area of the city has been regenerated in recent years, and is now a great place to explore, eat and take in the scenic views. As you probably guessed, this is where you will find Newcastle’s most iconic landmark, the Tyne Bridge.
One of the most popular times to visit the Quayside is on Sundays, when the local Quayside Market takes place. Spend the day browsing through stalls selling clothes, vintage goods, jewelry, art, handcrafted goods and local produce on this stretch of the riverside that runs from the Swing Bridge to the Millennium Bridge. You will also find many local food and beverage vendors here so you will certainly not go hungry.
5. The local people
The people of Newcastle are known as ‘Geordies’ and are regarded to be some of the friendliest and most welcoming people in the whole of the UK
Most of the locals will usually be more than happy to stop and offer a lost visitor directions, or bond over a few beers as you seek advice about where to visit whilst in the city.
Great Up North
The north of England, with Newcastle as a shining example, should not be missed out when visiting the UK. Most overseas visitors will arrive in England at one of London’s airports but with fantastic transport links throughout the country and so much to see elsewhere, a trip up north should definitely be considered.
