Visit the award winning Knitsley Farm Shop with a fantastic range of meat from the farm butchery, mouth watering delights from the deli and artisan bakery.
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Open: Tuesday to Saturday 9am til 4pm Closed: Sundays and Mondays
East Knitsley Grange • Knitsley • Consett
County Durham • DH8 9EW T: 01207 592 059
The Granary Café offers a delicious menu serving breakfasts, cold sandwiches, freshly prepared meals and cake, all within a courtyard setting. The meats come from the farm, the artisan bread is freshly baked every morning using traditional methods on site and our cakes are made in the bakery. www.knitsleyfarmshop.co.uk
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This wonderful region draws visitors back like a magnet year after year.
Great days out ................... 12
Newcastle and Gateshead offer an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Don’t miss 38
Our top things to see and do when visiting the region. Shopping ..............................
Shopaholics will love this area for its eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, highstreet staples and quirky independents.
Eating out ...........................
50
Newcastle and Gateshead are a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs – so make sure you bring a healthy appetite.
Only here for the weekend? Fear not! Here are some ideas for a memorable short break.
Culture Club 66
Culture vultures assemble! This region offers the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals.
The night-time economy in this region is thriving, packed with clubs, pubs, bars and live music venues.
Although this area has more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure.
Come and explore our independent art gallery in Newcastle’s cultural quarter: Ouseburn.
Showcasing original art, craft and design by contemporary makers from across the UK and beyond, our gallery is spread over two floors of a converted Victorian warehouse. Choose a souvenir to remember your visit, be inspired by beautiful art, or just enjoy the historic architecture.
Why not visit our in-house cafe; The Factory Kitchen for coffee, cake, brunch or lunch? With a roof terrace and views of the Ouseburn Valley it’s a bright and vibrant cafe serving rustic dishes with international flavour.
This wonderful city draws visitors back like a magnet year after year
Welcome, visitor!
A very warm welcome to Newcastle and Gateshead, a region like no other! If this is your first visit here, you’ve got a treat in store. If it’s not, well, we don’t blame you for coming back. In the last decade, Newcastle and Gateshead have transformed themselves into one of Europe’s most exciting regions.
You’ll be amazed at how much is on offer, whatever your tastes. World-class culture, vibrant nightlife, Michelin-starred dining, inspiring heritage, fantastic shopping and acclaimed architecture in a region infused by the famous Geordie spirit, ever-present warmth and an infectious sense of humour.
With fantastic shopping at Eldon Square, one of the UK’s largest city centre shopping complexes, and Gateshead’s Metrocentre offering visitors heaps of choice as Europe’s largest indoor shopping and leisure complex,
you might have trouble deciding where to start.
The Quayside is a spectacular area day and night with the iconic Gateshead Millennium Bridge, the world’s first tilting bridge, linking Newcastle and Gateshead for both pedestrians and cyclists.
BALTIC is an art lover’s dream, while Newcastle’s array of riverside bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants, paired with the The Glasshouse’s diverse programme of musical events, ensure you’ll be well catered for.
Further afield, beautiful Northumberland and the coast are within easy reach, along with Hadrian’s Wall, a World Heritage Site which offers a fascinating glimpse back into history.
Whatever your reason for visiting, we’re sure you’ll have a great time – and please come back soon! ■
The Glasshouse, Gateshead
Newcastle and Gateshead offer an abundance of things to do, with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy
Great days out
Exploring the area’s two millennia of history, art, music, science and literature is a doddle, especially given Newcastle’s compact size. If you’re relatively fit, you can walk from the northern suburb of Jesmond down to the banks of the Tyne in less than an hour. And, of course, the Metro system and frequent bus services are always to hand if needed.
A good place to start is the Quayside flanking both sides of the River Tyne. Once a rundown area of empty industrial buildings, long-abandoned wharfs and wastelands, both the Newcastle and Gateshead Quaysides have been transformed beyond recognition in the past four decades.
Landmark industrial buildings have
The Quayside has been transformed in recent decades
morphed into art galleries, hotels, pubs and restaurants. Concrete wastelands have transformed into riverside walkways and squares. And visually striking new buildings and monuments connect the past with the present.
Newcastle and Gateshead have thriving arts scenes, alongside some of the best museums in the country. So pull on those comfy shoes and get exploring – you’ve got a lot to fit in.
You’ll quickly discover that no trip –however fleeting – is complete without a visit to the riverside, whether it’s a quick stroll to see the seven magnificent bridges that draw Newcastle and Gateshead together, or a l
The River Tyne is spanned by seven bridges linking Newcastle and Gateshead. Opposite: Newcastle’s eponymous Castle
Grace Darling by Thomas Brooks, 1868
Radcliffe Road Bamburgh NE69 7AE
Tel: 01668 214910
RNLI.org/GraceDarling
GRACE DARLING MUSEUM BAMBURGH
LOOKING FOR DELICIOUSLY DIFFERENT COFFEE?
Super high quality coffee, sourced from all over the world
Grown by fairly-paid farmers
Expertly roasted, here in North Shields
Alex Forsyth learnt the art of roasting and brewing coffee from his dad, in Sydney. Now he’s bringing his skill and passion to our North East.
Pop into the roastery, order online or find us in some of the region’s best cafes and delis.
Eager to learn more? Join one of our coffee education courses and take your brewing to the next level.
Opening hours Tuesdays 10-2pm & Sundays 12-3pm
FREE ENTRY
BE INSPIRED BY THE HEROIC TALE OF GRACE DARLING
On a storm-lashed sea in 1838, a fearless young woman embarked on a daring rescue that transformed her into a national hero and reluctant celebrity. Explore the extraordinary life of Grace Darling and the day that changed her life forever. SEE
O pen all ye ar ro u nd For opening times visit RNLI.org/GraceDarling
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man, the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney
Freshly roasted and lovingly prepared, the Tynemouth Coffee Company can deliver our award-winning artisan coffee experience directly to you with free delivery.
With an unrivalled selection of global blends and tastes, you can enjoy the modern coffee shop experience without leaving the house. Home espresso machines • Tynemouth Coffee Company merchandise • Freshly roasted coffee beans
Tynemouth Espresso, Black Midden, Rocket Fuel, Jingling Geordie, Bobby Dazzler, Nee Caffeine Hinny, Haddaway Harry, Whey Aye Man, Get it Built, Holy Moly
SCAN ME
GRAND HOTEL
Wake up to fresh sea air, the award-winning Grand Hotel set upon a cliff top boasts the most magnificent views of Longsands Beach & the North Sea. Relax in the Drawing Room with Afternoon Tea, indulge your guests in the Brasserie with classic fine dining or enjoy a pint or 2 of local ales in our traditional pub Copperfield's. Dowsed in history and grandeur, the Grand Hotel is a monumental fixture of Tynemouth, the perfect venue to celebrate any occasion.
Enjoy a day out exploring Durham Cathedral, part of Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its fascinating 1000 year old story. Plan your visit at www.durhamcathedral.co.uk No admission charge, donations welcome. Durham Cathedral 210w x
Discover Durham Cathedral
•See the resting places of iconic Northern Saints, St Cuthbert and Venerable Bede
•Discover the cathedral’s modern history and contemporary stained glass windows
•Climb the tower for panoramic views of County Durham
•Get up close to the treasures of St Cuthbert in the cathedrals museum
•Head outdoors to explore the riverbanks surrounding the cathedral
deeper dive beneath the surface.
On the Gateshead side, what was the Baltic flour mill has been gloriously reinvented as an art gallery. Opened in 2002, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art dominates the skyline and is the biggest gallery of its kind in the world. Showing a dynamic, diverse and international programme of contemporary visual art and exhibitions over four vast gallery spaces, it’s a place to relax, have fun, discover fresh ideas and be challenged.
BALTIC also offers panoramic views across the Newcastle-Gateshead cityscape from both its fifth-floor viewing box and fourthfloor outdoor terrace. From the latter, you can get up close to what is the UK’s most inland nesting colony of kittiwakes and take in the spectacular vista along both the north and south banks of the river spanned by the arched Tyne Bridge, the Swing Bridge and the gently curving Millennium Bridge.
BALTIC’s neighbour is the fantastic Glasshouse, a ground-breaking live music venue with its uniquely undulating steel and glass roof that wraps around two concert halls and public areas.
A short walk away is the Laing Art Gallery, which focuses on British oil paintings, watercolours, ceramics and glass and silverware. Highlights include pieces by Paul
Gauguin, John Martin and the Tyneside-born engraver and natural history author, Thomas Bewick.
The Hatton Gallery within Newcastle University houses important works from the 14th century through to the present day, including key pieces from Francis Bacon, Prunella Clough and Kurt Schwitters’ Merz Barn Wall collage.
The impressive Great North Museum: Hancock is packed with fascinating exhibits guaranteed to enthral young and old alike, l
L BALTIC Centre, Gateshead I Great North Museum: Hancock
Washington Air Rifle Range is a fun and safe environment to learn and practice the wonderful sport of air rifle target shooting.
Our Short Lanes are 10 metres long and seat 7 people. Perfect for both learners and competition shooters, our range officers are on hand if you have any questions or guidance.
The Long Range is almost double at 20 yards. If you think the short range is too easy and you’re looking for a challenge, why not book on this range? Perfect for “scoping in” if you’re going to be shooting even further distances or just to test how good you really are!
Our Pistol Range has the addition of motorized target retrieval systems, this truly is a fun place to be! Destroy the targets as much as you can with replica guns that fire as fast as you can pull the trigger! There’s also a comfy break room where you can watch the action, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and relax.
We offer a unique selection of fully equipped serviced apartments and houses in the Newcastle upon Tyne area and across the UK for both business and leisure stays. Whether your plans are for a few days, weeks or months, we have the perfect place just for you.
AFFORDABILITY
We offer a cost-effective hotel alternative up to 40% cheaper than hotel stays offering you the best deal available when you book direct.
QUALITY ASSURED
Quality accredited and regulated to ensure high standards of safety, security and duty of care. Our local team are available 24/7 for guest support.
PERSONAL SERVICE
We provide a flexible and fuss-free personal check-in service ensuring that they keys are handed to you safely on your arrival. Our friendly team all have expert local knowledge and can help with any queries you have during your stay.
WELL-BEING
Staying in a Week2Week apartment provides you with the perfect space to both work and relax, ensuring you are well rested for the day ahead! Whether you are staying alone or with friends and family, you can enjoy many home from home comforts, including kitchen and washing facilities and a relaxation area. Some properties also have outdoor space too.
HOUSEKEEPING
We are happy to arrange cleaning and supply fresh linen and towels. We cater for team changes too.
JONNY-ROCKS Chauffeurs, provide luxury chauffeuring services throughout the United Kingdom. Covering a total of 46 UK regions with experienced local chauffeurs.
Bishop Auckland is quickly becoming a must-visit destination thanks to The Auckland Project, a unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries and gardens at the heart of County Durham.
Begin your journey at Auckland Palace and immerse yourself in the grandeur of one of the best-preserved Bishop’s Palaces in Europe –once home to England’s only Prince Bishops. This magnificent palace has recently been restored to its Georgian Gothic splendour and is home to one of the world’s finest sets of paintings by Golden Age Spanish artist Francisco de Zurbarán.
Auckland Palace is also home to the new Faith Museum which explores how faith, belief and religion have shaped lives and communities in Britain throughout history.
Beyond the palace walls, you can explore ten acres of beautifully landscaped gardens including the 18th-century Walled Garden, the Wilderness Garden and the Faith Garden. The 150-acre Deer Park, which is free to visit throughout the year, is also a great place to connect with nature and is a haven for wildlife.
In the historic Market Place you will find two remarkable art galleries. The Spanish Gallery is unique in Britain, telling the story of the Spanish Golden Age in the 16th and 17th centuries. With exhibitions spread over four floors, you could spend a whole day immersed in the curious world of Spanish art, including works by masters
such as El Greco, Velázquez and Murillo.
Across the road at the Mining Art Gallery, an intimate and awe-inspiring collection of mining art gives a unique insight into the lives and souls of coal miners and their communities, showing how human creativity and spirit can shine even in the darkest places.
For those wishing to venture further afield, Bishop Auckland is also the gateway to the Durham Dales. Take a ride on Weardale Railway from Bishop Auckland to Stanhope in beautiful Weardale, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
With a rich history spanning over 2,000 years and seven amazing attractions to explore, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for an unforgettable day out in Bishop Auckland. Visit www.aucklandproject.org to book tickets and plan your visit. ■
from a menagerie of stuffed animals to archaeological and geological specimens, fossils, exhibitions, a planetarium, special events and a life-size T Rex skeleton.
The Discovery Museum is where you can find out about the region’s maritime, scientific and technological firsts, including Charles Parsons’ famous steam-powered ship Turbinia, which is on permanent display.
A few minutes’ walk from the Discovery Museum is the Life Science Centre. Here you can learn more about the brain, try out experiments, take part in workshops, wonder at the beauty of our solar system and sit in on fun talks in the science.
Travelling with kids? Whatever you do, don’t miss Seven Stories: The National Centre for Children’s Books. You can immerse yourself in amazing world of children’s literature, with words and pictures brought to life through regular exhibitions, activities and special events.
If you’re into sport, then a tour of the home of Newcastle United FC – St James’ Park – is not to be missed. Tours take you around the changing rooms, the media centre and even on a pitch-side visit to the dugouts. If you’re brave enough, you can climb to a walkway 150ft above the ground for a visually stunning view not just of the famous sporting arena, but
of Newcastle too.
If you fancy yourself as a bit of a history buff, there’s lots to explore in Newcastle and Gateshead. From ancient ruins to World War II relics to remnants of the area’s industrial past, prepare yourself for beautiful buildings, fascinating facts and compelling stories.
A short walk downstream from the hustle and bustle of the central Quayside in Newcastle, you’ll come to an area known as Ouseburn, named after a small river which flows through a steeply-sided valley into the l
L Life Science Centre, Newcastle I Seven Stories, Newcastle
junkyardgolfclub.co.uk
Top Tyneside Attractions
greatnorthmuseum.org.uk
Bridge, Newcastle upon
Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4PT
arbeiaromanfort.org.uk
Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BB
segedunumromanfort.org.uk
Buddle Street, Wallsend, NE28 6HR
Experience the world under one roof at Newcastle’s most popular museum. See Egyptian mummies, a full-size replica T. rex skeleton and more. Plus: blast off to space in the planetarium.
Donations welcome. Free entry
Experience the world under one roof at most museum. Visit our Ancient Egypt gallery, see a full-size T. rex skeleton and fascinating artefacts from along Hadrian's Wall. Plus: blast off to space in the planetarium.
Donations welcome. Free entry
New Bridge Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8AG
Newcastle’s premier art gallery featuring work including William Holman Hunt, John Martin, Paul Gauguin and Burne-Jones. Renowned for bringing the biggest names in art to the North East.
Donations welcome. Free entry. Admission charge for some exhibitions.
www.twmuseums.org.uk
Built in AD160 Arbeia guarded the entrance of the River Tyne and was once the supply base for the mighty frontier of Hadrian’s Wall.. Today, the excavated remains, full-scale reconstructions of original buildings and finds from the fort show what life was like in Roman Britain. Seasonal opening hours - check website for details. Donations welcome. Free entry
Kings Road, Newcastle University, NE1 7RU
Hatton Gallery in the heart of Newcastle University, played a pioneering role in the pop art movement in the 1950s. Now it presents modern and contemporary art exhibitions and showcases new talent exhibiting the work of Newcastle University Fine Art students.
Donations welcome. Free entry
Segedunum Roman Fort stood on the banks of the River Tyne for 300 years and was the last outpost of Hadrian’s Wall. The excavations and interactive museum provide the gateway to the world-famous heritage site.
Under 16s free
Admission charges apply for adults
Under 21s Admission charges apply for adults
Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4JA
Immerse yourself in the spirit and history of Newcastle. Discover Newcastle’s impact on the world, including Turbinia, the ship that revolutionised power generation, the early lightbulb and first windscreen wiper.
Donations welcome. Free entry
There are countless things to do in Sunderland, with a whole host of attractions, events, family days out and sights just waiting to be explored.
Sunderland is a vibrant city, where you can create memories and share experiences.
Families and urban explorers alike will love visiting our historic and cultural landmarks; from museums to heritage trails, art galleries to theatres - Sunderland is rich in history, yet built for the future.
Sunderland’s nightlife is not to be missed either, with a selection of fantastic bars, cafes and restaurants offering everything from local cuisine
and artisanal beers to international dishes and unique cocktails.
Explore further afield with our outdoor days out, and exhilarating sports and leisure facilities, or unwind with a spot of retail therapy in our bustling city centre.
@VisitSundUK www.mysunderland.co.uk
Tyne. The valley was once known as the cradle of Newcastle’s Industrial Revolution and is home to one of Newcastle’s must-see hidden attractions: the Victoria Tunnel.
Built in 1842 to transport coal underground from the centre of Newcastle to riverside jetties, the tunnel was converted for use as an air raid shelter during World War II. Now repaired and open to the public, you can take atmospheric and two-hour-long tours on which you’ll discover more about the tunnel’s history.
Architectural wonder
Head back into Newcastle city centre and glory in the architectural wonder that is Grey Street. With its graceful curve and fine Georgian buildings, it’s easy to see why it’s been voted Britain’s finest Regency street.
Take the time to stroll along High Bridge, a narrow, cobbled thoroughfare that crosses Grey Street, then turn the clock back a few centuries at the Newcastle Black Gate and Castle, which charts the city’s history from the time of the Romans, who first bridged the River Tyne.
The first fortification that gave Newcastle its name was built by William the Conqueror’s son in 1080. But it was Henry II who built the stone Castle Keep between 1172 and 1177, with
the Black Gate added in the 13th century.
Just a few steps from Newcastle Castle is the magnificent medieval Newcastle Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral Church of St Nicholas, with its stunning Lantern Tower, beautiful stained glass windows, ornate architecture and monument dedicated to local hero Admiral Lord Collingwood, who served at the Battle of Trafalgar with Nelson. While here, see if you can spot the infamous Vampire Rabbit gargoyle perched above a doorway on Cathedral Buildings overlooking the rear entrance to the cathedral.
Gateshead has much to offer beyond the Quayside. Saltwell Park has its own Gothic mansion, boating lake, ornamental gardens and walking trails and is a short bus ride away. Covering 55 acres, it has been restored to its Victorian splendour, while the fairytale Saltwell Towers is now home to a café.
To delve into the area’s industrial past, make a beeline for Bowes Railway, also in Gateshead. Originally a colliery railway, you can tour the pit yard, cabins and wagon shop and take a trip on a steam train.
Dunston Staiths, on the south bank of the River Tyne, is believed to be the largest timber structure in Europe and was built in 1893 to load coal from the Durham coalfields l
Saltwell Park, Gateshead
A MEDIEVAL A MEDIEVAL MARVEL MARVEL
IN THE HEART OF NEWCASTLE
DISCOVER this imposing Norman fortress steeped in history, a rugged reminder of northern England’s turbulent past and the namesake for the City of Newcastle.
EXPLORE the ancient passageways and chambers behind the walls, uncovering the hidden stories of the Castle’s inhabitants over the centuries.
ENJOY a variety of events hosted in the Castle from tours to film nights, and music to workshops!
onto waiting colliers on the Tyne. The area surrounding the structure is an important saltmarsh garden, while lapwings, redshanks and grey herons roost on the timbers.
The National Trust property of Gibside, at Rowlands Gill, offers acres of woodland, an 18th-century landscape garden, tree-lined avenues, outdoor activities, wildlife and architectural gems. While the mansion that was the home of the Bowes family is now in ruins, there’s a grand Palladian chapel and a 140ft high Column of Liberty.
Traditional seaside
If you fancy blowing the cobwebs away on a trip to the coast, both Tynemouth and South Shields are within easy reach of Newcastle and Gateshead. The best way to reach both locations is to hop on the Metro.
South Shields is everyone’s idea of a traditional seaside town with sandy beaches, a funfair, amusement arcades, a miniature railway, clifftop walks and award-winning fish and chips. There’s also the iconic red and white hooped Souter Lighthouse in Whitburn – the first to be powered by electricity – and Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort, part of the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage site.
Across the water, the more genteel Tynemouth is a beguiling mix of attractive
The more genteel Tynemouth is a beguiling mix of attractive Georgian and Victorian buildings
Georgian and Victorian buildings. Come here to stroll the glorious mile-long sandy beach, visit the ruined priory and castle or shop at the renowned market held under the glass canopy of the village’s Grade 2-listed Metro station.
The Metro line passes through Segedunum – otherwise known as Wallsend – where you can hop off and explore the Roman Fort, Baths and Museum. Segedunum, which translates as ‘strong fort’, stood at the eastern end of Hadrian’s Wall, and today you can walk around the excavated site, enjoy the industrial landscape from a viewing tower and discover original artefacts.
Newcastle and Gateshead provide the best of both worlds when it comes to days out. Explore the urban pleasures of the city’s cutting-edge museums and galleries. Then branch out into the countryside for beachside walks and stately homes. ■
Tynemouth boasts a glorious mile-long sandy beach
DON’T MISS
Our top things to see and do when visiting this lively region
1
The Theatre Royal Regarded by many as the finest theatre building in the country, it first opened its doors in 1837, and hosts a wide variety of shows every year from the likes of Opera North, the Royal Shakespeare Company, The National Theatre and Matthew Bourne to name a few.
Shopping
2
Newcastle and Gateshead have some of the best shopping in the UK. The Metrocentre in Gateshead is Europe’s largest indoor shopping and leisure complex, with the region’s biggest IMAX cinema, as well as a food court and games arcade. Across the water in the heart of Newcastle city centre, Eldon Square hosts a large percentage of the city’s prime shops.
3
The Life Centre l Part of The International Centre for Life science village, education and fun combine at this awardwinning family-friendly attraction with its live science shows, exhibitions, and the region’s biggest planetarium. And in winter you will also find an outdoor ice rink outside.
4
Catch a game at St James’ Park I
The home of Newcastle United Football Club, St James’ Park is one of the few top-flight football grounds still located in a city centre. Just a few minutes’ walk from Newcastle’s main shopping streets, the overwhelming roar of the 52,000-strong crowd is audible for miles around on match days.
5
Look up at the Angel
An iconic symbol not just of Gateshead, but of the North East, the Angel of the North soars 20m into the sky and has a 54m wingspan. Designed by sculptor Sir Antony Gormley, the aweinspiring Angel is one of the most recognisable pieces of public art not just in the UK, but the world.
6
The Millennium Bridge I
Spanning the River Tyne between Gateshead’s arts quarter and Newcastle Quayside, the world’s first and only tilting bridge has become a symbol of the area’s renaissance. Its 50m high steel arch supports a stunning bow-shaped deck which tilts vertically and has led to the bridge being dubbed the ‘blinking eye’.
7
Marvel at The Glasshouse
With its curved glass and stainless-steel design perched on the banks of the River Tyne, The Glasshouse is a stunning building to look at. What is on the inside is equally spectacular: three world-class performance spaces that have been built to make the best of the acoustics. The home of the Royal Northern Sinfonia, The Glasshouse has been named one of the top five concert halls on the planet.
8
Newcastle Castle Steeped in history this imposing Norman fortress, in the centre of Newcastle, is a rugged reminder of northern England’s turbulent history. This was no baron’s stately home. Newcastle Castle is a grim reminder of royal authority where armies gathered, and criminals were imprisoned and executed. It is where the story of Newcastle began, the reason the city got its name and has the most commanding views over the city and the River Tyne.
9
Spend time at the BALTIC
fifth floor for panoramic views across the NewcastleGateshead cityscape.
10
Get Stuffed
The world’s first and only tilting bridge has become a symbol of the area’s renaissance
On the Gateshead side of the river, BALTIC was a flour mill before it was turned into the UK’s largest dedicated contemporary arts space. It hosts a programme of exhibitions from internationally renowned artists to family-friendly activities. Take a trip to the
Discover the vibrant dining scene here, where culinary delights await around every corner. From traditional Geordie pubs serving hearty pies and local ales to chic bistros offering innovative fusion cuisine, there’s something for every palate. Savour the catch of the day along the scenic Quayside or indulge in global flavours in the city centre. And with many eateries catering for special diets, nobody will be missing out. ■
SHOPPING
Shopaholics will love this region for its eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, high-street staples and quirky independents
If shopping were an Olympic sport, then Tynesiders would take the gold medal. No matter what you wish to buy, where you wish to buy it or how much you wish to spend, there’s choice and quality at every turn. Come here and you can flex your buying muscles at quirky designer boutiques, bustling markets, historic department stores and glitzy modern malls.
If it’s popular brands you’re after, Newcastle and Gateshead both cater to all your retail needs. Newcastle city centre is the place to be if you want to enjoy historic architecture
Metrocentre, is one of Europe’s largest covered shopping centres
as you browse. Or you could take a trip to an out-of-town mall, where you can shop your heart out before hitting the food court or the multiplex cinema.
This region’s passion for retail goes back through the mists of time; and some of Newcastle’s most thriving streets – the Bigg, Cloth and Groat Markets – still bear the names of items once traded there.
The city really came into its own as a shopping hub in the 1800s when it gave the world its first proper department store. Bainbridge in Newcastle (now John Lewis)
j Metrocentre, Gateshead
I Fenwick, Newcastle
started life in 1838 when Emerson Muschamp Bainbridge formed a business partnership with William Alder Dunn and opened a drapers and fashion shop on Market Street in the heart of what is now the city’s historic Grainger Town.
By 1849, Bainbridge boasted 23 different retail divisions, with weekly takings being recorded by section. In 1870 those 23 departments had swelled to more than 40, and by 1900 the business employed 600 staff.
Bainbridge was sold to John Lewis in 1952 and moved to its present site in Eldon Square shopping centre in 1976, finally changing its name in 2002. It’s still one of the leading department stores in the UK and is a bedrock of Eldon Square shopping complex.
Eldon Square is also home to the original Fenwick department store, first opened in 1882 as a temple to luxury in what was a former doctor’s house on Northumberland Street in Newcastle. As the store grew in popularity, founder John Fenwick expanded his business further along the street.
Still independently owned, today the flagship Fenwick store stands on the same site in Northumberland Street as it did more than 140 years ago, but now with an entrance into Eldon Square. Set over five floors, Fenwick sells everything from fashion and toys to
beauty and furniture, alongside a world-class food hall, cafés and restaurants.
Enter this temple to consumerism and you’ll find designer names including DKNY, Paul Smith, Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney, Kurt Geiger and Victoria Beckham, alongside beauty brands such as Jo Malone London, Tom Ford, Dior, Charlotte Tilbury, NARS and Diptyque – many exclusive to Fenwick in the North East.
The unveiling of the Fenwick Christmas window in early November has become a major festive landmark. It takes a different theme every year and includes moving characters and a bespoke soundtrack. For many, it marks the start of the festive season, with queues snaking the length of Northumberland Street.
Alongside John Lewis and Fenwick, Eldon Square is home to a plethora of other prime shops, including big brand names AllSaints, Monki, Levi’s, Hollister, Skechers, Kurt Geiger, Office, Lakeland, Kiko Milano and Superdry.
To combine luxury brands with striking architecture, why not pay a visit to the Central Arcade? Make sure to pop into specialist independent music shop JG Windows, then gaze up at the arcade’s light and airy glassbarrelled roof and tilework which, l
thankfully, have survived any attempts at modernisation.
If you’d rather wander around in the fresh air, Northumberland Street is still Newcastle’s main outdoor shopping thoroughfare, home to Primark, WHSmith, Marks & Spencer and the Flannels concept clothing store, among others.
If you’re up for some serious shopping, get down to one of the area’s mega malls. Start your buying bonanza at Monument Mall, which stands where Northumberland and Blackett Streets meet. Topped by an impressive glass dome the mall is home to discount fashion and homeware chain TK Maxx as well as Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, FatFace, Kiehl’s, The White Company, Jack Wills, Reiss and ROX.
Not big enough for you? Metrocentre, over in Gateshead, is one of Europe’s largest covered shopping centres with more than 250 retail outlets, restaurants, a 12-screen Odeon IMAX cinema and an entertainment hub complete with arcade games, 10-pin bowling and children’s soft play.
All the high-street names can be found here, from AllSaints, Tessuti and Zara to Lipsy, Levi’s and Victoria’s Secret. A recent addition to the Metrocentre is H Beauty, the Harrods beauty emporium home to hundreds
of exclusive high-end makeup, fragrance and hair product brands. It offers a range of instore services including the Drybar hair salon, Treatment Pod, makeup demonstrations, mask bar and even a Harrods champagne and cocktail bar.
Metrocentre sits within a wider retail park where you’ll find the likes of Ikea, Next Home and independent furniture retailer Barker and Stonehouse, a retail success story that has spread its wings nationally beyond its North East birthplace.
Fifteen minutes away, in Gateshead city centre, Trinity Square is home to a mixture of shops and food outlets and even a VUE cinema where you can catch all the latest blockbuster movies.
Further afield there are the Dalton Park and Royal Quays outlet shopping centres in County Durham and North Shields respectively.
Dalton Park is the biggest outlet and discount centre in the North East with more than 65 shops selling over 200 brands and designer labels from, among others, M&S, Adidas, Next, FatFace, Clarks, Ben Sherman, Molton Brown and Radley London.
The Royal Quays Outlet and Independent Centre has a fantastic selection of shops and is just a short Metro or bus ride from l
Eldon Square Shopping Centre, Newcastle
Newcastle city centre. Clarks, Next, Julian Charles, Moss Bros, Mountain Warehouse and Trespass all have clearance and factory stores where you can pick up bargains galore.
Olivia’s Baby Boutique is a must for exquisite Portuguese and Spanish outfits, Garden World offers superb plants at unbeatable prices and no trip to Royal Quays would be complete without pizza and ice cream at Mooranda’s.
Vintage threads
While you could spend all your time stocking up on brand names, don’t forget to check out the independent shopping scene, too. Whether you want to pick up some vintage threads, browse a market or two, or fill your bags with foodie treats, you’ll find plenty of bang for your buck.
Newcastle’s Grainger Market covers two acres and was the largest space of its kind when it opened in 1835. Today it’s as busy as ever with more than 100 shops, stalls and food outlets. It’s home to the world’s smallest M&S, also known as the Original Penny Bazaar, as well as some of Newcastle’s most innovative independent shops and stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to vinyl to pet supplies.
Look out for Scorpio Shoes which
Grainger Market covers two acres and was the largest space of its kind when it opened in 1835
showcases a huge range of idiosyncratic footwear at competitive prices, and Geordie Gifts which sells, as the name suggests, an impressive selection of unique hand-made cards, prints and collectables inspired by the North East’s history and heritage.
If you’re feeling nostalgic for the 1980s and 90s, seek out vintage games and consoles at That Retro Game Shop or second-hand threads at The Yesterday Society. You’ll also find womenswear sourced from around the world at Madame Butterfly and band-themed tops and beanies at Let It Be Music Merch. Grainger Town – the historic heart of Newcastle which features magnificent classical streets built by Richard Grainger between 1824 and 1841 – is full of boutique stores and exclusive standalone high street brand names. Among the best offerings are the Dr Martens store and swish men’s l
Pat’s Kandy Box, Grainger Market, Newcastle
clothing shop END. It’s the place to come for upscale sportswear, casual clothing and global fashion brands, spread out over two floors. A new branch opened on Grey Street in December 2021.
For some truly unusual gifts, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, on Gateshead Quayside, has its own shop with a fabulous selection of treats, including jewellery, designer home accessories, cool posters, prints and quirky artists’ gifts. Among the eye-catching offerings is a collection devoted to all things Northern. You’ll find Angel of the North-inspired prints, quirky Christmas tree toppers, tote bags and mugs, books, posters, fridge magnets, cushions, notebooks and witty postcards galore.
Every Sunday hundreds of traders and street food vendors gather on Newcastle Quayside. This historic market, played out against the picturesque backdrop of the River Tyne and its landmark buildings, has been a feature in the city for nearly 300 years. The original Quayside Market stretched from the old Tyne Bridge (near the site of the Swing Bridge) and along Sandgate and included a mix of hawkers selling all manner of goods, alongside street performers and entertaining sideshows.
Today’s market is still one of the largest of
its kind, attracting around 100,000 people every week drawn by stalls selling everything from fruit and vegetables to local produce, street food, vintage clothes, arts and crafts, handcrafted jewellery, books and bric-a-brac. The stalls change regularly, so there is always something new to see and try.
If it’s tasty regional treats you’re after, farmers’ markets take place frequently around Grey’s Monument in the centre of the city, championing the local food and drink producers who call this region home.
Delicious baked goods
Splash the cash on seasonal fruit and vegetables, award-winning cheeses, delicious baked goods, fish, meat, preserves and craft ales all made, raised or grown within a 50mile radius of Newcastle.
The Grey’s Monument area also plays host to several continental and international food and craft markets throughout the year, serving up everything from Indian to Chinese to French to Greek.
While in this part of England, why not make like the locals and indulge in some retail therapy? You can stock up on everything from fine cheeses to vintage clothing to upscale high-street brands. Just don’t forget your credit card! ■
The historic Quayside Market has been a feature in Newcastle for nearly 300 years
EATING OUT
Newcastle & Gateshead are a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs – so make sure you bring a healthy appetite
Gino D’Acampo, Quayside, Newcastle
The North East has its fair share of regional culinary delicacies. It’s brought us pease pudding, the Gregg’s steak bake and, of course, the stottie… and we’re certainly not going to denigrate them here! But this region is also famous for its creative flair with native ingredients. Locally caught fish – check. Handreared meat and poultry – check. Homegrown seasonal fruit and vegetables – check!
This is also an area with a long international trading history, so it has embraced not only its own traditions but those of countries far and wide. What does this mean for you? You can find a mean paella as well a tasty pie, or a top-class sushi restaurant next door to a traditional pub. In short, you can travel the world through your tastebuds, so get out there and enjoy!
There’s plenty of excellent British
food to be had in Newcastle and Gateshead but it’s easy to dine out on international cuisine too. From Italian to French brasserie classics to north Asian cuisine in Chinatown, you’re bound to find something to suit your fancy. And no doubt it’ll be delicious too.
By The River Brew Co. is a purpose-built shipping container village sitting next to the iconic Tyne Bridge in Gateshead. Among
the container community’s attractions are a micro-brewery, tap room, coffee shop and a weekend hawkers’ market from spring to late autumn, which is home to around a dozen street food specialists, both permanent and pop-up. They include Parm-O-Rama, which serves up a Teesside take on chicken parmigiana – deep-fried panko chicken topped with bechamel sauce and melted cheese (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it).
A permanent fixture at By The River Brew Co., Träkol has been garnering rave reviews. Taking its name from the Swedish word for charcoal, it dishes up European-influenced nose-to-tail food cooked over an open fire. It’s been described by Jay Rayner as “outrageously good,” and “a place you want to eat in”, and who are we to argue with The Guardian’s famed restaurant critic?
World cuisines
Newcastle’s glass-covered Grainger Market opened in 1835 and has a well-established street food area featuring all manner of world cuisines to eat on the go. The juicy Chinese dumplings at Dumpling & Bun and Greek street food at Acropolis are some of the most popular options.
Right next to Grainger Market is Grey Street – one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in Britain. Here you’ll find superb Pan-Asian dining at The Muddler, while Leila Lily’s – allied to the rather gorgeous Grey Street Hotel – serves elegant main courses with an international twist. Then there’s Sushi Me Rollin’, a collaboration between three lauded Tyneside chefs who share a passion for serious flavours and fresh ingredients.
Just around the corner on High Bridge, renowned Indian street food connoisseurs, Dabbawal serves up chaats, curries and tandoor grills.
My Delhi on Clayton Street serves food inspired by the streets and markets of India’s capital city. Think South Indian fish curry, spicy lamb chops and chicken momos. At nearby Central Arcade you’ll
come across Côte, an all-day French brasserie chain serving regional specialities and traditional classics.
Another French gem worth seeking out is The French Quarter, located in the old railway arches near Central Station. Choose from a carefully-curated menu of small plates, from exquisite regional cheeses and traditional stews to delectable desserts.
My Delhi on Clayton Street serves food inspired by the streets and markets of India’s capital city
Newcastle has seen a boom of restaurant openings from popular street food pioneers who’ve grown into their own bricks-and-mortar premises. The locations may now be permanent, but the good news is the food still packs a vibrant and eclectic punch. A prime example is the wonderfully named Scream for Pizza, located in the up-andcoming suburb of Sandyford, which started out serving woodfired pizzas from a converted French army ambulance nicknamed Goldie.
A few doors down is Mascalzone, a low-key restaurant offering authentic Italian food, and Aidan’s Kitchen, a popular local hangout providing top-class breakfasts and a decent brunch.
The Quayside area boasts some of the best Italian eateries on Tyneside at Uno’s Trattoria, Gusto and Babucho. Gino D’Acampo Quayside combines contemporary styling with traditional Mediterranean hospitality – try the aubergine parmigiana or tuna alla l
My Delhi, Clayton Street, Newcastle
We are situated just outside of China Town, a short distance from The Gate and St. James Metro Station.
As the only Korean restaurant in Newcastle, you can be assured that our 100% authentic Korean cuisine will both delight and amaze you and your companions each time you choose to visit our venue.
At Mannaza, we are entirely dedicated to bringing our diners the notion of a healthy, nutrition and flavour balanced dining style. Unlike many other Asian cuisines, Korean foods are rarely deep-fried. Usually boiled, stir-fried, steamed or grilled; Mannaza are proud to offer flavoursome dishes which promote a healthier lifestyle.
Our professional and experienced Korean chefs are delighted to prepare a wide range of dishes, freshly prepared using only the finest produce available. We locally source and regularly import our extensive list of authentic spices and ingredients. We boast hundreds of vegetable and wild greens dishes, with almost all of our exclusive dishes accompanied by a big bowl of hot soup or stew, everything on our menu is nutritionally balanced, satisfying and guilt free!
Meat and seafood lovers will be astounded by our unique dining concept; Korean BBQ, hotpot and self-grill hot pan dishes. A selection of chicken, beef, pork, squid, octopus and king prawns are delivered to the table, ready to be grilled perfectly to your liking.
Unlike any other restaurant in the region, our novel style of dining brings diners together, promoting an exciting and electric atmosphere within the restaurant.
We are open daily from 12:00-22:00 serving our popular lunch time specials and evening à la carte dishes.
Hinnies serves a creative, Geordie-inspired menu for brunch, lunch or dinner. Find us right on the seafront in Whitley Bay.
10 East Parade, Whitley Bay, NE26 1AP
hinnies.co.uk 0191 447 0500
GEORDIE
Siciliana… with a glass of chilled sauvignon blanc, obviously.
Newcastle is one of only five cities in the UK to boast its own Chinatown, which lies on Stowell Street on the edge of the city’s main shopping area. You enter through an ornate 11m high arch flanked by two guardian lions. It’s home to the majority of Tyneside’s Chinese restaurants and supermarkets, like the popular Chinatown Express and the award-winning King Neptune. There are other good Chinese restaurants across Tyneside, of course, like The Imperial Restaurant in Low Fell, Gateshead.
Popular chain restaurants are also part of Newcastle and Gateshead’s international culinary mix. All the popular names are here, from Nando’s and Wagamama to TGI Fridays and Zizzi. The Grey’s Quarter in Eldon Square shopping centre is home to around 20 restaurants (mainly chains), including Bella Italia, Frankie and Benny’s and ASK Italian.
Dobson & Parnell has recently been listed in the 2024 Michelin Guide
Across the river, The Qube dining and leisure area at the Metrocentre offers all-day dining from a quick bite to a three-course meal. YO! Sushi, Frankie and Benny’s, Popeyes and the cult American burger bar Five Guys are among the top foodie names.
The folk in Newcastle and Gateshead are proud of their culinary heritage, and of the fantastic local produce that’s available around these parts. Whether you’re dining out in Michelin-starred splendour or eating fish and chips on the beach, you’ll be bowled over by the quality on offer.
Newcastle’s Grey Street and Quayside areas are full of fabulous restaurants, bars and cafés. The Bridge Tavern is tucked under the Tyne Bridge on the north side of the river and offers casual dining with a refined, mainly British menu.
Just around the corner, Dobson & Parnell has recently been listed in the 2024 Michelin Guide and l
Dobson & Parnell, Newcastle
Offering a friendly and relaxed dining experience, The French Quarter invites customers to share our love of all things French. We work with independent suppliers to create a regularly changing wine list and an inspired menu of small-plates showcasing classic French favourites.
A t aste of France on your doorstep www.frenchquarternewcastle.co.uk
Situated on South Shields Seafront, panoramic windows offer unrivalled views of our fantastic coastline
We have been serving our famous Fish and Chips and Seafood’s for over four generations and have built our reputation by not compromising on quality or service. At Colmans, we believe quality is not expensive, it’s priceless.
Colmans Seafood Temple is a family orientated seafood restaurant serving the finest coastal cuisine. We strive to use local and seasonal produce wherever possible and have sustainability and responsible sourcing methods at the heart of our ethos.
We also host a cocktail and oyster bar situated in the old bandstand known locally as ‘Ghandis Temple’, and a fish and chip and seafood takeaway on the ground floor. We are passionate about sustainability, and responsible sourcing methods are at the heart of our ethos.
We are proud of our local fishermen who land fresh fish and shellfish daily and work using low impact fishing methods that preserve our marine environment.
Tomahawk Steakhouse is a specialist steak restaurant and bar
it’s easy to see why once you step into this elegant quayside address. Dine in stylish surrounds as you tuck into locally-sourced, awardwinning dishes with a focus on sustainability.
On the Gateshead side of the Tyne, Six at BALTIC provides unrivalled views along the Quayside as well as modern British-inspired cooking using seasonal, local ingredients. Nearby Route is an elegant eatery specialising in simple, seasonal British food.
If you’re a steak lover, why not tempt your tastebuds at one of the North East’s fastest-growing restaurant chains? Tomahawk Steakhouse is a specialist steak restaurant and bar, serving the finest Himalayan salt dry-aged steaks, wagyu and other locally produced meat, fish and some vegetarian dishes.
Also on the Quayside is the Michelin-starred House of Tides, where well-known chef Kenny Atkinson – a stalwart of the BBC’s Saturday Morning Kitchen and a twice Great British Menu winner – holds court. The restaurant is located in one of the few historic townhouses to survive the great fire which devastated both the Gateshead and Newcastle riversides in 1854. It serves an evolving tasting menu showcasing the very best, seasonal produce from the North East.
Solstice, a stone’s throw from the iconic Tyne Bridge, is House of Tides’ sister restaurant. Run l L
Tomahawk Steakhouse, Newcastle I Blackfriars Restaurant, Newcastle
The catch of the day
For great tasting fish and chips it has to be Fisherman’s Bay.
The restaurant and takeaway is the latest development in the North East and the beautifully appointed eatery is a testament to the passion the family have for providing their customers with great tasting food, that is sustainably sourced and has minimal impact on the environment.
The menu at Fisherman’s Bay has been meticulously put together to represent all the great food associated with life at the coast. At Fisherman’s Bay, they strive to make the British classic, fish and chips to perfection.
Starting with the source of all of the ingredients, they take great care ensuring they only use sustainable fish and British farmed potatoes. It’s this attention to detail that gives great results and delivers the freshest and most flavoursome dishes for their customers to enjoy. All their packaging is biodegradable and recyclable and they use 100% vegetable oil to fry their food.
Customers can also indulge in a delicious ice cream or enjoy a refreshing hot or cold drink – all the coffee is made using the highest quality Italian Bristot beans.
So, next time you are strolling down the seafront why not visit Fisherman’s Bay? A warm welcome is guaranteed.
T. 0191 447 4774 E. catchus@fishermansbay.co.uk 6 East Parade, Whitley Bay NE26 1AP
www.fishermansbay.co.uk @fishermansbaywb
by Kenny and Abbie Atkinson, this fine dining restaurant serves a single tasting menu focused on quality ingredients, emphasising simplicity, seasonality and sustainable practices. It received its first Michelin Star within a year of opening, so do book in advance to avoid disappointment.
One of Newcastle’s historic gems is Blackfriars Restaurant, believed to be the oldest dining room in the UK having formerly served as the refectory for the Black Friars of Newcastle from the 13th century. Today it serves a local, seasonal and rustic menu which has earned it the Taste of the North East Gold award two times. It was even voted TimeOut magazine’s top restaurant in Newcastle!
On Market Lane, contemporary venue Horticulture offers a modern British menu with international flavours. The restaurant offers small plates using locally sourced, organic and fresh produce from regional farmers, butchers and fishermen.
Bisecting Grey Street is High Bridge, on whose cobbled length you’ll find hip bar-restaurant, Pleased to Meet You, which specialises in craft beers, gin, and British comfort food served with a theatrical twist. High Bridge is also home to Hibou Blanc – which is definitely somewhere to see and be seen and has won rave reviews
for its menu.
Not to be missed is the Fenwick Food Hall with its dining counters and delicatessen packed with moreish cheeses, charcuterie, pies and locally produced ready meals and salad boxes. The Food Hall is also home to superb restaurants, notably Saltwater Fish Company –fantastic fresh fish cooked to order in front of you – and PorterHouse Butcher and Grill. Fenwick’s Roof Thirty Nine is a stylish dining space sitting high above the city where you can sample everything from breakfast to cocktails and dinner.
Another must-visit is Wylam Brewery’s Palace of Arts in Newcastle’s Exhibition Park, a 30-barrel microbrewery, taproom and kitchen serving small plates of traditional British food with a local twist.
Just a few minutes’ drive from the centre of Newcastle in the suburb of Jesmond stands the acclaimed Peace & Loaf restaurant, run by Masterchef: The Professionals finalist Dave Coulson. The two AA rosette venue offers fine dining without the fuss with an array of stylish, flavour-packed dishes made with fresh, mainly local ingredients. Seasonality is as the forefront of this restaurant’s ethos and the menus change regularly.
Veggie treats are on offer alongside excellent coffee and
drinks at Super Natural Café on Newcastle’s Grainger Street. Then there’s nearby Vegano, which offers a range of vegan burgers, kebabs, mini pizzas and pasta.
The Ship Inn in Ouseburn is a pub first and foremost, but alongside a good range of beers, it also has a fully vegan food menu. Lastly, Karma Kitchen in Bigg Market is the place to go for Indianinspired vegan goodies.
The beautiful coastal town of Tynemouth stands at the mouth of the River Tyne 12 miles downstream from the centre of Newcastle. It’s home to Riley’s Fish Shack, a semiportable fish bar and grill based in a converted shipping container overlooking the picturesque King Edward’s Bay.
Serving local, seasonal fish and seafood, it’s a laid back ‘take us as you find us’ kind of place and the high-quality food has won this place a legion of fans. They include two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jnr who featured it on his Hidden Restaurants TV show, and food critic Jay Rayner, who described this humble shack as the “eating experience of the year”.
A little further up the coast in Whitley Bay you’ll find Hinnies. Located on East Parade, Hinnies pride themselves on “Geordieinfluenced classics made properly from scratch using local and seasonal produce”. What more could you ask for?
In 2011 the vibrancy of Newcastle and Gateshead’s dining scene led to the launch of a dedicated restaurant week. Held in the NE1 postcode area, Newcastle Restaurant Week takes place twice a year, in January and August, and showcases more than 100 fantastic restaurants from the smallest independents to the big chains.
Whether you’re looking to sample cuisine from around the world or get stuck into the best of local produce, Newcastle and Gateshead are brilliant places to be. Go out and get your fill of the best cuisine that the region has to offer, from award-winning restaurants to street food stalls to delis and food shops. ■
Fenwick Food Hall, Newcastle
Only here for the weekend? Fear not! Here are some ideas for a memorable short break
WEEKENDER
DAY ONE
Start your whirlwind adventure with breakfast at Quay Ingredient down by Newcastle Quayside. It serves delicious, cooked breakfasts every morning. Afterwards, take a leisurely walk along the Quayside and across the impressive Gateshead Millennium Bridge.
Here you will find the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, once a flour mill that now hosts a diverse and dynamic programme of exhibitions and activities from internationally renowned artists in specially created spaces.
Next to BALTIC is the spectacular Glasshouse live music venue with its dramatic curved steel roof. If you’re lucky, you may catch a live music performance!
Mouthwatering cuisine
Enjoy a spot of lunch back on the Newcastle side of the river – some of our go-to places are Sambuca for affordable-yet-delicious Italian food, Chart House for mouthwatering cuisine and cocktails, and Dobson & Parnell for British and European dishes in a buzzing atmosphere.
Time to take a deep breath and make the steep climb up Dean Street to Grey Street to admire the Regency architecture that many believe rivals Bath in its beauty. A few minutes’ walk from here is the Grainger Market, home to a diverse range of shops, cafés and street food outlets.
Finish the day off on a Michelin-starred high at Solstice on Newcastle Quayside, where applauded chef Kenny Atkinson works his culinary magic.
DAY TWO
Start the day off with breakfast at Olive & Bean on Clayton Street. Here you can choose from cooked breakfasts, waffles, breakfast burritos and bowls of goodness, many of which are or can be made gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan. Refreshed, it’s time to visit the impressive Newcastle Castle, the Norman fortress which gave the city its name. Find out all about the
history of this great city, and get a birds’ eye view from the turrets of the surrounding urban landscape and the River Tyne.
UK’s finest museums
Newcastle is home to some of the UK’s finest museums and art galleries, including the Life Science Centre, the Discovery Museum and the Great North Museum: Hancock. Or if art is more to your taste, head for either the Laing or Hatton galleries.
Fenwick Food Hall is the place
Newcastle is home to some of the UK’s finest museums
to head for lunch where you will find a myriad of dining experiences including Mason + Rye café. Follow lunch with an afternoon’s shopping, Eldon Square is the place to go with its impressive list of high-street names and specialist outlets, while Northumberland Street is also home to popular brands.
Round off the day with dinner and a pint at By The River Brew Co.’s Gateshead shipping container village nestled just beneath the Tyne Bridge. ■
The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead
Culture vultures assemble! This region offers the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals
Culture Club
If you’ve come to Newcastle and Gateshead expecting to find men in cloth caps racing whippets through pea soup fogs, you’re in for a surprise! Today’s Tyneside is a vibrant, creative, bohemian metropolis. It’s crammed with world-class museums and art galleries, outstanding theatres and concert venues and top-notch restaurants, pubs and clubs. Not to mention the fabulous architecture, including a picturesque and hip waterfront.
Newcastle and Gateshead’s heavy industries have given way to a boom
in creativity. You’ll find a whole host of galleries highlighting both classic and contemporary art, as well as museums exploring the region’s fascinating past.
Gateshead really put the region on the map in 1998 with the installation of Antony Gormley’s now iconic Angel of the North sculpture. Standing 20m tall and with a wingspan of 54m, this stunning contemporary work is now the region’s answer to the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Statue of Liberty in New York.
Overlooking the A1 at Low
Eighton in Gateshead, the Angel stands on the site of the former Teams Colliery miners’ baths and is seen by a staggering 33 million motorists a year, making it one of the most viewed pieces of art anywhere in the world. Getting up close and personal with the Angel is an experience every first-time visitor to the area should make time for.
Buoyed up by the success of the Angel of the North, Gateshead Council set its sights on the once dilapidated Quayside. It opened the lyre-like pedestrian Millennium
The Angel of the North, Gateshead
Bridge in 2001, linking both the north and south sides of the River Tyne in a renewed act of friendship with Newcastle.
This was followed a year later by the opening of BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, which stands just metres from the south side of the Millennium Bridge. Then, in December 2004, BALTIC was joined on the Quayside by the eyecatching Glasshouse International Centre for Music concert venue.
Housed in a landmark former flour mill, BALTIC is the UK’s largest dedicated contemporary art space and a fantastic place to view cutting-edge works by worldrenowned artists. Since opening it has presented well over 200 exhibitions seen by more than eight million visitors over its four art spaces, including the 2011 Turner Prize.
As well as viewing exhibitions, you can listen to talks, see live performances, attend familyfriendly workshops or just relax over a coffee while watching the comings
The Laing Art Gallery is home to an important collection of 18th and 19thcentury paintings
and goings on the Quayside. Equally impressive is the fifth-floor viewing box which offers a stunning and ever-changing picture of Newcastle and Gateshead’s riverside and cityscape.
Gateshead is also home to the Shipley Art Gallery, the North East’s leading venue for contemporary art and design, which hosts one of the best collections of ceramics, wood, glass, metal, textiles and furniture outside London.
Still haven’t had your fill of art? The Laing Art Gallery is home to an important collection of 18th and 19th-century paintings. You’ll be able to gawp at works by John Martin, Paul Gauguin and William Holman-Hunt (his pre-Raphaelite masterpiece, Isabella and the Pot of Basil, hangs in the upstairs gallery). Sculptures and engravings by Henry Moore and Northumberland-born engraver and naturalist Thomas Bewick round out an already impressive picture.
The nearby Hatton Gallery holds important pieces from the l
Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle
14th century to the present day, including Kurt Schwitters’ Merz Barn Wall collage and key compositions from Francis Bacon, Eduardo Paolozzi and Prunella Clough.
Just outside the Newcastle city centre, The Biscuit Factory isn’t a place to come for sweet treats. It’s a sprawling, creative space housed, as the name suggests, in a former Victorian biscuit factory. It is the UK’s largest independent commercial art, craft and design gallery and the work of more than 200 artists and makers is showcased over two floors in seasonally changing exhibitions.
Visit the Great North Museum: Hancock to see a menagerie of stuffed animals, a life-size T Rex skeleton, the planetarium and mummies from Ancient Egypt. Across town, The Discovery Museum fills you in on the area’s maritime, scientific and technological past, and is home to Charles Parsons’ famed Turbinia
At the Hancock you’ll see stuffed animals, a T Rex skeleton and Egyptian mummies
steam-powered ship.
In the mood for some hands-on fun? Head down to the Life Science Centre near Newcastle Central Station. Here, over various zones, the magic of science is brought to life with activities, experiments, exhibitions and installations, including a planetarium.
In the Ouseburn Valley, just a short walk from Newcastle city centre, you’ll find Seven Stories: The National Centre for Children’s Books. Kids (and adults) can explore their own creativity through writing, illustration and crafts, or uncover a world of enchanting storytelling.
Bookworms may want to wander into the welcoming arms of The Lit & Phil, a short walk from Newcastle Central Station. The largest independent library outside London, it houses an impressive 200,000 books. It started life in 1793 and over the years has opened its doors to many literary greats, including Oscar Wilde and l
The Hancock collection, part of the Great North Museum
Edith Sitwell. Only members can take out books, but visitors are free to stroll in, settle down in one of the comfy leather armchairs and browse a periodical or two, while soaking up the relaxed atmosphere.
If it’s live entertainment you’re after, Newcastle and Gateshead won’t disappoint. Love classical music? You can catch performances galore at The Glasshouse. Prefer rock and pop? There are two huge arenas attracting big names from around the world. Want to check out some comedy, catch a film or go to the ballet? Done, done and done. Whatever you’re into, it’s here.
The Glasshouse concert venue was designed by Norman Foster and is internationally recognised as the home of the Royal Northern Sinfonia. It has three world-class concert halls renowned for their superb acoustics, which attract top musicians, bands and orchestras from across the globe.
If it’s big-name international pop and rock you’re after, the Utilita Arena is the largest concert venue
The Grade
1-listed Theatre Royal hosts everything from West End musicals to dramas
in the North East, attracting all the top touring acts, while O2 City Hall Newcastle is the region’s oldest concert venue, welcoming big stars since 1927. It’s become renowned for its stand-up comedy shows and is a favoured haunt of Newcastle-born funny man Ross Noble.
Not to be missed is a night out at The Cluny in Ouseburn, Newcastle’s cultural quarter. Housed in a former bottling plant, it’s popular for live music gigs featuring established bands and new local acts. The bar is known for its huge selection of real ales and world beers.
Wylam Brewery’s Palace of Arts in Exhibition Park blends live music with a microbrewery and good food. You’ll find an eclectic fusion of music on offer from gospel choirs to tribute acts, DJ nights, and star appearances from the likes of Trevor Nelson and 80s icon Martin Kemp.
Dance City is the region’s leading development organisation for dance in all its forms, from flamenco and ballroom, jazz, ballet, street and Brazilian capoeira. You can join in
one of the workshops, catch a live performance featuring home-grown talent or see one of the many touring companies – such as Ballet Wales –who are drawn to Dance City.
Live Theatre on Newcastle Quayside has an international reputation for its writing and has expanded in recent years. In 2017 its production of Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour – written by local lad Lee Hall of Billy Elliot fame – won an Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and has completed a West End run. In the same year
The Red Lion by Patrick Marber, starring Stephen Tompkinson, had successful runs at both Live Theatre and in London’s West End.
Newcastle is home to the jewel in the North East’s stage crown, the Grade 1-listed Theatre Royal, which hosts everything from West End musicals to dramas, ballet, comedies and panto. The Tyne Theatre & Opera House is a fellow Grade 1-listed playhouse which offers a busy programme of family entertainment, comedy and music.
L The Glasshouse, Gateshead j Theatre Royal, Newcastle
Other top venues to catch some live entertainment include Northern Stage; The Stand Comedy Club; Boulevard Newcastle; and Alphabetti Theatre which creates, produces and shows new and original works from emerging artists.
The independent Art Decoinfluenced Tyneside Cinema is the place to head for arthouse and classic movies, cult films and the latest new-release big hitters. It has recently been joined by the Everyman, a subterranean cinema on historic Grey Street housed in what was once the city’s iconic Legend’s nightclub. A boutique cinema, it aims to offer something different to filmgoers. The focus is on comfort, with food and drink served to the soft chairs and sofas in the screening rooms.
Newcastle and Gateshead’s cultural scene is positively booming. From their vibrant music and theatre venues to their eclectic collection of art galleries, there’s always something going on. So get stuck in and be inspired. ■
The night-time economy in this region is thriving, packed with clubs, pubs, bars and live music venues
After dark
If you know nothing else about Newcastle and Gateshead, you’ll probably know this: the locals really know how to have a good time. You’ll no doubt have heard that come nightfall the lads and lasses take to the streets to party up a storm. And, because they’re hardy folk, you’re more likely to see Lord Lucan than to spot a winter coat on a partygoer… even in January.
But this is only part of the story, because after dark the city comes alive in far more ways than one. Of course, you can join the throngs as they rattle from one bar to the
next but when it comes to after dark entertainment you can choose everything from cocktails to cinema, from live music to theatre… and everything in between.
If you like your entertainment live and lively, Newcastle and Gateshead have plenty to offer. Catch raucous rock concerts, cool DJs, world-class symphonies and a whole host of theatre productions, from the experimental to the mainstream. Whatever you’re looking for you’ll find it here.
The Glasshouse – that gloriously curvy caterpillar overlooking
the Tyne – is home to the Royal Northern Sinfonia and three world-class concert halls welcoming performers from every genre. It also hosts regular special events, such as an international jazz festival and the Classic Season, which features visiting symphony orchestras.
If your night out isn’t complete without sequins, singing and a high-kicking chorus line, then head to Boulevard, an LGBTQ+friendly, Vegas-style cabaret venue showcasing some of the region’s best-known drag performers and Broadway dancers.
Theatre Royal, Grey Street, Newcastle
Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle
Are large-scale pop and rock shows more your bag? The legendary O2 City Hall Newcastle opened in 1927 and its stage has been graced by everyone from Bob Dylan and The Animals to David Bowie, The Beatles, Queen and local favourites, Lindisfarne. The venue continues to run a packed programme of comedy and concerts.
Newcastle is also home to the Utilita Arena, where you can catch performances from some of the world’s biggest music stars. Past performers at the arena include Dua Lipa, Stereophonics and Kings of Leon.
Live acts
NX Newcastle, formerly O2 Academy, also hosts live acts on a smaller scale and upcoming performances include Freya Ridings, Hard-Fi and Miles Kane. Head straight up to Altitude, Newcastle’s newest rooftop bar, before the gig, and enjoy cocktails in stylish surroundings with stunning views of the city.
The Theatre Royal on Grey Street boasts one of the finest façades of its kind in the UK and has played host to everyone from Orson Welles to Sir Laurence Olivier and Sir Ian McKellen. Its year-round programme features everything from West End musicals to drama,
ballet, opera, family shows and the always highly acclaimed Christmas panto.
Like so many provincial theatres, Tyne Theatre and Opera House, to the west of the city, can trace its roots back to the glory days of Victorian music hall and it still offers a top-class programme of comedy, music and family entertainment.Meanwhile, Live Theatre, just off the Quayside, has built an enviable reputation for nurturing new talent as well as embracing touring shows. This theatre pioneers plays by local writers and has been a launchpad for a whole roll call of household names… Robson Green to name just one.
To the north of the city centre, on Newcastle University campus, you’ll find Northern Stage. It focuses on the avant-garde, and superb acting and direction definitely take precedence over star names and special effects.
Meanwhile, The Stand Comedy Club on High Bridge is the place to go if you fancy a good laugh. The intimate venue has hosted everyone from Dylan Moran and Chris Ramsay to Frankie Boyle and even Game of Thrones’ Eddison Tollett (aka Newcastle actor Ben Crompton) over the years.
For a laid-back evening, head to the beautiful Art Deco-style
Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle. It has three screens where you can catch the best indie and quirky arthouse films, alongside classics, the latest movies and even special cult nights. All the screens are licensed, so you can enjoy a wine, beer or themed cocktail while you watch.
Or try the subterranean Everyman cinema on Grey Street. Its four screening rooms have comfy sofa-style seating and waiter service and show a range of classic, independent and blockbuster films.
Whether you want to sit down with a pint and a good book, party all night with pals or see and be seen over a perfectly poured espresso martini, the choice here is vast. All you have to do is get out there and explore!
Monday is traditionally student night, when crowds of youngsters head to Powerhouse and Digital to start the week with a bang. For the older crowd, things really start to ratchet up in Newcastle from Thursday night onwards.
Bars and clubs
The Diamond Strip in Collingwood Street is home to upmarket bars and clubs that attract a more mature, affluent crowd. Here you’ll find ChachaBuchi – graced by Lady Gaga herself – with its VIP suite, sexy Art Deco interior and huge garden.
Nearby is opulent Revolution, a vodka bar housed in a former bank that has 30ft high ceilings and marble pillars. Also popular is Howlers, Newcastle’s only ball pit bar, and home to the famous all-day bottomless bonkers ball.
Other drinking dens on the strip include swish tequila bar Verano, the lavish Tup Tup Palace with its waterfalls, mosaic lamps and booths and Bijoux, which as the name suggests is a small but perfectly formed bar. It also enjoyed a starring role on reality TV show Geordie Shore. Just a stone’s throw from the Diamond Strip is the infamous Bigg Market. Once THE place to be seen, its star has waned in recent years as Newcastle’s nightlife has spread l
Wylam Brewery, Newcastle
out across the city. But if cheap booze and high spirits are what you’re looking for then prepare to set forth and abandon your inhibitions for a night of full-on party fun.
The Bigg Market leads on to the Groat and Cloth Markets. Here you’ll find Cosy Joes, Newcastle’s top karaoke venue, Green House Disco Gardens, a late-night cocktail bar and lounge and the Market Shaker, an all-day dance hall and beer garden. Another recent addition to the scene is a subterranean wine bar named WC Newcastle, set in what used to be a public lavatory.
A must for history buffs is The Town Wall. Set in a Grade 2-listed building, this place was once the home of engraver Thomas Bewick and is part of the original fortifications to the city.
To the north – a stone’s throw from St James’ Park you’ll find one of the highest bars in the city. 3SIXTY is the ‘sky lounge’ bar on the 26th level of the luxury Hadrian’s Tower apartment block on Newcastle’s St James’ Boulevard. On weekend evenings it’s packed out with customers eager to drink in the views – and lots of fizz.
The post-pandemic need for al fresco dining and drinking has inspired several new rooftop bars, including ABOVE at The Vermont Hotel. Set opposite the city’s old
On the outskirts of Newcastle city centre is Wylam Brewery’s Palace of Arts
its swanky glass walls offering unrivalled views. As the sun sets you can sit al fresco, drink in hand, and watch as the coloured lights illuminating the Millennium Bridge change hue, the glow playing over the gently flowing waters of the Tyne.
If real ale is your poison, you can’t do better than the triumvirate of Grey, Pilgrim and Dean Streets. They’re lined with traditional pubs, trendy craft beer saloons and chic bars.
On Pilgrim Street is Tardis-like Alvinos. Small from the outside, inside it has three floors, an outdoor terrace and two bars serving a wide selection of craft and draught beers and lagers, as well as guest ales.
On the outskirts of Newcastle city centre is Wylam Brewery’s Palace of Arts. Housed in what was the Museum of Science and Engineering, it has a micro-brewery, tap room, beer garden and live music all waiting to be enjoyed.
Creative Quarter
Just a few minutes’ walk from the Palace of Arts you’ll find yourself on Osborne Road in Jesmond. A popular place to start a night out in Newcastle, it’s lined with swanky bars and trees festooned with fairy lights.
Moot Hall and looking out over the river, it’s the height (literally) of sophistication.
The Botanist, Chaophraya, Revolución de Cuba and even the Fenwick department store have all opened sky lounges – and all are well worth a visit, although possibly not on the same night!
The Quayside is the most picturesque of Newcastle’s night haunts, with the River Tyne and its bridges forming the perfect backdrop for an evening out. One of the best places for a low-key tipple is The Bridge Tavern. Nestled between the stanchions of the Tyne Bridge, it brews its own craft keg and cask ales and has a stylish outdoor terrace.
At the other end of the Quayside stands the Pitcher & Piano, with
The Ouseburn Valley is Tyneside’s creative quarter. Once an area blighted by abandoned warehouses and derelict buildings, now it’s home to some of Tyneside’s finest pubs.
Hunt out The Free Trade Inn with its fine selection of real ales and stunning views of Gateshead Quayside and the Tyne bridges; The Cumberland Arms with its session beers, roaring fire and regular folk, theatre and comedy nights; and The Ship Inn with its extensive vegan menu.
After a busy day of sightseeing dive into the best entertainment that Newcastle and Gateshead have to offer. Go from cocktails to clubbing, take in some live music or laugh your socks off at a comedy club. Whatever your after dark wishes they’re sure to be granted here. ■
Although Newcastle-Gateshead has more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure
Time to explore
The North East has it all: beautiful sandy beaches, towering cliffs, picturesque river valleys, rolling hills, open moorland, vast skies, and enough culture and ancient relics to sate the appetite of even the most die-hard history buff. Newcastle and Gateshead, with their first-class transport links, are the perfect bases from which to set out and explore an area that is arguably one of the UK’s best-kept tourist secrets.
Golden sands, rock pools, clean and clear waters, fish and chip suppers, and all the fun of the fair, are just a 20-minute Metro ride from Newcastle or Gateshead. You can take your pick on which beaches to head for: Whitley Bay, Tynemouth, South Shields and Sunderland are all served by the Metro.
Millions of pounds have recently been spent on revitalising Whitley Bay seafront, and the restored Spanish City leisure venue immortalised by rock group Dire Straits, with its mix of high-quality restaurants, cafés and a champagne bar, now forms the perfect backdrop to the town’s golden sands.
A brisk walk along the seafront will bring you to the coastal town of Tynemouth with its mile-long stretch of sandy beach known as Longsands, historic ruined priory and castle, award-winning fish and chip shops, and scenic King Edward’s Bay.
Over the Tyne in South Shields you will find beautiful beaches aplenty, magnificent cliffs, a coastal pleasure park, the National Trustprotected coastline at Marsden, and Souter Lighthouse, the first in the world to be purpose built for electricity, and now a popular tourist attraction. Further afield are the stunningly beautiful sandy beaches of Druridge Bay, Bamburgh and Embleton in Northumberland.
Northumberland boasts more castles than any other county in England. And not all of them are picturesque ruins. Take the A1 to Alnwick Castle, home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, which featured in several episodes of Downton Abbey, and doubled as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.
Further north you will find Bamburgh, one of the UK’s most iconic castles. Perched on a volcanic crag overlooking a three-mile long dune-backed stretch of sand that runs from Seahouses to Bamburgh, the castle which dates back nearly 1,400 years was once one of the nation’s most important royal seats.
A 30-minute drive south of Gateshead on the A1 is the city of Durham, with its awe-inspiring cathedral standing high above a bend in the River Wear. This monumental structure, which dominates the local landscape and has been a place of worship for a millennia, is regarded as one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe.
Marching 73 miles from the east to the west coast, Hadrian’s Wall served for three centuries as the Roman Empire’s north-west frontier. Now ruined, it is still a magnificent sight snaking its way across the wild but starkly beautiful countryside. A World Heritage Site, there are forts, old Roman towns, museums and live archaeological digs aplenty ready and waiting to be explored.
Hop on a Northern ‘Hadrian’s Wall Country Line’ train from Newcastle Central Station to visit the middle sections. Or catch the AD122 bus which runs every two hours between Hexham Bus Station and Haltwhistle Rail Station, stopping at Chesters and Housesteads Roman Forts, The Sill, Vindolanda and the Walltown Roman Army Museum. ■
Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland
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