Ten Things You Won't Want to Miss when you visit NewcastleGatesehead
Ten Things You Won't Want to Miss When You Visit NewcastleGateshead for the World Transplant Games 2019
By Rachel Kershaw – Blogger at www.lifeingeordieland.com
NewcastleGateshead has a proud reputation for hosting world class events and visitors often choose to extend their visit in order to soak up the culture and enjoy everything this welcoming region has to offer.
As well as providing top class sporting facilities and superb venues for the games, NewcastleGateshead has an outstanding choice of restaurants, unique tourist attractions, fantastic shopping and quirky hidden gems.
With an enviable location in the north east of England, NewcastleGateshead is also the perfect base for exploring a little further afield. Great transport links make it possible to travel from city to coast and countryside with ease.
So, if you're heading here for the World Transplant Games 17 – 24 August 2019, whether as a participant or as a spectator, make sure you leave enough time to make the most of your visit.
Here are a few suggestions to get you started…
Visit the Castle that Gives the City its Name
Newcastle Castle and Keep dates back to 1178 and is one of the finest examples of Norman stone in Britain. It stands proudly in the heart of the city and offers a fascinating insight in to local history. Climb the steps to the castle roof and you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views over NewcastleGateshead.
Eat Like a Local in the Historic Grainger Market
For nearly 200 years this covered market in Newcastle city centre has been a bustling and vibrant place for people to meet, eat and shop. You'll find an abundance of tasty and budget-friendly dining options, from authentic Italian pizza by the slice to Chinese steamed dumplings, epic burgers and delicious crêpes, plus fabulous local produce and souvenirs to take home. It's also a great place to people watch and chat to the friendly locals.
Discover world class contemporary art and stunning views at Baltic
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art is housed in a former flour mill on the banks of the River Tyne in Gateshead, just a short stroll from Newcastle over the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. It hosts thought-provoking modern art exhibitions alongside regular interactive events for families. It also houses a fine dining restaurant called Six, a popular cafe and a brilliant shop packed with quirky art, books, gifts and homewares. Even if you're not in to contemporary art it is well worth a visit for the spectacular panoramic views from the upper floors.
Shop Till you Drop in One of Europe's Biggest Shopping Centres
Intu Metrocentre in Gateshead has over 370 shops all under one roof and is a fashion lover's dream! With free parking and loads of restaurants plus leisure facilities including a state-of-the-art IMAX cinema, it's the ultimate destination if you want to treat yourself.
Hop on the Metro for a Day at the Seaside
Did you know that Newcastle is just a short (approx. 20 minutes) Metro ride away from the coast? The picturesque seaside village of Tynemouth and the bustling coastal town of Whitely Bay offer vibrant weekend markets, independent boutiques, bustling bars and family-friendly restaurants, plus some of England's most stunning blue flag beaches. You can build sandcastles, learn to surf, enjoy award winning ice-cream, explore historical sites like Tynemouth Priory and stunning venues like Spanish City or check out the local amusements. There's an open top bus and a land train that can take you along the sea front if you want to save your legs. We're very lucky to have all this on our doorstep and in the summer months it's a very popular day trip from NewcastleGateshead.
Step Back in Time with a visit to Northumberland
Newcastle is also the gateway to Northumberland where you'll find unspoilt countryside, ancient Roman ruins, fairy-tale castles and even more beautiful beaches. Parts of Hadrian's Wall can still be seen on the outskirts of Newcastle and day trips to historical sites like Vindolanda and Chester's Roman Fort and Museum are very do-able. Alnwick Castle is also a popular attraction, especially with Harry Potter fans who may recognise it as Hogwarts from the first two films.
Enjoy a night out in the Toon
Newcastle's nightlife is legendry and whether you prefer a pint of locally brewed real ale in a quiet pub or dancing the night away in the VIP clubs on the diamond strip, you're sure to find somewhere to suit you and have a night out to remember! NewcastleGateshead also offers a variety of theatres, comedy clubs, wine bars and restaurants. Plus, as we have two universities in the city, you'll also find entertainment venues that are perfect for groups of friends and family like Lane 7 Bowling, Mr Mulligan's Space Golf and Never Give Up escape rooms.
Meet Local Artisan's at the Quayside Sunday Market
Every Sunday the Newcastle side of the Quayside comes alive with the sights, smells and sounds of an eclectic mix of market stalls. You can find everything from locally produced specialities like pease pudding to international street food like gyros. Local artisans are always happy to talk about their wonderful arts and craft creations and there's often buskers entertaining the crowds, the atmosphere and setting are second to none.
Take a stroll around Ouseburn
This creative corner of Newcastle is just a stone's throw from the famous Quayside but has a unique buzz all of its own. It's the place to come and hear live music in intimate performance spaces like the Cluny and discover quirky street set amongst the local pubs. There's even a community farm and horse-riding school in the middle of all the action. Seven Stories, the national centre for children's books is also to be found here.
See How Many Famous Landmarks You Can Spot
From the iconic Angel of the North created by celebrated sculptor Anthony Gormley, to the 40-metre column that is Grey's Monument in the heart of the city, NewcastleGateshead's iconic local landmarks are a sight to behold. You simply must take in the sight of the seven spectacular bridges that connect Newcastle and Gateshead across the River Tyne too. Our Quayside is an Instagrammer's dream, as are our beautifully preserved Georgian buildings throughout Grainger town. Your camera roll will never have looked better!