(content by Liam R)
Newcastle upon Tyne, or simply Newcastle, ranks as one great city to visit when in the UK. It boasts splendid culture, awe-inspiring architecture, and welcoming locals.
In this article, we list down the fun and exciting things you can do in Newcastle, whether you’re a first-time visitor or not.
Sightseeing in the Quayside
There are many reasons to visit Newcastle. It’s easy to get around, too, as many places are very walkable. Or, if you want, you can find cheap rental cars in Newcastle and start touring.
Whichever you choose, sightseeing is great, especially in the Quayside.
One amazing architectural feature of the Quayside is the seven bridges that connect it to Gateshead by the River Tyne. These bridges are perfectly lit up at night — becoming a visual treat for everybody.
They are:
– Redheugh Bridge
– Queen Elizabeth II Metro Bridge
– King Edward VII Bridge
– High Level Bridge
– Gateshead Millennium Bridge
– Swing Bridge
– Tyne Bridge
During weekends, the Quayside Market is open from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, stretching between the Swing Bridge and the Millennium Bridge.
Admiring the Contemporary Art at the BALTIC Centre
The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art used to be an old flour mill until 1981. Then, it was transformed into an art gallery in the mid-1990s. It opened its doors to visitors in 2002.
Now, it’s a must-visit contemporary art gallery that showcases the best features in arts and performance.
You can saunter your way into the gallery for free, similar to many museums and galleries in Newcastle. Outdoor viewing platforms also provide spectacular views.
Indulge — Check the Restaurants
Newcastle also packs tasty treats for your taste buds. Choose from a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and pubs scattered all over Newcastle.
– Olive and Bean – for salads, sandwiches, and bakes
– Head of Steam – craft beers?
– Tanner Arms – Sunday roast that can be beef, sausage, or vegetarian
To get the most out of your food adventure, it’s wise to use a list of restaurants and go to them one by one — if you’ve got a huge appetite!
Shopping Galore
If you want to buy gifts and shop around Newcastle, check out:
– Clayton Street
– Grainger Street
– INTU Eldon Square
These are hosts to great shopping chains where you can buy all kinds of foods and things you like.
Explore the Newcastle Castle
Finally, explore the castle that once gave the city its name, with a history that goes way back to the second century.
Romans built the Newcastle Castle as a fort. Unfortunately, the original fortress is already gone. But you can still visit the more recently added Castle Keep and Black Gate.
You can walk around the grounds and through the gates for free. But if you want to get into the castle, you need to buy a ticket. We recommend doing that to get the best experience.
Traveling to Newcastle
Traveling to Newcastle is fun and exciting, especially when you know what to do and where to go. More importantly, Newcastle offers varied enough features to lure any kind of tourist and give them a good time. All you have to do now is go. Enjoy!
