
Newcastle
Why? With its sparkling, stylish waterfront and a host of
historic sites, Newcastle is a mix of fun and culture, spiced with
the legendary Geordie folk heritage. Newcastle, the party capital
of north-east England, is often underrated as a travel destination
and has been dubbed one of England's best-kept secrets.
When? Like most of England, summer is the best time to
travel to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, which has the advantage of being one
of the United Kingdom's driest cities. Summertime brings warm
temperatures, when locals and visitors alike can take advantage of
outdoor party venues.
Who for? A weekend break in Newcastle is well-suited to the
younger crowd, who will get the most out of the party culture of
this university city. History buffs may also enjoy a trip to
Newcastle for its ancient Roman heritage and its proximity for
excursions to Hadrian's Wall.
More Info: Find out all the information you need for an
enjoyable holiday in Newcastle from our full Newcastle-upon-Tyne
travel guide, which lists the major local attractions and a great
deal more.
Overview
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, or Newcastle as it is more commonly known,
has worked hard to throw off its image as a dreary, industrial city
and to develop a thriving tourism industry. Clearly successful in
its attempts at regeneration, Newcastle has now become a highly
popular UK weekend destination, particularly with the younger crowd
who flock to its bars, restaurants and nightclubs, intent on having
a good time.
Situated on the River Tyne's north bank, the city boasts a
2,000-year-old history and a treasure-trove of architecture, with
the most classical buildings listed in the UK. Although the city
really only reached prominence in the Industrial Revolution, it has
long been a capital and defensive point of the north of England for
the Romans and Saxons respectively. The city's origins as a Roman
town are still evident in Hadrian's Wall, whose ruins can be seen
stretching eastwards to Wallsend.
Today, these Roman ruins and the grand elegance of areas such as
the neoclassical Grainger Town in the city centre contrast with the
ultra modern buildings of the city's new Quayside development.
Newcastle's waterfront glitters with chic boutiques, excellent
restaurants, stylish hotels and modern art. The Gateshead
Millennium Bridge, a work of art in itself, arches across the River
Tyne to link Newcastle to Gateshead Quays.
The city's modern amenities lie comfortably alongside a myriad
of historic sites, parks, traditional markets, galleries and
museums, and although it may not yet be on everybody's list of top
destinations, Newcastle is a thriving, vibrant city with plenty to
offer the visitor.