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 A medieval church of merit |
Pilgrim Street Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 3UF United Kingdom +44 191 261 2457 |
The medieval All Saints Church was rebuilt in 1786-96 by local architect, David Stephenson and is well worth visiting. It has a spire which dominates the skyline, while inside there is much to catch the eye - the woodwork is solid mahogany, and the stained glass and brass plate are of great architectural merit. The church sits proudly on the high bank of the river and has views over the Quayside and the Tyne Bridge. It is open daily all year round but the opening hours do vary so check before travelling. Parking is available near by - at Broadchare and Quayside or City Road multi-storey. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: flix2sho |
 Photo: Clive Marshall |
 Photo: Peter Kelson |
 Preserved Jacobean buildings on the Quayside |
41-44 Sandhill Quayside Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 3JF United Kingdom +44 191 269 1200 |
The house is actually two 16th and 17th century houses which once belonged to merchants who lived on the Quayside close to where the Swing Bridge is now sited. The buildings are essentially unfurnished, but many original architectural features remain. One of the houses is a rare and unusual example of Jacobean domestic architecture. Bessie Surtees, a well known local figure in 17th century Newcastle, apparently eloped through a window to marry John Scott, a young man of whom Bessie's father disapproved, but who later became Lord Eldon, a prominent local landowner whose name is remembered in the Eldon Square Shopping Centre. English Heritage currently use part of the property as offices. Admission: free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Peter M Forster |
 Photo: John Blenkinsopp  |
 Photo: Björn Döring |
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Part of the New Castle |
Castle Garth Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 1RQ United Kingdom +44 191 261 5390 |
The Black Gate was originally built (at a cost of GBP500) between 1247 and 1250, under the orders of Henry III, to strengthen the entrance to the castle. Once the castle ceased to have any strategic importance in the middle ages, the gatehouse was put to a number of uses. In the 17th century two new stories were added, and it was converted into tenements. Until recently it housed a bagpipe museum (now moved a few miles up the A1 to become the Morpeth Bagpipe Museum), and it is currently the headquarters of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Non-members may be allowed to visit by permission of the society's chief librarian. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrew MacKay |
 Photo: Les Bessant |
 Photo: karin L |
 Photo: whooba |
 Photo: Jackson Smith |
 Photo: gd swift |
 Photo: Margaret Grace Love |
 Photo: Mike Guess |
 Photo: Ahsan Mansoor |
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Medieval friary with modern uses |
North East Civic Trust Monk Street Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 4XN United Kingdom +44 191 232 9279 |
Blackfriars is a restored 13th-century friary in Newcastle city centre. These tranquil buildings served as a monasterial retreat for some 300 years until King Henry VIII decided that he wanted a divorce in 1539. After this the monasteries were dissolved and Blackfriars was converted into a series of meeting rooms and almshouses for the destitute. Some parts of the building continued to house the poor up until the 1930s. Restored in the 1980s, Blackfriars now houses a range of craft workshops. A gallery and a shop retailing their products are open to the public. Blackfriars also has an exhibition which details the history and development of Newcastle. A large grassy courtyard contrasts with the buzz of city life that surrounds the area, and this space is an occasional host to outdoor theatre events. A section of the old Town Walls also stands close to the site. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Neil Madden |
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Innovative and imaginative public space |
New Bridge Street Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 8AN United Kingdom |
In an innovative and imaginative piece of contemporary urban design, the Blue Carpet turn a little used road system in a backwater of the city centre into a striking pedestrian public square. The square on New Bridge Street in front of the Laing Art Gallery was designed by Thomas Heatherwick. The main effect of the design is the idea of huge blue carpet that has simply been dropped from the sky and left to lie where it had come to rest. Folded back sections provide seating, and discreetly lit underground spaces contain mini-galleries displaying historical artefacts. Several existing mature trees have been incorporated into the design. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bronwen Banner |
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11th-century castle |
The Society of Antiquaries Castle Keep, Castle Garth Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 8QN United Kingdom +44 191 232 7938 |
The 'New Castle' from which the city derives its name was founded in 1080 by Robert Curthose, son of William the Conqueror, on the site of a Roman fort. It was originally a fortified enclosure of clay and wood, but was rebuilt in stone in the late 12th/early 13th century. Added to the site at this time were the keep, a gatehouse, and an enclosing wall. Visitors will see the keep's two Royal accommodation suites, a public hall, a private room, the garrison room, and a Norman chapel. The castle roof offers a spectacular - and once privileged - view of Newcastle, particularly the nearby river Tyne and its bridges. Because the castle retains the steep steps from years gone by, there is no disabled access. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Tourist Information Centre |
Main Concourse Central Station Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 5DL United Kingdom +44 191 230 0030 |
This busy Information Centre is prominently located on the railway station's main concourse. The usual range of services are offered including: accommodation booking (no fee), events information, and details of key attractions in the city and surrounding area. There is a wide range of free leaflets and brochures. Enthusiastic and chatty staff, who have a genuine in-depth knowledge of the region and its amenities, provide a first class service, and will call on the expertise of others if stuck. The office is open on Bank Holidays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Birthplace of Thomas Bewick |
Station Bank Mickley Newcastle upon Tyne, NBL NE43 7DD United Kingdom +44 1661 84 3276 http://www.nationaltrust.org.u... |
The renowned naturalist, artist, and wood engraver Thomas Bewick (particularly famous for his fine woodcuts of wild birds) was born just a few miles west of Newcastle city centre. Rural Northumberland, from where Bewick took much of his inspiration, is as wild and beautiful today as it must have been at the turn of the 19th century when he was doing his major works. Cherryburn farmhouse and gardens, as well as being a picturesque setting in their own right, also contain an exhibition on the life and works of Bewick. Prints of his engravings can be bought from the gift shop. Engraving, printing, and bookbinding demonstrations can sometimes be seen, and the house is occasionally used for musical events. Wheelchair access is possible, but wheelchair users may need help to access some parts of the house and farmyard. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fun museum of history and technology |
Blandford Square Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 4JA United Kingdom +44 191 232 6789 |
The Discovery Museum has been one of Newcastle's less lauded tourist attractions. Once located slightly off the beaten track, the museum is now centred in the middle of exciting city regeneration works and is set to benefit from this upsurge in retail and residential interest. Located in a huge Victorian warehouse, the Discovery has several permanent exhibitions: "Live Wires" features robots, the Web and the latest hi-tech gadgets. "Turbinia", once the world's fastest vessel, is docked in a hands-on maritime gallery. There's the Science Factory, Fashion Works, a Pioneer Gallery and 200 years of military history in "A Soldier's Life". The Discovery has an exciting programme of exhibitions and one-off events for all the family. Every Sunday is a family day with free activities. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The world's first tilting bridge |
St Mary's Church Oakwellgate Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE8 2AU United Kingdom +44 191 477 5380 http://www.gateshead-quays.com |
The pedestrian and cycle crossing links Newcastle Quayside with the major redevelopment projects such as the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, and the Gateshead Music Centre on Gateshead Quays. It is the first tilting bridge in the world, and is designed to resemble a blinking eyelid when it is raised to permit ships to pass beneath. The bridge forms part of a one mile circular riverside walk taking in the Swing Bridge to the west. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marius Watz |
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World Heritage Site |
The A69 between Newcastle and Carlisle runs parallel to Hadrian's Wall Newcastle upon Tyne, NBL NE99 1DX United Kingdom http://www.hadrians-wall.org |
The Romans built Hadrian's Wall in about AD122, defining the northernmost limit of the Roman Empire in Britain at that time. It ran 73 miles, coast to coast, and consisted of a stone built wall around seven metres high with a ditch to the north and a bigger bank and ditch earthwork (the Vallum) to the south. Turrets, milecastles, and forts were built at regular intervals. The course of the wall ran from Segedunum at Wallsend on the East Coast through Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Esther Millea |
 Photo: Adam Waldron |
 Photo: Kyle Williams |
 Photo: Justin Short |
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The citys premier museum |
Barras Bridge Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE2 4PT United Kingdom +44 191 222 6765 |
The City's premier museum and one which definitely merits multiple visits. Opened in 1884 and named after celebrated local naturalists, the Hancock has undergone a major revival over the last decade, helped in no small way by populist exhibitions. What cannot be denied is that kids love it and it makes for a great day out. Major permanent exhibitions include the ever popular Land of the Pharaohs - which explores life and death in Ancient Egypt, including a reconstructed tomb, an embalmers tent, and two mummies; Earthworks - an interactive/traditional look at the evolution of the Earth; Living Planet - explores life on earth, its diversity, ecology, and fragility. The Museum can be booked for parties, conferences etc. Admission: adults £3.95, children & concs £2.50. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Greenery near St James's |
Richardson Road Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE2 4AZ United Kingdom |
In the shadow of St James Park, home of Newcastle United Football Club, Leazes Park is a pleasant bit of greenery, less than ten minutes walk from the city centre. As well as an area of grassy moorland, there are plenty of trees to provide shade on a warm summer's day. In the centre of the park there is a smallish boating lake that is ideal for a Sunday afternoon row. Also available are public access tennis courts, a bowling green, and street basketball courts. At the football stadium side there is a picturesque area with well-maintained flowers, monuments, and lawns. The park hosts the Newcastle Community Green Festival each May. Its proximity to several of the University lodgings means it is popular with strolling students, but you are advised to give the park a wide berth after dark. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jacqui Napier |
 Photo: yd 'whydee' leong |
 Photo: Davy Ellis |
 Photo: alatraqjiphoto |
 Photo: Alexander Wilson |
 Photo: Robin L |
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The Region's main museum of archaeology |
The Quadrangle University Of Newcastle-upon-Tyne Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 7RU United Kingdom +44 191 222 7849 http://museums.ncl.ac.uk/archive/ |
The museum's collection covers the period from 6000BC to 1600AD. Its specialism, however, is the Roman period - with finds from all along Hadrian's Wall. The Director, Lindsay Allason-Jones, is often seen on TV with Channel Four's Time Team as their Roman finds expert. The museum's displays are well presented and easily understood. A group of altars to the mysterious Roman god, Mithras, which were found on Hadrian's Wall, are central to the museum. A reconstruction of what a Mithraic temple was like can be seen at the museum. Admission: free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Services for tourists and locals |
Central Exchange Buildings 132 Grainger Street Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 5AF United Kingdom +44 191 277 8000 |
Lost your bearings? Need accommodation? Want to know what's on and where to go to find it? The Newcastle Information Centre brings together the city's tourism services in a well-equipped, state of the art premises in the heart of the city in one of UK's best preserved Edwardian shopping arcades, the Central Arcade. The Information Centre provides a welcoming personal service for visitors and locals alike. The centre offers transport information, accommodation booking anywhere in the UK, tourist information and leaflets, tickets for local events and theatres, maps, books, and posters, and a great range of souvenirs—from glassware to teddy bears. Full wheelchair access is available, and there is an induction loop for the hard of hearing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Large and plush park |
Nuns Moor Road Fenham Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE4 9AU United Kingdom |
Situated on the city centre side of the Fenham area, this is a pleasant and well-maintained park with several public facilities. Across Brighton Grove (which splits the park in two), there is open moorland which hosts a fair on Bank Holiday weekends, whilst the amenities tend to be on the Fenham side. There are newly-laid all weather tennis courts, a playground and five-a-side grass football pitches. The park also contains the private Nuns Moor bowling green. The park is well-paved making it walkable whatever the weather, and a pleasant place for a Sunday stroll amongst the greenery, or for escaping the city's hustle and bustle any time. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michelle Hanson |
 Photo: bmactoon |
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Sculpture in the open air |
Riverside Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE8 2BJ United Kingdom +44 191 477 3478 http://www.gateshead.gov.uk |
As part of Gateshead Borough Council's initiative to put art in public places (most notably realised in the Angel of the North), these eight sculptures, in many styles and utilising various materials, stretch along about half a mile of the south bank of the Tyne, opposite the famous Quayside area, and the Copthorne Hotel. From Bottle Bank by Richard Harris at the east end of the park, past Andy Goldsworthy's rusting metal structure Cone - hidden among trees, and not easy to find if you do not know where to look - past the impressive Rolling Moon, to Axiom by Hideo Furuta at the west end, you are bound to find something that appeals. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: djania |
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Museum of Greek art and archaeology |
Armstrong Building University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 7RU United Kingdom +44 191 222 7971 http://www.ncl.ac.uk/shefton-m... |
One of the foremost museums of Greek art and archaeology in the country, the Shefton is to be found within the precincts of Newcastle University's main city centre campus. The museum houses collections of weapons and armour, art and sculpture, and pottery and other artefacts from the classical period in Greece's history. The Shefton is a scholarly museum that regularly hosts conferences and symposia around its specialist academic area. Despite this, however, the museum offers a fascinating insight into ancient Greek art and culture that will delight even those with just a casual interest in the subject Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Ancient church with interesting history |
Newgate Street Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 5SS United Kingdom +44 191 222 0259 |
This ancient church is pleasantly set among trees in the centre of Newcastle. Originally built in the 12th century with Roman stones, the passing centuries have seem numerous changes to its structure. There are many outstanding features. For example the chancel arch dates back to the 13th century, it is a wide arch with chevron (Norman) ornamentation. There is an impressive Luca Giordano painting, stained glass windows, and the choir stalls are of Austrian oak, also a 15th century font cover which has been designated by some as the finest in Britain. During the English civil war a cannon was mounted on top of the belfry and the firing of this gun so weakened the structure that it became unsafe to ring the bells. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Terry Nattress |
 Photo: jacqui 006 |
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Newcastle United |
St James Blvd Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4ST United Kingdom +44 0191 261 1571 http://www.nufc.co.uk |
Home of the Newcastle United Football Club, St James Park is the oldest football stadium in North East England, with games dating back to 1880. With a capacity of over 52,000 fans from all over Europe enjoy the rowdy and wild atmosphere of national and international football games. Stadium tours are available and include a look at the corporate boxes, the highest point, dugouts, changing rooms and media suite. Tours generally operate W-Su from noon-2p. Check website for tour details and prices, along with game schedules and further information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Indradeep |
 Photo: Matthew Robinson |
 Photo: Chris Pegman |
 Photo: Ahmed Safer |
 Photo: Daniel Woricker |
 Photo: pab2000 |
 Photo: Nigel Wade |
 Photo: robert.ednie |
 Photo: John Mooney |
 Photo: Ian Marshall |
 Photo: Allan Bruce |
 Catholic cathedral built by Pugin. |
Clayton Street West Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 5HH United Kingdom +44 191 232 6953 |
St Mary's was built by the architect, Pugin, who was a convert to Catholicism and produced his designs after a brief visit to Newcastle. It opened in 1844. The domineering 222 foot high spire was however designed by Hamson. A tour of this interesting church should take approximately 45 minutes. The best view of the exterior is said to be from the vehicle exit at the Central railway station (opposite). Of special note are the three large east facing windows with their fine decorative tracery. There is a pleasant tea room serving snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: henry ador |
 Photo: Johan Kool |
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Small cathedral with rare lantern tower |
St Nicholas Square Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 1PF United Kingdom +44 191 232 1939 |
The Church of St Nicholas was built as a church in the 14th century, on the site of an earlier Norman church, next to the Castle that gives Newcastle its name. The lantern tower (also known as a crown spire) was added in the 15th century and is one of only four in Britain. It was in 1882 that the church became a cathedral when the Diocese of Newcastle was created. Much of the interior furnishing dates from that period, though there are interesting earlier details such as a 15th century font, a mediaeval window and a range of memorials and wall tablets. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ian Scott |
 Photo: drycats |
 Photo: Neil Aiston |
 Photo: Andrew Beeston |
 Photo: John K Tan |
 Photo: Craig Newby |
 Photo: aidan mcraethomson |