Explore the UK
Newcastle
Sitting on the banks of the River Tyne, Newcastle is at the centre of Tyne & Wear and has always played a major part in the history of the North East of England. The city is a vibrant friendly place and makes a fantastic centre for a weekend visit ideal for exploring the beauty of the Northumberland region with its sandy beaches, castles dotted around the countryside, or a visit to the Roman heritage of Hadrian’s Wall.
Newcastle was built on coal and it owes much of its heritage to this mineral. Coal was brought down the Tyne and transferred to large ships and exported, bringing much wealth to the area. Shipbuilding has always been associated with Newcastle and at one time 25% of the world’s ships were built in the area. Industry such as locomotive building featured in the prosperity of Newcastle through George Stephenson and family, electricity and steam power turbines are just a few of many inventions that can be claimed for the Newcastle area.
Whilst industry is still important to Newcastle and the nearby counties of Durham and Cleveland, tourism is playing a vital role in the prosperity of the area with Newcastle at its heart. The visitor today will find Newcastle brimming with attractions; the rejuvenated waterfront area with its swish bars and restaurants, bistros and coffee shops, and some of the best shopping that is to be found outside of London. The largest shopping centre in the European Union the Metro Centre is close by and can be reached easily by car, bus or taxi and has over 300 shops as well as food halls and entertainment. Art galleries such as the Laing Gallery and the Baltic Centre across the river at nearby Gateshead have changing exhibits and themes and the Centre for Life is an interactive attraction for the younger ones in the family.
Transport communications to and from Newcastle are amongst the best to be found with a fast rail link to the north and south and a road network that is excellent. The city has a metro running from the airport to the city centre and to the coast and Sunderland. Because the road network has been well developed it is easy to visit the very many attractions in and around Newcastle. Holy Island and the wonderful beaches are within less than an hours drive, with Alnwick Castle just a few miles further on, attracting Harry Potter fans and garden enthusiast in equal numbers. By staying in Newcastle, walking Hadrian’s Wall is now a very popular weekend attraction for more and more people.
Newcastle has plenty of hotels and guest house and the Northumberland region offers farmhouse B&B’s, and self catering facilities to satisfy all taste.
