Cultural tourism has always had the greatest appeal to vacationers, and Newcastle is one of the cities riding on the wave of this appeal. At the same time, the location is ranked the best UK city for a night out, as it perfectly blends tradition and lifestyle with other activities that appeal to all demographics. Its city centre harbours England’s finest Georgian architecture, with locations like the historic Grainger Town, a mediaeval castle, bridges, and other enchanting places. Thousands have whizzed past the city for years, and it is clear what keeps more tourists and visitors coming. If you ever find yourself considering Newcastle during the festivities, below are ten activities you’d surely enjoy.
The Tyne Bridge is a magnificent result of 20th-century engineering, and it has retained its appeal despite its age. It is particularly famous for hosting the annual Great North Run, where 52,000 runners pass over the bridge, flanked by a beautiful display from the Red Arrows. While you’re there, you can see the seven bridges crossing the river, all within a one-mile radius of the city.
See the Great North Museum: Hancock
There are two real Egyptian mummies in the Great North Museum. Not to spook you, but that’s something people get to see once in their lifetime. Aside from the many monuments here, there are also live animals at the museum, from Royal Pythons like Holly, Sid, and Vers to Yoshi the Dabb Lizard. A plus to visiting this location is that entry is free. However, keep in mind that they are not open on Christmas, Boxing, and New Year’s Day.
Cross the Gateshead Millennium Bridge
The Gateshead is one of the many great bridges of the Tyne Bridge. It stands out for being the first tilting bridge ever to be constructed and winning the 2002 Royal Institute of British Architecture (RIBS) Stirling Prize. It is a pedestrian and cyclist tilt bridge spanning the Tyne between the Gateshead Arts Quarter on the south bank and the Quayside area on the north bank. The best views from here are of St. Paul’s Cathedral, the WalkieTalkie, and the Shard.
Experience the Historic Theatre Royal
The Theatre Royal isn’t a regular theatre, but a historic one. The location features some of the best and finest theatre facades in the United Kingdom. It holds about 1,247 people at a time and hosts over 400 shows yearly, including the popular annual pantomime. You can take a tour of the entertainment house, see the backstage, and learn about some of the historic and iconic actors who have performed here.
Relive the History of Newcastle Castle
Newcastle castle holds a plethora of stories about the evolution of this city, and this is the best place to hear about and relive them. The location was settled in 122AD as a wooden Roman fort named Pons Aelius. It was named Novus Castellum (meaning New Castle) in 1066 after the Normans conquered England. The stone castle that stands there today was constructed in 1178. There is so much more to learn, and you can do that with the visual representations right in front of you.
There are many reasons to visit Grainger Market, aside from taking the opportunity to buy things you’d need while visiting. For one, its history as the market is over 200 years old. Queen Victoria was just 16 years old when the building was completed. Today, it has traditional cafes selling scones, food stalls, clothing stalls, and anything you might be looking to buy. If you’re interested in industrialisation, businesses, or investments like stocks and forex trading, you could learn a thing or two about how the location has retained its value and trade for hundreds of years.
See the Futuristic Quayside Bridges
The Quayside encompasses all bridges scattered along the River Tyne. We’ve already listed two (Tyne Bridge and the Gateshead Millennium), but there are more to see, like the High-Level Bridge, Queen Elizabeth II Metro Bridge, King Edward VII, Swing, and Redheugh. Each of these bridges offers a unique experience, and seeing them all will give you a great overview of the city.
Explore the Nineteenth-century Victoria Tunnel
This tunnel was built between 1839 and 1842. It was initially designed to transport coal from Leazes Main Colliery to riverside Staithes. It was a resourceful location for the country during the 1800s industrial revolution. The Victoria tunnelwas also used in the Second World War as an air raid shelter. The tunnel has an abundance of stories to share with visitors, and you can be sure to get all the details with visual references.
Escape the Hustle and Bustle at Jesmond Dene
If you’re tired of the crowd and need some quiet on your trip, this is the place to be. Jesmond Dene is a beautiful, tranquil green space that offers several compelling reasons for a visit. For one, it’s a picturesque park with lush greenery, winding paths, and a tranquil stream (Ouseburn). It also has some historic charm, considering that it was built in the 9th century by Lord Armstrong, a prominent Victorian industrialist. The location also has family-friendly attractions and is ideal for walking and exploring.
The Angel of the North is an iconic representation of North East England. It is a 65-foot angel of steel that has been welcoming visitors to the city since 1998. It was designed by renowned sculptor Antony Gormley and stands higher than a five-story building. The Angel of the North is more than just a sculpture; it’s a bold statement of art, culture, and community in the North East of England, and surely something you’d love to see.
Newcastle Awaits You With Endless Year-End Exploration
From cultural explorations to iconic bridges and scenic walks, Newcastle offers a perfect mix of experiences to wrap up your year in style. Don’t miss out on the chance to create lasting memories, either alone or with loved ones in this vibrant city.