'''Newcastle upon Tyne''' [http://www.visitnewcastle.org.uk/] is a city in the North East of England. It has a population of 250,000

Understand

Newcastle upon Tyne is one of England's best kept secrets. Compact, attractive and friendly it is one of England's core cities and is a centre of culture and architecture. The starting point for tours of the Northumberland coast and Hadrian's Wall. Home town of the Geordie culture, with a rich heritage of folk music and dance and its own dialect.

History

Newcastle started life around 2,000 years ago as a Roman fort called Pons Aelius along Hadrian's Wall - a ruin of which still exists at Segedunum (A short walk from Wallsend Metro station). The city developed into an important port and was at the centre of the industrial revolution during the 18th and 19th centuries. As heavy industry went into decline, Newcastle's fortunes took a dip. The city has now re-invented itself as a cultural centre and Science City, and is possibly one of the trendiest places in the UK.

Get in

By plane

Newcastle International Airport [http://www.newcastleairport.com/], which offers scheduled flights throughout the UK and Europe and also Dubai, is located about 5.5 miles north-west of the city. Travel options into the city centre include:
  • Most travellers find that the '''Tyne and Wear Metro''' [http://www.nexus.org.uk/wps/wcm/connect/Nexus/Metro] is the best all-round option for getting downtown. The journey to Monument station takes about 20 minutes and costs __2.80.
  • '''Bus''' services are operated by Stagecoach [http://www.stagecoachbus.com/newcastle/] between the airport and the city centre.
  • '''Taxis''' are readily available outside the airport and it costs about __15 to get to the city centre.
  • '''By car''' the distance is about 7 miles and takes up to about half an hour to get in. There are several car rental firms with offices in the airport terminal building, although you'll generally pay a premium over downtown rates.
  • By train

    Newcastle is served by three long-distance rail operators:

  • '''National Express East Coast''' [http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/] frequently connect Newcastle with London, Edinburgh and principle destinations between (including York, Doncaster and Peterborough). Some services extend on to Glasgow, Aberdeen or Inverness.
  • '''Cross Country Trains''' [http://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/] run every 30 minutes from Newcastle to Birmingham via Leeds/Doncaster, Sheffield and the East Midlands. Some services extend on to Reading and the South Coast, or through Bristol to South Wales or South West England. Cross Country [http://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/] also run north of Newcastle to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.
  • '''Transpennine Express''' [http://www.tpexpress.co.uk/] runs direct services from Newcastle to Leeds, Manchester and Manchester Airport.
  • The local rail network is operated by '''Northern Rail''' [http://www.northernrail.org/], with relatively frequent services to destinations such as Carlisle, Middlesbrough, Hexham and Morpeth.

    Newcastle Central Station is also served by the Tyne and Wear '''Metro''' [http://www.nexus.org.uk/wps/wcm/connect/Nexus/Metro] system, for frequent services into the Newcastle suburbs, and other destinations in Tyne and Wear.

    In the UK, tickets can be bought on the day at the station using cash or debit/credit card, but it is invariably cheaper to book in advance. Times and fares information is available from '''National Rail''' [http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/], ''+44'' 8457 484950, or the station booking office.

    By car

    Newcastle upon Tyne is well signposted from both the north, south and west. The city lies at the joining of the A1 (the main East Coast route from London to Edinburgh) and the A69 (a major east-west route to Carlisle and the M6). The A1 bypasses the city to the west.

    There are a number of 'park-and-ride' National Park and Ride Directory [http://www.parkandride.net/newcastle/newcastle_frameset.shtml] points around the city to avoid the hassle of parking in the city centre. From these points, the Metro or bus will take you into the city for between __1 and __3. Otherwise, there are over 10,000 spaces in the city centre, though for stays of more than a few hours this may prove expensive. Generally, parking in the city centre costs between __1 and __2 per hour, while parking about 10 minutes walk from the centre will set you back about __0.50 per hour.

    Also check out Parkopedia.com [http://www.parkopedia.com/] - a website that allows users to search and compare parking rates and locations forcommercial and private parking facilities in Newcastle upon Tyne [http://en.parkopedia.com/parking/uk/newcastle].

    By bus

    Newcastle Coach station is located at the southern end of St James' Boulevard, near to the Centre for Life and is just a short walk from the centre of town. National Express is the main intercity operator, offering regular services to several UK towns and cities. Most National Express tickets include free travel on the Metro system [http://www.nationalexpress.com/help/YJ_5.cfm], but check this out before you board the Metro.

  • '''Classic Coaches''' [http://www.classic-coaches.co.uk], ''+44'' (0)1207 282288.
  • '''Megabus''' [http://www.megabus.com/uk/], ''+44'' (0)900 1600900 (premium rate).
  • '''National Express''' [http://www.nationalexpress.com/], ''+44'' (0)8705 808080.
  • By boat

    North Shields, 7 miles east of the city centre, has daily ferry connections to IJmuiden. Special buses run from the Central Station to the ferry terminal and are charged at a premium.

    Taxis are available from outside the Ferry Terminal operated by EastCoast Taxis [http://www.eastcoasttaxis.com/]. A taxi from the Terminal direct into Newcastle city centre is __11.50 for up to 4 passengers.

    Get around

    By bicycle

    Newcastle is a reasonably cycle-friendly city. There are a number of places to lock a bike up in the city centre and a number of cycle lanes (though these are often shared with buses or taxis). A few Metro stations also provide secure storage for bicycles, but note that only fold-away bicycles are permitted on Metro trains. Unless you're touring the UK on pedal power, the best use for a bike is to explore the Quayside, Ouseburn and Jesmond Dene areas, travel to out-of-town attractions or head off to more distant places such as Whitley Bay and Seaton Sluice on the coast.

    The Sustrans [http://www.sustrans.org.uk/] National Cycle Network Route 1 (East Coast) passes through Newcastle from the North to the South.

    Bicyle hire:

  • '''Tyne Bridge Bike Hire''', The Guildhall (Quayside), NE1 3AF, ''+44'' (0) 191 2772441, (''[mailto:info@tynebridgebikehire.co.uk info@tynebridgebikehire.co.uk]''), [http://www.tynebridgebikehire.co.uk/] 10AM-5PM (7 days in summer, weekends only in winter).
  • '''Tyne Cycles''', 19-20 Rudyerd Street, North Shields, NE29 6RR, ''+44'' (0) 191 2562266, (''[mailto:tynecycles@aol.com tynecycles@aol.com]''), [http://www.tynecycles.co.uk/].
  • By bus

    '''City Centre'''

    '''Quaylink''' [http://www.stagecoachbus.com/newcastle/Quaylink.html] services run every few minutes between the city centre and the Newcastle/Gateshead quayside. Single fares are 80p and the distinctive yellow livery makes the service easy to recognise.

    '''Suburbs'''

    An extensive and efficient network of bus routes radiate out of Newcastle into the surrounding towns and suburbs. Though the services are operated by several different operators they are co-ordinated by '''Nexus''' [http://www.nexus.org.uk/wps/wcm/connect/Nexus/Bus], Tyne and Wear's transport authority. Maps and timetables can be found on the Nexus website [http://www.nexus.org.uk/wps/wcm/connect/Nexus/Bus], though it may be easier to use a personalised journey planner such as '''Transport Direct''' [http://www.transportdirect.info/web2/Default.aspx?repeatingloop=Y].

    Bus operators include:

  • Arriva Northumbria [http://www.arrivabus.co.uk/]
  • Classic Coaches [http://www.classic-coaches.co.uk/]
  • Go North East [http://www.simplygo.com/]
  • Northumbria Coaches [http://www.northumbriacoaches.co.uk/]
  • Stagecoach in Newcastle [http://www.stagecoachbus.com/newcastle/]
  • On foot

    Newcastle city centre is relatively compact and is therefore easy to navigate on foot. Many areas are pedestrianised. Being on the banks of the River Tyne, some areas slope quite steeply. Buses and taxis are cheap and plentiful should this pose a problem.

    Newcastle and Gateshead walking directions [http://www.walkit.com/newcastlegateshead/] can be planned online with the walkit.com [http://www.walkit.com/] walking route planner.

    By metro

    The city has a well-run and efficient Metro system, the Tyne and Wear Metro [http://www.tyneandwearmetro.co.uk]. Day tickets cost anything up to __4, depending on the time of day and destination. This is useful to access the suburbs, airport, rail station and coast.

    If you're staying within a single zone, a one-zone return ticket (__1.80) offers great value, as it allows unlimited Metro travel within that zone all day.

    There are two lines - the green line runs north-south between the airport and South Hylton via central Newcastle, Gateshead and Sunderland, while the yellow line runs between St. James Park and South Shields via central Newcastle, Gateshead, North Shields and the coast. Both lines run parallel through central Newcastle and Gateshead and the yellow line crosses itself at Monument station which is handy if for example you're travelling from North Shields to Gateshead it is quicker to travel the 'wrong' way to Monument and change onto a southbound Yellow train as the line takes a very indirect route. There are interchanges with the national rail network at Central, Manors, Heworth and Sunderland. Ticketing is based on the honour system - buy a ticket from the vending machines at the station entrance (coins only, although change is given) and keep it for the whole journey until you leave the system as there are inspectors at station entrances and exits as well as on board the train.

    By train

    Regional rail services are regular and offer quicker access to nearby towns such as Durham, Sunderland, Hexham and Corbridge. Details are available from National Rail Enquiries [http://www.national-rail.co.uk/] or Northern Rail [http://www.northernrail.org/].

    See

  • The '''River Tyne''' is a short walk from the station, and has a pedestrian path on the near side reminiscent of the Queen's Walk in London. There are also '''city walks''' along the river, running from May to November. Information can be found at the '''Tourist Information Centre''', near the Monument Metro station.
  • The '''Tyne Bridge''', a good example of a compression arch suspended-deck bridge famous the world over.
  • The '''Gateshead Millennium Bridge''', acclaimed worldwide for its physical and aesthetic beauty. Tilting times are announced regularly at the Gateshead Council web site [http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/Leisure%20and%20Culture/attractions/bridge/Home.aspx].
  • Remains of the the '''Castle Keep''' and the surrounding castle garth [http://en.wikipedia.org/Newcastle_Castle_Keep], the "new castle" of the city's name. Parts of it were built in the 13th century.
  • The remains of the Roman fort at '''Segedunum''' [http://en.wikipedia.org/Segedunum], a short walk away from the Wallsend Metro [http://www.tyneandwearmetro.co.uk/] stations. In fact many of the signs at the metro station have been translated into Latin, including the aptly named Vomitorium.
  • '''Central Arcade''', a beautifully preserved traditional shopping arcade, which houses the Tourist Information Bureau and Windows of the Arcade, one of Newcastle's oldest music shops.
  • '''Grainger Town''' is the beautiful and historic heart of the city. Based around classical streets built by Richard Grainger between 1835 and 1842, some of Newcastle upon Tyne's finest buildings and streets lie within the Grainger Town area of the City center including Grainger Market, Theatre Royal, Grey Street, Grainger Street and Clayton Street. Grey Street was voted as England's finest street in 2005 in a survey of BBC Radio 4 listeners.
  • '''Grey's Monument''' located at the heart of Grainger Town is a Grade I listed monument to Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey built in 1838. The wide base of the monument is a popular spot for people-watching, and often acts as a venue for buskers (most notably Apu with their Andean music), religious speakers and political activists/protesters.
  • '''St Nicholas Cathedral''' [http://newcastle-ang-cathedral-stnicholas.org.uk/] is worth visiting during opening hours.
  • Walk around Newcastle's Chinatown centered on '''Stowell Street''' in the city center, it contains many Chinese, Korean and Japanese restaurants and shops, and has its own Chinese arch.
  • '''The Angel of the North''', a modern sculpture designed by Antony Gormley, is just a short drive from Newcastle city centre in Gateshead.
  • There are remains of '''Hadrian's Wall''', a stone and turf fortification built by the Roman Empire across the width of England, in the west of the city and further out in Northumberland.
  • The '''Vampire Rabbit''' is a gargoyle located above the door of an office block next to St Nicholas's Church. It's a strange mystery which has remained unsolved for a number of years.
  • Do

    Galleries & Museums

  • '''Opus Art''', West Avenue, Gosforth, +44 (0)191 2130295 [http://www.opus-art.com/]. Opus art gallery is a modern art gallery where you can appreciate and buy masterpieces of contemporary art from artists including Damien Hurst, Andy Warhol and Dan Baldwin, amongst others.
  • '''BALTIC''', Gateshead Quays, South Shore Road, Gateshead, +44 (0)191 4781810 (''email: <info@balticmill.com>'') [http://www.balticmill.com/]. Constantly changing modern art exhibits are the hallmark of this gallery, located on the banks of the River Tyne in one of Newcastle's landmark industrial buildings.
  • '''The Biscuit Factory''', Stoddart Street, +44 (0)191 2611103 (''email:<art@thebiscuitfactory.com>'') [http://www.thebiscuitfactory.com/]. Britain's biggest original art store. You can even buy your favourite pieces!
  • '''The Hatton Gallery''', The Quadrangle, Newcastle University, [http://www.twmuseums.org.uk/hatton/]. Open M-Sa 10AM-5PM. An art gallery located on the campus of Newcastle University.
  • '''Shipley Art Gallery''', Prince Consort Road, Gateshead, [http://www.twmuseums.org.uk/shipley/]. Open M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 2PM-5PM. Popular art gallery in Gateshead. Relax, unwind and discover the fantastic range of art and design on show in the friendly surroundings of the Shipley. Over the last 25 years the venue has become established as a national center for contemporary craft and has built up one of the best collections outside London, including ceramics, wood, metal, glass, textiles and furniture.
  • '''Centre For Life''', Times Square, +44 (0)191 2438210 [http://www.life.org.uk/]. This 'science city' in the centre of Newcastle has interactive exhibits that kids of all ages will likely enjoy. The facility also includes a state of the art research facility (Scientists at The Centre for Life are the first people in Europe - and only the second in the world - to get a license for stem cell research on human embryos), the Life Science Centre, a visitors center and interactive museum that looks at DNA, the human body and the origins of life.
  • '''Shefton Museum of Greek Art and Archaeology''' [http://www.ncl.ac.uk/shefton-museum/]. Located within the Department of Classics at Newcastle University, holds a small but widely recognised collection of artefacts from the Greek world. The collection includes Roman, Near Eastern and Celtic items, but objects of Greek and Etruscan manufacture represent its main focus.
  • '''Stephenson Railway Museum''', Middle Engine Lane, North Shields, +44 (0)191 2007146 [http://www.twmuseums.org.uk/stephenson/]. A museum where visitors can re-live the glorious days of the steam railway.
  • '''Tynemouth Castle and Priory''' Tyne and Wear, Tynemouth [http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.13480/chosenImageId/2]. Every day 10AM-5PM. Perched on a rocky headland overlooking Tynemouth Pier. The moated castle-towers, gatehouse and keep are combined with the ruins of the Benedictine priory where early kings of Northumbria were buried.
  • Theatre

  • The '''Theatre Royal''', 100 Grey Street [http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/]. An easy walk from the city centre or the train station (it is closest to the Monument station on the Metro). It is the third home (after London and Stratford-upon-Avon) of the '''Royal Shakespeare Company''', which usually does several shows there in the autumn.
  • '''The Journal Tyne Theatre''', Westgate Road, +44 (0)844 4934567 [http://www.thejournaltynetheatre.co.uk/]. This Grade 1 listed building is both beautiful and functional, with a capacity of up to 1100. It has played host to an assortment of events from opera to theatre shows, from comedy to pantomimes, concerts to conferences.
  • '''Live Theatre''', Broad Chare, Quayside, +44 (0)191 2321232 [http://www.live.org.uk/]. This theater focuses on producing new works by writers from and/or living in the North East of England. Live Theatre has its roots in the identity of the North East of England but creates and presents work that is both challenging, popular and of relevance to all.
  • '''Northen Stage''', Barras Bridge, +44 (0)191 2305151 [http://www.northernstage.com/]. Formally the Gulbenkian Studio Theatre. Located on Newcastle University's campus, features a range of independent performances.
  • The '''People's Theatre''', Stephenson Road, Heaton, +44 (0)191 2655020 [http://ptag.org.uk/index.htm]. The premier amateur theatre company in the North of England and one of the largest and oldest established in the country.
  • Music Venues

  • The '''Sage Music Centre''', St Mary's Square, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, +44 (0)191 4434666 [http://www.thesagegateshead.org/]. Attend a concert at this newly finished venue in Gateshead, a short walk to the other side of the Tyne. If you can't go to a concert, just go in as it is certainly worth seeing.
  • The '''Metro Radio Arena''', +44 (0)844 4934567 [http://www.metroradioarena.co.uk]. This is the largest music venue in Newcastle, situated in the south of the city centre near the Centre for Life.
  • '''o2 Academy Newcastle''', Westgate Road, +44 (0)191 2602020 [http://www.o2academynewcastle.co.uk/]. A large venue featuring big-name musical acts from the UK and around the globe.
  • Festivals

  • '''The Hoppings''', the largest travelling fair in Europe, takes place on Newcastle Town Moor every June.
  • The '''Orange Evolution''' culminating with the '''Freevolution''' is a free music festival held on the Newcastle and Gateshead Quaysides every Spring Bank Holiday. It has performances from local and national rock, indie and dance bands.
  • The annual '''MELA''' [http://www.melafestival.com/] held every August bank holiday weekend is a celebration of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi cuisine, music and art.
  • The city hosts popular '''Chinese New Year''' [http://www.east08.com/] celebrations every year, and in 2008 launched a greater series of events in addition to the usual festivities.
  • At Christmas the city centre has deocrations and the large department store Fenwick hosts a famous window display, and there is a '''Continental Christmas Market'''.
  • The city has recently begun to host a summer gay pride event called '''Northern Pride''' [http://www.northernpride.org.uk/].
  • Sport

  • Attend a '''Newcastle United''' [http://www.nufc.co.uk] football game, at St. James Park near the University of Newcastle. St James's Park is the fourth largest ground in the country, with a 52,000 capacity. Only Manchester United's Old Trafford, Arsenal's Emirates Stadium and Wembley are bigger.
  • Attend a '''Newcastle Falcons''' [http://www.newcastle-falcons.co.uk] game (Rugby Union) at Kingston Park in the suburb of Kingston Park in the north of the city.
  • Attend a '''Newcastle Eagles''' [http://www.newcastle-eagles.com/] game at the Metro Radio Arena, one of the country's most successful basketball teams the club achieved a "clean sweep" of trophies, including the BBL Cup, BBL Trophy and Championship "double".
  • Attend a '''Newcastle Vipers''' [http://www.vipershockey.co.uk/] ice hockey game at the Metro Radio Arena.
  • Attend a '''Newcastle Diamonds''' [http://www.newcastlespeedway.net/] Speedway meeting at Brough Park Stadium located in Byker in the city's east end.
  • Attend a Greyhound meeting at Brough Park Stadium [http://www.broughparkdogs.co.uk/]
  • Attending a Horse Racing meeting at Gosforth Park [http://www.newcastle-racecourse.co.uk/]. Located in the north of the city, Newcastle Racecourse attracts top jockeys and hosts the prestigious Northumberland Plate, one of the richest two-mile (3 km) handicaps in the world.
  • Attend a Athletics Meeting at Gateshead Stadium, just across the river from Newcastle. Many of the world's top Athletes compete at Gateshead, which hosts the British Grand Prix. In 2006, Asafa Powell equalled the then world record of 9.77 seconds in Gateshead.
  • Attend a '''Gateshead Thunder''' [http://www.thunderrugby.com/] game (Rugby League) at Gateshead Stadium.
  • Cinema

  • The '''Empire Cinema''' [http://www.empirecinemas.co.uk/index.php?page=nowshowing&tbx_site_id=17] shows all the latest blockbusters.
  • See an independent film at the '''Tyneside Cinema''' [http://www.tynecine.org].
  • The '''Side Cinema''' [http://www.amber-online.com/sections/side-cinema], is a small 50 seat cinema showing independent films.
  • The '''Star and Shadow''' [http://www.starandshadow.org.uk]. Situated in the battlefield area of Newcastle, this cinema is run entirely by volunteer members. The aim is to show a truly independent film program as cheaply as possible, as well as providing a venue for artists and musicians of all varieties. Find out more at their website.
  • There are 2 '''Odeon Cinemas''' [http://www.odeon.co.uk/] nearby, at Silverlink in North Tyneside and Metrocentre in Gateshead, showing all the latest popular films and rivaling the Empire Cinema.
  • Learn

    There are two universities in Newcastle:

  • '''Newcastle University''', +44 (0)191 2226000 [http://www.ncl.ac.uk] is one of the most important and respected universities in the UK and Europe, near the city center. An easy walk from the Haymarket metro station, their small '''Museum of Antiquities''' is open to the public.
  • '''Northumbria University''' [http://northumbria.ac.uk/], another very good university with more of a focus on vocational courses such as fashion, design and IT, also near the city center. It also incorporates Newcastle Business School. The Northumbria University Student Union is a popular venue for visiting bands.
  • Work

    As per the rest of the UK, Europen Union nationals have the right of work without a UK work permit, but most other nationalities require one. Newcastle's economy is resurgent and buoyant at the moment and supports most types of businesses, and it is possible to find a job in a reasonably short period of time. There are a lot of call centers in and around Newcastle which provide an easy supply of short term work. It is seldom difficult to find bar work in Newcastle's many pubs, clubs and bars.

    Buy

  • '''Northumberland Street''' — Newcastle's main shopping street is the most expensive outside of London in terms of rent, making it a top shopping destination.
  • '''Old George Yard''' — Features design stores and vinatge clothing shops.
  • '''Ophelia Boutique''', 3a Clayton Road, Jesmond, +44 (0)191 2810609 [http://www.opheliaboutique.co.uk]. Offers luxury cashmere clothing and luxury lingerie.
  • '''Grainger Market''' A recently restored indoor market dating from 1835. It is a lively working market that includes the Victorian Marks & Spencer '''Penny Bazaar'''.
  • There are three department stores - '''Fenwick''' [http://www.fenwick.co.uk/newcastle/newcastle.html] (one of the largest department stores outside of London), '''Marks & Spencer''' and '''John Lewis''' (still popularly referred to as Bainbridge's) [http://www.johnlewis.com/Shops/DSTemplate.aspx?Id=18].
  • '''Eldon Square''' [http://www.eldon-square.co.uk] shopping centre is situated in the center of Newcastle, boasting a wide array of shops and currently undergoing major expansion.
  • The '''Metro Centre'''[http://www.metrocentre-gateshead.co.uk/] is a 15 minute bus or train ride from the city center to Gateshead. Constructed in the 1980s and expanded in the early 1990s and again in 2005, this is Europe's largest shopping center and leisure complex. Parking there is plentiful and free, but traffic can be heavy, so make use of the frequent public transport links.
  • '''Royal Quays''' is an outdoor complex consisting of outlet stores in nearby North Shields with a range of shops. It is accessible by the Tyne and Wear Metro.
  • Eat

    Budget

    Newcastle has plenty of restaurants to suit those with a tighter budget. Look in the Quayside or near Central Station for a good deal. There are also many takeaways in Newcastle upon Tyne [http://www.foodagogo.com/newcastle-upon-tyne/] which will offer a meal for even less money, usually of the same quality standards. Expect to pay around __8-__15.

  • '''La Toscana Ristorante''', 22 Leazes Park Rd, +44 (0)191 2325871 [http://www.latoscana.co.uk/]. Reasonably priced Italian fare; set menus are available.
  • '''Francesca's''', Manor House Road, +44 (0)191 2816586. M-Sa 12PM-11PM. Fantastic and cheap Italian in Jesmond.
  • '''Pani's Cafe''', +44 (0)191 2324366 [http://www.paniscafe.co.uk/]. M-Sa 10AM-10PM. Another great Italian joint on High Bridge Street that offers free Italian lessons.
  • '''Uno's Restaurant''', 18 Sandhill, +44 (0)191 2615264. Yet another Italian offering, this one in Quayside.
  • '''El Coto''', 21 Leazes Park Rd, +44 (0)191 2610555 [http://www.elcoto.co.uk/]. Spanish restaurant serving up tapas, paellas, vinos and of course, sangria. Sometimes features flamenco nights; check website for scheduled events.
  • '''Koh I Noor''', 26 Cloth Market, +44 (0)191 2325379. Old-fashioned Indian curry house with specials that include a starter, curry, rice and a cup of coffee for under __10.
  • '''Lau's Buffet King''', 44-50 Stowell Street, +44 (0)191 2618868 [http://www.lausbuffetking.co.uk/]. Su-Sa 11:45AM-10:30PM. Chinese all-you-can-eat buffet, offering a choice of over 60 dishes.
  • '''Bangkok Cafe''', 39-41 Low Friar Street [http://www.atbangkokcafe.co.uk/]. Authentic Thai restaurant, reasonable prices. Claims to use only the freshest ingredients, and no MSG.
  • '''Stowell Street''' — In the city center you can find Newcastle's Chinatown which contains many Chinese, Korean and Japanese restaurants.
  • Mid-range

  • Pizza Express
  • Cafe Royal (Meditteranean - Nelson Street)
  • Zizzi (Italian - Grey Street)
  • La Vina (Spanish - Grey Street)
  • Blue Coyote (TexMex - Pilgrim Street)
  • Marco Polo (Italian - Dean Street)- Incredibly busy/popular - You must book
  • Paradiso - Popular Italian
  • Splurge

  • Blackfriars
  • Jesmond Dene House
  • Treacle Moon
  • Secco Restaurant
  • Black Door
  • Cafe 21
  • Apartment
  • Heartbreak Soup
  • Landmark The ultimate Chinese restaurant in the city.
  • Rasa - Quayside location. Tasty authentic South Indian food.
  • Sachins - Needs reservation, but food is worth the money.
  • Drink

    Newcastle is (in)famous for its culture of social drinking, and is a popular destination for hen and stag parties. The '''Bigg Market''' and the '''Quayside''' and now the '''Central Station''' area with its "Diamond Strip" of new upmarket bars, are the centres of nocturnal activity in Newcastle, though the city has a wealth of bars and pubs.

    Bigg Market

    A no holds barred area where you will not find much in the way of culture, but you will find a lot in the way of drink. A selection of bars are as follows:

  • '''Yell''' - Cheap drink, lots of stag/hen parties
  • '''Pig & Whistle'''
  • '''City Vaults'''
  • '''Kiss'''
  • '''Boom'''
  • '''Blackie Boy'''
  • '''Idols'''
  • '''Pop World'''
  • '''Rewind'''
  • Central Station

    There are many bars around this area, some of them include:

  • '''North''' - situated in the stations old ticket office
  • '''The Forth''' - fantastic bar on Pink Lane
  • '''Head of Steam''' - opposite the station
  • '''Tokyo''' - great roof terrace
  • '''The Union Rooms''' - cheap
  • '''Clear'''
  • '''The Telegraph''' - situated at the back of the station with a great roof terrace
  • '''Revolution''' - pricey vodka bar
  • '''Centurion''' - bar and restaurant based in the restored Victorian waiting room of the Central Station
  • '''O'Neil''' - irish pub
  • Quayside

    Again, packed full of bars, some of them are:

  • '''The Crown Posada''' - dating from 1880 and well preserved, this is an unusually narrow pub with stained glass windows. This is one of the best places in central Newcastle to try 'real ales' from local breweries
  • '''Bob Trollop''' - another very old pub in one of the oldest building in Newcastle, excellent vegetarian food.
  • '''Flynn's''' - very cheap trebles
  • '''The Akenside Traders'''
  • '''The Cooperage''' - one of the oldest buildings in town, this 14th century timber-framed building is a lively pub on the quayside
  • '''Stereo''' - great on Sundays
  • '''38'''
  • '''Hoko-10''' - Japanese influenced
  • '''Pitcher & Piano''' - situated in a huge glass fronted building, great to watch the river
  • Ouseburn

    A few laidback alternative bars are based here:

  • '''The Tyne''' - fantastic bar a little way out of the centre by the Ouseburn. Has a great beer garden.
  • '''The Freetrade Inn''' - another fantastic bar by the Ouseburn.
  • '''The Cluny''' - great local and national live bands, great beer garden
  • Jesmond

    Yet another popular drinking area for locals and students, some bars include:

  • '''Bar Bacca'''
  • '''Osbornes'''
  • '''Bar Blanc'''
  • '''Berlise'''
  • '''The Lonsdale'''
  • '''Mr Lynch'''
  • '''Bar Polo'''
  • Centre for Life/Pink Triangle

    Newcastle has a thriving gay scene. Most of the area around the Centre for Life is packed full of bars, a few are:

  • '''Camp David'''
  • '''Eclipse'''
  • '''The Dog'''
  • '''Baron & Baroness'''
  • '''The End'''
  • '''The Loft'''
  • '''The Yard'''
  • '''Twist'''
  • '''@NE'''
  • '''Powerhouse'''
  • Other assorted bars

    As stated before Newcastle is full of bars and pubs, a few others are:

  • '''The Trent House''' - a 'soul bar' with a wide clientele who appreciate the free jukebox
  • '''Popolo''' - a fairly new, stylish bar offering quality cocktails and continental beers
  • '''The Hancock''' - student bar next to both universities
  • '''Bacchus''' - popular with the after work crowd
  • '''The Bar at the Brandling''' - Popular with students and pretty much everyone else thanks to it's great prices, happy hour games that always seem to be on, and the fact that it's a great pre bar to alternative club Venue in town.
  • '''Bar 55'''
  • '''The Bridge'''
  • '''Luckies''' - another bar popular with students, near both universities
  • Newcastle is home to '''Newcastle Brown Ale''', called by the locals '''Broon''' or ''''Dog''''. There are a significant number of local breweries producing real ale that is widely available and of good quality. Brewers to look out for include Mordue, Wylam and Big Lamp.

    Sleep

    Budget

  • Premier Travel Inn is cheap and pleasant, 2 locations located on or near the Quayside, 1 location in the city centre, 2 locations adjacent to the airport and 1 location near the Metro Centre
  • Travelodge, 1 location near the Quayside and an additional 3 locations dotted about the Newcastle/Gateshead area
  • Albatross - Backpackers In! is a youth hostel located near the Central Station.
  • YHA Jesmond is 5 minutes walk from Jesmond metro station and is easily accessed from the city centre.
  • '''Euro Hostel Newcastle Halls''', Garth Heads, off Melbourne Street, ? +44 (0)8454 900 371, [http://www.euro-hostels.co.uk/Newcastle_hostel/]. Euro Hostels Edinburgh is located in the centre of Newcastle, offering self-catering accommodation from as little as __17.95. Book early to get the best rates.
  • Mid-range

  • Britannia Hotel, adjacent to the airport.
  • Jury's Inn, near Central Station.
  • Holiday Inn Express, 2 locations, one located on St James Boulevard near Central Station and one located at Gateshead MetroCentre, about 4 miles from the city centre.
  • Marriott, 2 locations, at Gosforth Park and Gateshead MetroCentre, both about 4 miles from the city centre.
  • Novotel, at Kingston Park, about 2 miles from airport and 4 miles from the city centre.
  • Quality Hotel, city centre.
  • Royal Station Hotel, adjacent to Central Station.
  • Swallow Hotel [http://www.swallow-hotels.com/hotels/imperial-hotel], Jesmond, about one mile from the city centre.
  • Thistle Hotel, opposide Central Station.
  • Vermont Hotel, near the quayside
  • Splurge

  • Jesmond Dene House, Jesmond
  • Mal Maison, Quayside
  • Grey Street Hotel, Quayside
  • Hilton, Quayside
  • Copthorne, Quayside
  • Contact

    Telephone

    Newcastle's local telephone code is 0191, the telephone code for the UK is +44.

    Tourist information

    There are two tourist information centres [http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/core.nsf/a/touristinfocentres] (''+44 0191 277 8000 [mailto:tourist.info@newcastle.gov.uk, mailto:tourist.info@newcastle.gov.uk]'') in Newcastle city centre. There is also a tourist information kiosk near the check-in hall at Newcastle Airport.

    {| width="500" | The Guildhall <br> Quayside <br> Newcastle upon Tyne <br> NE1 3AF <br>

    Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm <br> Saturday 9am - 5pm <br> Sunday 9am - 4pm <br>

    8-9 Central Arcade <br> Grainger Street <br> Newcastle upon Tyne <br> NE1 5BQ <br>

    Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5.30pm <br> Saturday 9am - 5.30pm

    Stay safe

    Newcastle is generally quite a safe city to stay in. As with all cities around the world the main aspect is to use one's common sense and to keep a low profile. Beware of the usual nuisance of petty theft in crowded places. The Bigg Market, the Quayside and 'The Coast' can get pretty rowdy on Fridays and Saturdays, however, they are nevertheless still safe. Take care after a big derby match (in general any football match where Newcastle Utd is involved) - though there has been no significant violence for some years, emotions tend to run high amongst supporters. Considering the population the crime in this city is generally lower than other cities the same size in Britain.

    Cope

    Newcastle folk are generally very friendly and safe. In fact, Newcastle is renowned throughout Great Britain for its 'family-like atmosphere'. A peculiarity among Geordies is that they can be found to wear t-shirts in the middle of winter, so just go with the flow - tourists are spotted by how much clothing they wear.

    Get out

    Places to visit around Newcastle:

  • '''Alnmouth and Alnwick'''
  • The historic town of Alnwick is about a one hour drive north of Newcastle. Alnwick Castle, used in numerous films, notably the Harry Potter films and Robin Hood with Kevin Costner, is worth a visit. The castle is also home to the Alnwick Gardens. Bus services to Alnwick depart from Haymarket and are operated by Arriva. The train can also be used from Newcastle central station, but only as far as Alnmouth station, where a connecting shuttle bus is provided to Alnwick town centre. The shuttle departs shortly after a train arrives, but if you've time to spare, you could take a look at the picturesque village of Alnmouth, which is home to several traditional British pubs and small arts and gift shops.

  • '''Durham'''
  • The cathedral city of Durham is a roughly 15 minute train ride from Newcastle Central Station. Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral are the main attractions, and together are one of the UK's World Heritage Sites. Durham University, on whose grounds the Castle sits, is also worth a visit.

  • '''Beamish Open Air Museum'''
  • About 25 minutes by car, or 50 minutes by bus, is the Beamish museum. Beamish tries to show what life was like in a typical northern town in the early 20th century ? much of the restoration and interpretation is specific to 1913. Aside from the main town however there is also the manor house and the railway which are based on 1825. Tram and bus services operate around the museum, and there are a number of interactive displays and tours such as a dentist surgery and coal mine.

  • '''Bede's World'''
  • Bede's World offers an insight in to the extraordinary life of the Venerable Bede (who lived from 673-735AD). There is an interactive Age of Bede exhibition in the a newly constructed museum building, the Anglo-Saxon monastery of St Paul, medieval monastic ruins, an Anglo-Saxon herb garden, rare breeds of animals and recreated timber buildings on Gyrwe, an Anglo-Saxon demonstration farm, a cafe within the historic Jarrow Hall as well as a museum gift and book shop. [http://www.bedesworld.co.uk]

  • '''Rothbury and Cragside'''
  • The attractive village of Rothbury and the historic house and grounds at Cragside are also worth a visit. Cragside was the first house in the world to be powered completely by electricity. A special bus service operates from Newcastle city centre during the summer, details are normally posted on the Northumberland County Council website [http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/]. Otherwise, either can be reached in about 40 minutes from Newcastle by car.

  • '''Hadrian's Wall'''
  • There are many sites along Hadrian's Wall which are easily accessible from Newcastle. A special bus (number AD122) runs from Newcastle along the length of the Wall's path. The bus service runs year-round, with a tour guide on Sundays and Public Holidays during summer months. A reduced service operates during the winter, check with the operator, Nexus [http://www.tyneandweartimetables.co.uk/], before travelling.

  • '''Hexham and Corbridge'''
  • The historic town of Hexham is about 30 minutes by car or train, and 40 minutes by bus. The smaller village of Corbridge is slightly closer, but can be used an intermediate stop on the way to Hadrian's Wall sites such as Vindolanda and Housteads. Both Hexham and Corbridge sit on a section of the River Tyne.

  • '''Kielder Water'''
  • Sitting within the Northumberland National Park, about 1 hour 45 minutes drive from Newcastle is Kielder resevoir and forest. A number of activities are possible here such as abseiling, canoeing, hiking and mountain biking. A special bus service operates from Newcastle city centre during the summer, details are normally posted on the Northumberland County Council website [http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/].

  • '''Northumberland Coast'''
  • There are several beautiful villages and coastlines along the Northumberland coast which are well worth a visit. Warkworth and Bamburgh are particular noteworthy for their castles and tea rooms. Both are easily accessible by car, or by bus from Newcastle Haymarket. Druridge Bay country park offers one of the most outstanding beaches in the country, and includes a lake, which is often used for watersports. The holy island of Lindisfarne is easily accessible from Bamburgh.

  • '''Tynemouth'''
  • East of Newcastle, set along the mouth of the river Tyne, Tynemouth is easily accessible by Metro, and boasts an impressive Priory, some nice shops, tea houses and beautiful beaches. Tynemouth long sands even has a cafe on the beach! Perfect for a warming hot chocolate in the winter, or summer ice creams!

  • '''Wet-n-Wild Water Park'''
  • Located in nearby North Shields, near the International Ferry Terminal, is the UK's largest water park, Wet-n-Wild. The park is indoors so there's no need to worry about bad weather!