Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle is a lively and diverse city, known for its nightlife, art, music and sports. Compact, attractive and friendly, it is one of England's core cities and is a centre of culture, architecture and business. Newcastle is a starting point for tours of the Northumberland coast and Hadrian's Wall. The city is also home to the Geordie culture, with a rich heritage of folk music and dance and its own dialect.

History

Newcastle was founded around 2,000 years ago as a Roman fort called Pons Aelius along Hadrian's Wall, a ruin of which remains at Segedunum, a short walk from Wallsend Metro station. The city developed into an important port and was at the centre of the Industrial Revolution during the 18th and 19th centuries. As heavy industry declined, Newcastle's fortunes took a dip. The city has now re-invented itself as a cultural centre and Science City, and is possibly one of the trendiest places in the UK.

Climate

Tourist information

All tourist information centres have been closed down, and tourists are requested to do research online instead. It's a good thing you found Wikivoyage!
There is a tourist information kiosk near the check-in hall at Newcastle Airport.

By plane

• Newcastle International AirportFlights are available to the interchange hubs of Heathrow-British Airways, Stansted-FlyBe, Amsterdam-KLM and EasyJet, Paris-Air France/CityJet, Dubai-Emirates and a lesser extent Brussels-Brussels Airlines/FlyBe and Copenhagen-SAS. There are domestic services operated by FlyBe, easyJet and Eastern, as well as low-cost carrier flights to Ireland and many European cities such as Nice, Barcelona and Rome.

Travel options into the city centre include:

• Most travellers find that the Tyne and Wear Metro is the best all-round option for getting to the city centre. The journey from the Airport station to the city centre (Haymarket, Monument or Central station) takes about 20-25 minutes and costs £3.40. There is a metro every 12-15 minutes. The first metro leaves the airport M-F at 5:37AM, Sa at 5:42AM, and Su at 6:29AM. The last metro leaves the airport to the city centre at daily 11:12PM. The first metro leaves Central station (city centre) to the airport M-F at 5:58AM, Sa at 6:19AM, and Su at 6:43AM. The last metro leaving from Central station (city centre) to the airport is at daily 11:29PM. The interior of the metro is not wide. If you have big luggage, it may barely squeeze through the aisle on the metro. Your luggage is probably ok if it protrude slightly into the aisle on the first 6 stops heading into the city due to low ridership in this area, but once you get to South Gosforth station and beyond, you may find that your luggage is blocking the way of many passengers.
• Bus services are operated by Stagecoach between the airport and the city centre, but the metro offers a much better service if running.
• Taxis are readily available outside the airport and it costs about £15 to get to the city centre.
• By car the distance to the city centre is and takes up to half an hour to get in. There are several car rental firms with offices in the airport terminal building, although you'll generally pay a premium over city rates. See "By car" for car rental listings.

By train

Newcastle Central stationServed by three long-distance rail operators:

• LNER trains frequently connect Newcastle with London King's Cross, Edinburgh and principal destinations between (including York, Doncaster and Peterborough). Some services extend on to Glasgow, Aberdeen or Inverness.
• Cross Country Trains run every 30 minutes from Newcastle to Birmingham via Leeds/Doncaster, Sheffield and the East Midlands. Some services extend on to Reading and the South Coast, or through Bristol to South Wales or South West England. Cross Country also run north of Newcastle to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.
• Transpennine Express runs direct services from Newcastle to Leeds, Manchester and Manchester Airport.

The local rail network is operated by Northern Rail, with relatively frequent services to destinations such as Carlisle, Middlesbrough, Hexham and Morpeth.
Newcastle Central Station is also served by the Tyne and Wear Metro system, for frequent services into the Newcastle suburbs, and other destinations in Tyne and Wear.
In the UK, tickets can be bought on the day at the station using cash or debit/credit card, but long-distance tickets are cheaper to book in advance. Times and fares information is available from National Rail, +44 8457 484950, or the station booking office.

By car

Newcastle upon Tyne is well signposted from the north, south and west. The city lies at the joining of the A1 (the main East Coast route from London to Edinburgh) and the A69 (a major east-west route to Carlisle and the M6). The A1 bypasses the city to the west.
There are a number of 'park-and-ride' National Park and Ride Directory points around the city to avoid the hassle of parking in the city centre. From these points, the Metro or bus will take you into the city for between £1 and £3. Otherwise, there are over 10,000 spaces in the city centre, though for stays of more than a few hours this may prove expensive. Generally, parking in the city centre costs between £1 and £2 per hour, while parking about 10 minutes walk from the centre will set you back about £0.50 per hour.

• Alamo Rent A Car

  phone: +61 24 965-0162
  address: Newcastle Airport, Woolsington

• Avis

  phone: +44 870 6086350
  address: 7 George Street, Newcastle, NE4 7JL
  Avis car rentals are also available at the Newcastle airport

• National

  phone: +44 191 219-9102
  address: 90 Westmoreland Road, Newcastle, NE1 4DZ
  National car rental is also available at the Newcastle airport

By bus

• Newcastle Coach Station

  phone: +44 371 781 8181
  address: Churchill St, NE1 4EE
  5 bay coach station served by National Express

• Megabus

  phone: +44 900 1600900 (premium rate)
  address: John Dobson Street
  Discount coach operator - coaches must be booked in advance.

By boat

North Shields, 7 miles east of the city centre, has a daily ferry service to Amsterdam in Holland. Special buses run from the Central Station to the ferry terminal and are charged at £3.50 (one way). Much cheaper are local stopping buses to the Royal Quays shopping outlet down the road or the Metro (15-min walk to Meadow Well station).
Taxis are available from outside the Ferry Terminal operated by BlueLine Taxis and EastCoast Taxis. A taxi from the Terminal direct into Newcastle city centre is £11.50 for up to 4 passengers.

By bicycle

Newcastle is a reasonably cycle-friendly city. There are a number of places to lock a bike up in the city centre and cycle lanes exist (though these are often shared with buses or taxis). A few Metro stations also provide secure storage for bicycles, but only fold-away bicycles are permitted on Metro trains. Unless you're touring the UK on pedal power, the best use for a bike is to explore the Quayside, Ouseburn and Jesmond Dene areas, travel to out-of-town attractions or head off to more distant places such as Whitley Bay and Seaton Sluice on the coast.
The Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 1 (East Coast) passes through Newcastle from the North to the South.
Bicycle hire:

• Tyne Cycles

  phone: +44 191 256-2266
  address: 19-20 Rudyerd St, North Shields, NE29 6RR

• HUB (also "The Cycle Hub")

  phone: +44 191 276-7250
  address: Ouseburn, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE61BU
  A full-service place with a cafe, a shop, a workshop, and a hire with quite a lot of bikes. Definitely expensive, but very good and friendly service: You are really looked after well.

• sportsrecycler

  phone: +44 191 427-4615
  address: 307-312 South Shields Business Works, Henry Robson Way, South Shields, NE33 1RF
  A not-for-profit, community-oriented place which is focused on recycling bikes, but also does bicycle hire. It has not been tested by me (the person who made the entry: I arrived in Newcastle on a Wednesday), but sounds friendly and interesting and, likely, more affordable. The website is rather minimalistic, so calling them might be the best option.

By bus

City Centre
Quaylink services run every few minutes between the city centre and the Newcastle/Gateshead quayside. Single fares are 80p and the distinctive yellow livery makes the service easy to recognise.
Suburbs
There are 2 bus stations in the city, Haymarket with services to the north of the city and Northumberland. Eldon Square Bus Station mainly serves Gateshead, County Durham and Teeside.
An extensive and efficient network of bus routes radiate out of Newcastle into the surrounding towns and suburbs. Though the services are operated by several different operators they are coordinated by Nexus, Tyne and Wear's transport authority. Maps and timetables can be found on the Nexus website, though it may be easier to use a personalised journey planner such as Traveline.
Bus operators include:

• Arriva North East

  phone: +44 167 036-3300
  address: 21 Bridge St, Blyth

• Classic Coaches

  phone: +44 1207 282288

• Go North East

  phone: +44 1207 282288
  address: 117 Queen St, Gateshead

• Northumbria Coaches

  phone: +44 1670 520577

• Stagecoach Newcastle

  phone: +44 871 200 22 33
  address: Shields Road, Walkergate

The participating bus operators for the Plusbus ticket are: Stagecoach, Go-North East and Arriva.

By foot

Newcastle city centre is relatively compact and is therefore easy to navigate on foot. Many areas are pedestrianised. Being on the banks of the River Tyne, some areas slope quite steeply. Buses and taxis are fairly cheap and plentiful should this pose a problem.
Newcastle and Gateshead walking directions can be planned online with walkit.com walking route planner.

By metro

The Tyne & Wear Metro is a fast, safe and reasonably cheap way of getting around the city and also to outlying suburbs and surrounding towns including Whitley Bay, Tynemouth, North and South Shields, Sunderland and Newcastle International Airport.
There are two lines: the Green Line runs from Newcastle Airport to South Hylton (in Sunderland) and the Yellow Line runs from St James Park to South Shields via a lengthy loop via the coastal towns of North Shields, Whitley Bay and Tynemouth. Note that the east-west and north-south sections of the Yellow Line cross at Monument Station, so if, for example, you are travelling from St James Park to South Shields, it is much quicker to transfer to the southbound Yellow Line at Monument rather than riding along the entire route. The Green Line shares tracks with the Yellow Line for the majority of the section through central Newcastle and Gateshead.
Services run approximately every 6–10 minutes between 6AM and 11PM. Single tickets range from £1.80 to £3.40 depending on the distance travelled, return fares and day passes are also available. The DaySaver allows for unlimited travel on one day and costs £2.70 (one zone), £3.70 (two zones) and £4.60 (all zones). Some ticket machines only accept coins (10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2) although change is given; most stations have been fitted with new ticket machines that accept notes and credit/debit cards. Although there are no ticket barriers at many stations and hopping (riding without paying) is widespread, it is advisable to keep your ticket handy as trains and stations are patrolled by ticket inspectors. Major stations have automatic ticket gates, but these may be left open at quiet times.
Smoking is banned on the entire system, including open-air stations. However, this rule is often overlooked and it's not uncommon to see people smoking on the trains, particularly late at night, despite the CCTV surveillance cameras.
The Plusbus ticket is not valid on the Metro.

By train

Regional rail services are regular and offer quicker access to nearby towns such as Durham, Sunderland, Hexham and Corbridge. Details are available from National Rail Enquiries or Northern Rail.

North East England has established a reputation as one of the most beautiful regions in Britain. And Newcastle is becoming more and more of a popular tourist destination thanks to regeneration within the city and also its close proximity to areas of outstanding natural beauty such as the Northumberland coastline and the Pennine hills.

• The River Tyne is a short walk from the station, and has a pedestrian quayside path on the north side reminiscent of the Queen's Walk in London. There are also city walks along the river, running from May to November. Information can be found at the Tourist Information Centre, near the Monument Metro station.
• The Jesmond Dene is an artificial park around the Ouseburn river, somewhat east of the city centre. It was laid out by captain of industry and inventor Lord Armstrong in the 19th century and later donated to the people of Newcastle. Although funding for its maintenance does not seem to be available in abundance, it truly deserves its designation as an area of outstanding natural beauty. Probably the best place to go if you want to escape from the city and relax, weather permitting.

• Tyne BridgeA good example of a compression arch suspended-deck bridge famous the world over.

• Gateshead Millennium BridgeAcclaimed worldwide for its physical and aesthetic beauty. Tilting times are announced regularly at the Gateshead Council web site.

• Newcastle Castle

  phone: +44 191 230-6300
  address: The Black Gate, Castle Garth
  Remains of the Castle Keep and the surrounding castle garth, the "new castle" of the city's name. Parts of it were built by Henry II between 1168-1178. The original castle was built by the brother of William the Conqueror in 1067. Some of the outer walls were removed to allow the railway through in the 19th century.

• Central Arcade

  address: Grainger Street
  A beautifully preserved Victorian shopping arcade, which houses the Tourist Information Bureau and Windows of the Arcade, one of Newcastle's oldest music shops.

• Grainger TownThe beautiful and historic heart of the city. Based around classical streets built by Richard Grainger between 1835 and 1842, some of Newcastle upon Tyne's finest buildings and streets lie within the Grainger Town area of the City centre including Grainger Market, Theatre Royal, Grey Street, Grainger Street and Clayton Street. Grey Street was voted as England's finest street in 2005 in a survey of BBC Radio 4 listeners.

• Grey's MonumentAt the heart of Grainger Town is a Grade I listed monument to Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey built in 1838. The wide base of the monument is a popular spot for people-watching, and often acts as a venue for buskers (most notably Apu with their Andean music), religious speakers and political activists/protesters. These days, unfortunately, people tend to crowd around the monument so much it is nigh impossible to view the plaques.

• St Nicholas Cathedral

  phone: +44 191 232-1939
  Worth visiting during opening hours. The seat of the Bishop of Newcastle.

• ChinatownWalk around Newcastle's Chinatown centred on Stowell Street in the city centre, it contains many Chinese, Korean and Japanese restaurants and shops, and has its own Chinese arch.

Galleries & museums

• University Gallery and Baring Wing

  phone: +44 191 227-4424
  address: Northumbria University, Sandyford Road, Newcastle, NE1 8ST
  The gallery was established in 1977 as a teaching gallery and Northumbria University’s link between town and gown, the University Gallery’s policy is to present exhibitions by artists of national and international distinction, as well as less established but promising artists.

• Great North Museum: Hancock

  address: Barras Bridge, NE2 4PT
  Contains fossils, mummies, stuffed animals and information about the history of the local area. Close to Newcastle University campus, near Haymarket metro station. Free, and a must.

• BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art

  phone: +44 191 478-1810
  address: Gateshead Quays, South Shore Road, Gateshead
  Constantly changing modern art exhibits are the hallmark of this gallery, on the banks of the River Tyne in one of Newcastle's landmark industrial buildings.

• Seven Stories

  phone: +44 845 271 0777 ext 715
  address: 30 Lime Street, Ouseburn Valley, NE1 2PQ
  Seven Stories is the first gallery and archive in the UK wholly dedicated to the art of children's books. Step inside and discover how books spark creativity and imagination with exhibitions and special events for all ages.

• The Biscuit Factory

  phone: +44 191 261-1103
  address: Stoddart St
  Britain's biggest original art store is 35,000 square feet with two floors of exhibition space and artist's studios. The commercial gallery sells paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry and glass by contemporary artists hailing from all over the world.

• The Hatton Gallery

  phone: +44 191 222-6059
  address: The Quadrangle, Newcastle University
  An art gallery on the campus of Newcastle University that was founded in 1925. The gallery was redeveloped in 2017.

• Centre For Life

  phone: +44 191 243-8210
  address: Times Square
  This 'science city' in the centre of Newcastle has interactive exhibits that kids of all ages will likely enjoy. The facility houses a state of the art research facility, the Life Science Centre, where its scientists are the first people in Europe - and only the second in the world - to get a licence for stem cell research on human embryos. There is also an interactive museum that looks at DNA, the human body and the origins of life, as well as a visitors centre.

• Discovery Museum

  address: Blandford Square, NE1 4JA
  Science and engineering museum including Turbinia designed by Sir Charles Parsons in 1894, the world's first ship powered by steam turbines and at the time the fastest ship in the world, reaching speeds of up to 34.5 knots.

• Laing Art Gallery

  phone: +44 191 278 1611
  address: New Bridge St, NE1 8AG
  Traditional art gallery opened in 1901, with a notable collection of British paintings. Don't be put off by the nearby motorway.

• Side Gallery

  address: 5 & 9 Side, NE1 3JE
  Documentary photography gallery. Reopened in 2016 following refurbishment.

Further afield

• Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths & Museum

  phone: +44 191 278-4217
  address: Buddle Street, Wallsend
  The remains of the Roman fort at Segedunum, a short walk away from the Wallsend Metro stations. In fact many of the signs at the metro station have been translated into Latin, including the aptly named Vomitorium.

• Tynemouth Castle and Priory

  phone: +44 191 257-1090
  address: Pier Road, Tynemouth, NE30 4BZ
  The Tynemouth Castle and Priory is a fortress and religious site that is perched on a rocky headland overlooking Tynemouth Pier. The moated castle-towers, gatehouse and keep are combined with the ruins of the Benedictine priory where early kings of Northumbria were buried.

• The Angel of the North

  address: Gateshead
  A modern sculpture designed by Antony Gormley, is just a short drive from Newcastle city centre in Gateshead. It can be seen from quite a far distance (including some parts of Newcastle) whilst travelling to it, which makes it even more enjoyable to some. It is 20 m tall.

• Stephenson Railway Museum

  phone: +44 191 200-7146
  address: Middle Engine Lane, North Shields
  A museum where visitors can re-live the glorious days of the steam railway.
• There are remains of Hadrian's Wall, a stone and turf fortification built by the Roman Empire across the width of England, in the west of the city and further out in Northumberland.

A very good source of information on what is going on in and around Newcastle is The Crack magazine. It is free and can be found lying around in cafes and bars.

• River CruisesCruise from central Newcastle upriver to the countryside or downriver to the sea, or on a shorter Saturday cruise under the Tyne bridges.

Theatre

• Theatre Royal

  phone: +44 191 244-2500
  address: 100 Grey St
  The theatre is an easy walk from the city centre or the train station (it is closest to the Monument station on the Metro). It opened in 1837, and presents more than 380 performances a year. It is the third home (after London and Stratford-upon-Avon) of the Royal Shakespeare Company, which usually does several shows there in the autumn.

• Tyne Theatre

  phone: +44 191 243 1171
  address: 117 Westgate Rd
  This Grade 1 listed building is both beautiful and functional, with a capacity of up to 1,100. It has played host to an assortment of events from opera to theatre shows, from comedy to pantomimes, concerts to conferences. The theatre opened in 1867.

• Live Theatre

  phone: +44 191 232-1232
  address: Broad Chare, Quayside
  This theatre focuses on producing new works by writers from and/or living in the North East of England. Live Theatre has its roots in the identity of the North East of England but creates and presents work that is both challenging, popular and of relevance to all.

• Northern Stage

  phone: +44 191 230-5151
  address: Barras Bridge
  On Newcastle University's campus, it features a range of independent performances.

• People's Theatre

  phone: +44 191 275-9875
  address: Stephenson Road, Heaton
  The premier amateur theatre company in the North of England and one of the largest and oldest established in the country. (In other words, really good for an amateur company.) The theatre stages up to 12 productions a year in its newly refurbished main auditorium that holds 500 seats.

• Newcastle upon Tyne Shows WebsiteListings for all of the major music and theatre shows in and around Newcastle upon Tyne.

Music venues

• Sage Music Centre

  phone: +44 191 443-4666
  address: St Mary's Square, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead
  Attend a concert at this contemporary venue in Gateshead, opened in 2004. It is a short walk to the other side of the Tyne. If you can't go to a concert, just go in as the building is certainly worth seeing, there are frequently informal events in its atrium, and there is an excellent cafe. The building was designed by Norman Foster.

• Metro Radio Arena

  phone: +44 844 493 4567
  address: Arena Way
  This is the largest music venue in Newcastle actering for 12,000 during concerts, situated in the south of the city centre near the Centre for Life.

• O2 Academy Newcastle

  phone: 0905 020 3999 (premium rate)
  address: Westgate Rd
  A large venue featuring big-name musical acts from the UK and around the globe.

• Newcastle City Hall

  phone: +44 191 277-8030
  address: Northumberland Road
  A venue right in the heart of the city hosting concerts, comedy acts and musicals.
• Northumbria and Newcastle University have large venues in their unions' for mainstream and indie acts alike and attract some of the biggest names from across the UK and abroad.
• For smaller, indie gigs check out Head of Steam, The Cluny and Tyne Bar

Festivals

• The Hoppings

  address: Town Moor
  The largest travelling fair in Europe, taking place most years in late June, but check before travelling.
• The annual MELA held every August bank holiday weekend is a celebration of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi cuisine, music and art.
• The city hosts popular Chinese New Year celebrations every year.
• At Christmas the city centre has decorations, the large department store Fenwick hosts a famous window display and there is a Continental Christmas Market.
• The city hosts a summer gay pride event called Northern Pride.

Sport

• Watch football (i.e. soccer): Newcastle United play at , half a mile north of the railway station. They play in the Premier League, the top tier of English football.
• Watch Rugby Union (15-a-side) at Newcastle Falcons. They were relegated in 2019 so they now play in the Championship, the second tier of English rugby union. Their home ground is in the north of the city.
• Watch Rugby League (13-a-side) at Newcastle Thunder, who also play at Kingston Park. They're in League One, the third tier of UK rugby league.
• Watch basketball at Newcastle Eagles who play at Northumbria University's "Sport Central".
• Go to the races at in the north of the city at High Gosforth Park NE3 5HP. It's an artificial Tapeta surface, with flat-racing held year-round and jumps races Oct-March. It's a mile north of South Gosforth metro station.
• Watch motorcycle speedway at Newcastle Diamonds. Their home track is in Byker in the city's east end.
• Go to the dog track, also at Brough Park - the dogs chase round the outer track, the bikes race within.
• Watch athletics at , just across the river from Newcastle. The multi-use stadium hosts many international league rugby matches. Many of the world's top athletes compete at Gateshead, which hosts the British Grand Prix. In 2006, Asafa Powell equalled the then world record of 9.77 seconds here.
• Watch cricket at in Chester-le-Street, 10 miles south. This is home to Durham County Cricket Club, one of the 18 "First Class Counties", the top tier of English cricket. County matches normally last 3-4 days. The stadium also hosts international or "Test Matches", lasting up to five days. The stadium is 200 yards from the railway station, frequent trains take ten minutes from Newcastle.

Cinema

• Cineworld

  phone: +44 871 200 2000
  address: The Gate, Newgate St
  Shows all the latest blockbusters.

• Tyneside Cinema

  phone: +44 845 217 9909
  address: 10 Pilgrim St
  A beautifully detailed theatre showing independent films.

• Side Cinema

  phone: +44 191 232-2208
  address: 1-3 Side
  A small, artsy, 50-seat cinema showing independent films.

• The Star and Shadow

  phone: +44 191 261-0066
  address: Warwick Street
  In the battlefield area of Newcastle, this cinema is run entirely by volunteer members. The aim is to show a truly independent film program as cheaply as possible, as well as providing a venue for artists and musicians of all varieties.

• Odeon Cinemas

  phone: +44 871 224 4007
  address: Metrocentre
  In the Metrocentre in Gateshead, this cinema is IMAX enabled and shows all the latest popular films and rivals the Cineworld in Newcastle.

Hadrian's Wall

• Daytrip to Hadrian's Wall: Take bus AD122 from Central Station at 9:30AM to Chester Roman Fort (£4.50). Visit the Roman fort and museum (Entrance fee adults £5.00/concession £4.50), then hike on the Hadrian's Wall Trail to Housesteads. Visit the Housesteads Roman Fort and museum (Entrance fee adults £5.00/concession £4.50). Walk to the road (entrance to parking lot) and flag down the bus AD122, which passes here at 17:34 back to Newcastle (£5.50, attention, this is the only one direct to Newcastle).

There are two universities and a college in Newcastle:

• Newcastle University

  phone: +44 191 222-6000
  One of the most important and respected universities in the UK and Europe, near the city centre. An easy walk from the Haymarket metro station, their small Museum of Antiquities is open to the public.

• Northumbria University

  phone: +44 191 232-6002
  The Poly; with more of a focus on vocational courses such as fashion, design and IT, also near the city centre. It also incorporates Newcastle Business School. The Northumbria University Student Union is a popular venue for visiting bands.

• Newcastle College

  phone: +44 191 200-4000
  A large campus on Rye Hill in the Elswick area west of the city centre. It features purpose built facilities for engineering, sport, performing arts, food and leisure, science as well as various A level courses.

As with the rest of the UK, European Union nationals have the right to work without a UK work permit, but most other nationalities require one. There are a lot of call centres in and around Newcastle which provide an easy supply of short term work. You may find employment in Newcastle's many pubs, clubs and bars.

Newcastle is the top shopping destination in the North East with a multitude of shops ranging from high-street department stores to designer boutiques.

• Northumberland StreetNewcastle's main shopping street (pedestrian zone) is known as the "Oxford Street of the North." Shops include Next, HMV, Marks and Spencer and the flagship Fenwick department store, the most successful independent department store outside London. Outside of the capital, the area is the most expensive place to own a shop.

• Old George Yard

  phone: +44 191 281-0609
  Features design stores and vintage clothing shops.

• Ophelia Boutique

  phone: +44 191 281-0609
  address: 3a Clayton Road, Jesmond
  A boutique that offers fine cashmere clothing and luxury lingerie.

• Grainger MarketA restored indoor market dating from 1835. It is a lively working market that includes the Victorian Marks & Spencer.

• Eldon SquareShopping centre is in the centre of Newcastle, boasting a wide array of shops and is undergoing major expansion. Home to John Lewis and a flagship Debenhams department store.

• Metro CentreA 15-minute bus or train ride from the city centre to Gateshead. Constructed in the 1980s and expanded in the early 1990s and again in 2005, this is Europe's largest shopping centre and leisure complex. Flagship stores include Marks and Spencer, Debenhams and House of Fraser. Parking here is plentiful and free, but traffic can be heavy, so make use of the frequent public transport links. Despite its name, the Metro Centre is not served by the Tyne and Wear Metro, only by national rail.

• Royal QuaysAn outdoor complex consisting of outlet stores in nearby North Shields with a range of shops. It is accessible by walking from the Meadow Well Metro station, but has good bus services and is next to the Ferry Terminal.

• Farmer's MarketAn outdoor food market with local products that are raised, grown or produced within 50 miles of the location of the market.

• There are five department stores: Fenwick (one of the largest department stores outside of London), John Lewis (still popularly referred to as Bainbridge's), Debenhams, Marks & Spencer and TJ Hughes.

Newcastle is home to a thriving and creative dining scene that has something to offer to just about any budget.

Budget

Newcastle has plenty of restaurants to suit those with a tighter budget. Look in the Quayside or near Central Station for a good deal. There are also many takeaways in Newcastle upon Tyne which will offer a meal for even less money, usually of the same quality standards. Expect to pay £8-15.

• Francesca's

  phone: +44 191 281-6586
  address: 134-136 Manor House Road
  Fantastic and cheap Italian in Jesmond.

• Pani's Cafe

  phone: +44 191 232-4366
  address: 61-65 High Bridge
  Another great Italian joint on High Bridge that offers free Italian lessons.

• Uno's Restaurant

  phone: +44 191 261-5264
  address: 18 Sandhill
  Yet another Italian offering, this one in Quayside.

• El Coto

  phone: +44 191 261-0555
  address: 21 Leazes Park Rd
  Spanish restaurant serving up tapas, paellas, vinos and of course, sangria. Sometimes features flamenco nights; check website for scheduled events.

• Koh I Noor

  phone: +44 191 232-5379
  address: 26 Cloth Market
  Old-fashioned Indian curry house with specials that include a starter, curry, rice and a cup of coffee for under £10.

• Lau's Buffet King

  phone: +44 191 261-8868
  address: 92-98 Newgate Street,
  Chinese all-you-can-eat buffet, offering a choice of over 60 dishes.
• Stowell Street — In the city centre you can find Newcastle's Chinatown which contains many Chinese, Korean and Japanese restaurants.

There are lots of cheap and cheerful restaurants around the Bigg Market, most doing happy hours for around £6.50 for a three course meal. Mostly Italian and Indian cuisine, but also Greek, Vietnamese and Lebanese options available.

• Mamma Mia, Pudding Chare, Bigg Market +44 191 232-7193 offers cheap and cheerful cuisine. Happy hours every week night and weekend lunchtimes, great pizzas and pasta
• Al Basha, Bigg Market +44 191 222-1303 Good Lebanese food including great kebabs. All you can eat buffet available if you have a bottomless pit of a stomach. No booze though!

• Hollie's Deli

  address: 69-71 Adelaide Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 8BN
  A very authentically local deli where you can have breakfast and get sandwiches for a very modest price. Very friendly staff and owners. A good tip if you happen to be in Benwell anyway.

• Fanciulli's Deli

  address: 179 - 181 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 6AA
  One of the few places in Newcastle where you can get Italian pasta at snack bar rates.

• Zapatista Burrito Bar

  phone: +44 191 261-7769
  address: 28 Ridley Place, NE1 8JW
  Absolutely fantastic Mexican food place, serving everything from churros, quesadilla and of course, burritos. Sit in or take away. Burritos roughly £5 each, well worth the money as they come packed full of meat and veg. Veggie options include halloumi and squash fillings.

Mid-range

• Pizza Express

  phone: +44 191 221-0120
  address: 10 Dean St
  For well-priced, freshly prepared pizza and a simple Italian menu and wine list.

• Cafe Royal

  phone: +44 191 232-0664
  address: 8 Nelson St
  A casual yet elegant eatery that serves up European fare with an emphasis on organic and seasonal ingredients. While the food lives up to the name of the cafe, the prices are actually lower than one might expect.

• Zizzi

  phone: +44 191 261-8360
  address: 42-50 Grey St
  Italian food served in a charming environment.

• La Tasca Newcastle Grey St.

  phone: +44 191 260-3533
  address: 42 Grey St
  Tapas and other Spanish cuisine in an informal setting.

• Marco Polo

  phone: +44 191 232-5533
  address: 33 Dean St
  The Italian food at this eclectically decorate and very popular restaurant often commands a line out the door. Book in advance.

• Paradiso

  phone: +44 191 221-1240
  address: 1 Market Ln
  Imaginative Mediterranean cuisine.

Splurge

• Blackfriar's Restaurant

  phone: +44 191 261-5945
  address: Friars St
  Housed in a 13th-century monk's refectory, this restaurant features a menu that focuses on locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes with a twist.

• Rasa

  phone: +44 191 232-7799
  address: 27 Queen street, NE1 3UG
  Authenic South Indian food inspired by the well-spiced home-cooking in Kerala.

• Sachins

  phone: +44 191 261-9035
  address: Forth Banks
  An upscale and contemporary restaurant serving all natural Punjabi food.

• Jesmond Dene House

  phone: +44 191 212-3000
  address: Jesmond Dene Rd
  Seasonal, organic, and locally grown foods appear on the menu of this fine dining restaurant. Serves up English cuisine for daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• Café 21

  phone: +44 191 222-0755
  address: Trinity Gardens, Quayside
  Café 21's chef, Terry Laybourne, makes bistro-style food with by fresh and seasonal ingredients. The menu is British- and French-inspired.

• Landmark

  phone: +44 191 261-0882
  address: 20 Stowell St
  High-class Chinese restaurant and bar in Newcastle's Chinatown.

Newcastle is (in)famous for its culture of social drinking, and is a popular destination for hen and stag parties, hence all the friendly-mad people dressed-up in fancy dress in the middle of Winter. No trip to Nukie would be complete with a night out on the Toon.
The Bigg Market, the Quayside and the Central Station area with its "Diamond Strip" of new upmarket bars, are the centres of nocturnal activity in Newcastle, though you'll find a wealth of bars and pubs all around the city. Popular clubs include Digital in Times Square, Liquid/Envy near Northumberland Street and Tiger Tiger in The Gate leisure complex.
Newcastle is home to rather commercialised Newcastle Brown Ale, called by the locals Broon, Nukie or 'Dog'. There are a significant number of less well-known breweries producing real ale that is widely available and of good quality. Local bewers to look out for include Mordue, Wylam and Big Lamp.

Bigg Market

A no-holds-barred area where you won't find much in the way of culture, but you will find a lot in the way of drink. A selection of bars are as follows:

• Blackie Boy

  phone: +44 191 232-0730
  address: 11 Groat Market
  A dimly lit traditional pub with a stylish, upmarket feel, it gets stormed by a younger crowd at weekends.

• Babylon

  phone: +44 191 269-3021
  address: 14-16 Newgate Street, City Centre
  This pub's 1990s-themed decor and tunes will carry you back in time and onto the dance floor. Like most Bigg Market bars, it gets crowded.

• City Vaults

  phone: +44 191 221-0850
  address: 11-13 Bigg Market, City Centre
  This spacious club features three bars, different music in different rooms, and big screens for showing football on match days. Topless dancers and scantily clad bar staff abound. As if all that wasn't enough, they serve food, including sandwiches, burgers, salads, and curries.

• Idols

  phone: +44 191 232-3887
  address: Newgate Shopping Centre
  Tucked away downstairs in the shopping centre, the main attraction at the bar are the girls dancing on it. After a couple of discount cocktails and some retro music to get you in the mood, you might feel like joining them. If you can take your eyes off the singing, dancing staff, you can watch football. Idols shows every Newcastle United game live.

• Kiss

  address: 18 Cloth Market
  Lively and loud, this pub/club is always busy. The DJs spin a mix of dance, house and club music, and the crowd guzzles energy drink cocktails. Pole dancers on Fridays and Saturdays.

• Pop World

  phone: +44 191 232-0058
  address: 14 Bigg Market
  Disgustingly awful

• Rewind

  phone: +44 191 261-0924
  address: 31 Groat Market
  This popular, seductively lit and stylishly furnished bar features a different soundtrack practically every night, with DJs playing anything from 1980s hits to indie music.

Central Station

Central Station is the central stop to start out a night of drinking.

• Centurion

  phone: +44 191 261-6611
  address: Neville St
  An impressively designed bar and restaurant set in the restored Victorian lounge of the Central Station, the Centurion is a favourite stop for commuters. Live sports on a drop-down big screen. Choose from the bustling Grand Room Bar or the more intimate Grants Bar.

• Floritas

  phone: +44 191 230-4114
  address: Collingwood St
  Miami-style beach party kitsch comes to Newcastle. Frequent live music including funk, house, R&B, and soul. Big garden area for BBQs and lounging, a welcoming island feel, and tropical cocktails served in real pineapples, coconuts and watermelons.

• Revolution

  phone: +44 191 261-8901
  address: Collingwood St
  This spacious, ultra-modern vodka bar will impress you with its architecture (pillars, high sculpted ceiling, stainless steel bar and huge windows) as well as its selection of flavored vodkas and cocktails. Dress is "smart casual", which means no baseball caps or hoodies. Music ranges from pop to indie to R&B to house.

• The Bodega

  phone: +44 191 221-1552
  address: 125 Westgate Road, City Centre
  A beautiful victorian pub with ornate stained glass domes, friendly bar staff and a great selection of real ales and premium lagers.

• The Forth Hotel

  phone: +44 191 232-6478
  address: 17-23 Pink Lane, City Centre
  A popular and cosy pub with a great selection of real ales, imported beers and wines. Food served M-Sa noon til 10PM & Sunday noon til 9:30PM, Sunday Roasts served all day. DJs Th-Su.

• The Head of Steam

  phone: +44 191 230-4236
  address: 2 Neville St
  On the first floor, you'll find a wide selection of real ales, lagers, cider, wine and spirits in a comfortable atmosphere. In the basement, which holds something like up to 50 people, is a live music venue showcasing up-and-coming bands on most nights. Stop in for a pint and you might hear the next band to make it big. The cover charge is usually £4-5. As of July 2015, it was no longer possible to get tickets in advance except via seetickets.com, but events apparently sell out only rarely, so simply showing up is usually safe.

• The Telegraph

  phone: +44 191 261-8991
  address: Orchard St
  A local favourite at the back of the station, with a great roof terrace for sunny days, they serve beers, cocktails, wines and food. DJs Thursday- Sunday, live bands on Wednesdays, and occasional Monday quiz nights.

• Tilleys

  phone: +44 191 232-0692
  address: 105 Westgate Rd
  A traditional, but modern pub, with a huge selection of real ales, craft and premium lagers and ciders. The food is very good, with the menu consisting of standard pub fare such as burgers, fish and chips, sausage and mash, chilli, along with sandwiches and wraps. DJs play a mix of Rock'n'Roll, Blues, Soul and Funk at the weekend. The pub also has regular free film screenings from its extensive DVD collection.

• Tokyo

  phone: +44 191 232-1122
  address: 17 Westgate Rd
  A stylish, modern venue with an elegant rooftop garden bar and a good selection of cocktails, spirits, wines and beers. Gamblers will love their "dice club", 4-8PM nightly. Roll an even number and win 2 drinks for the price of one; roll a six and win a free round!

• The Mile Castle

  address: 19–25 Westgate Road & Grainger Street
  One of 4 Wetherspoon's pubs in the city centre. Large 3 storey bar with food - big enough to find a seat at the weekend.

Quayside

A pub crawl favourite among young revellers, Quayside is packed full of bars, including:

• The Quilted Camel

  address: 36 Sandhill
  A renovated cocktail bar providing around 30 cocktails. Quirky interior that includes several very unusual decorations such as a marble statue from a European church among others.

• The Bridge Tavern

  phone: +44 191 261-9966
  address: 7 Akenside Hill
  A great craft brewpub: reasonably priced and always busy. 10+ taps on the bar which change regularly. Food served as well. Situated directly under the Tyne bridge, hence the name.

• Flynn's Bar and Diner

  phone: +44 191 232-7218
  address: 63 Quayside
  With three bars, this pub is known for its cheap trebles and is often overrun with stag/hen parties. It has had a number of run ins with the licencing authorities and is best avoided

• Hoko-10

  phone: +44 191 211-1108
  address: 16 Dean St
  A classy Japanese-themed bar with a sushi menu, DJs, weekly live music and a student night that's been voted the best in town.

• Pitcher & Piano

  phone: +44 191 232-4110
  address: 108 The Quayside
  An extensive list of beers, wines, shooters and cocktails made with fresh ingredients. The glass fronted building has two floors and a rooftop terrace, perfect for gazing out at the river and the Millennium Bridge. DJs and occasional live music, too.

• The Akenside Traders

  phone: +44 191 230-3465
  address: 3 Akenside Hill
  A chilled out pub during the week with a small group of regulars, this bar becomes a wild party at weekends. There's a good view of the river and Guild Hall from the front, and a DJ provides the music. A great spot for watching live sports on weekdays.

• The Crown Posada

  phone: +44 191 232-1269
  address: 31 The Side
  One of Newcastle's oldest bars, dating back to 1880. It's a well-preserved room, long and narrow, with stained glass windows and a gorgeous wood-paneled ceiling. A gramophone in back cranks out vintage tunes, and it's a great place to try real ales from local breweries.

• Thirty 3i8ht

  phone: +44 191 261-6463
  address: Exchange Buildings
  New management guarantees it will be badly run

Ouseburn

A few laid-back alternative bars are based here:

• The Cluny

  phone: +44 191 230-4474
  address: 36 Lime St
  Local and national live bands nearly every night, with styles from jazz to rock and admission from free to £15. A great range of real ales and lagers, and an art gallery off of the main bar showcasing local artists.

• The Free Trade Inn

  phone: +44 191 265-5764
  address: St. Lawrence Rd
  A cosy, traditional pub overlooking the Tyne, with an excellent selection of beers including 8 real ales that vary weekly. A free jukebox supplies the music, and a local deli supplies fresh sandwiches. With two small beer gardens, the river views are the best around.

• The Tyne

  phone: +44 191 265-2550
  address: Mailing St
  A down-to-earth bar a little way out of the centre, where the Tyne meets the Ouseburn. Taste a selection of real ales from local independent breweries and enjoy their beer garden, which is tucked beneath Glasshouse Bridge. Shelter from the bridge makes it a great place to drink, even in rainy weather. There are even customer-controlled heat lamps! Free live music at weekends, and bands in the garden during summer.

• The Cumberland ArmsVery possibly the best pub in Newcastle. Stands on the hill overlooking the Ouseburn. Great ales, a roaring fire and live music and events. Large outside seating area with heaters.

Jesmond

A trendy area, with many bars connected to hotels and what tends to be a more upmarket local clientele.

• Bar Berlise

  phone: +44 191 281-1358
  address: 102 Osborne Rd
  A tiny bar that can be one of the quieter bars on the strip, it features a Happy Hour Machine and two large plasma screens for football & rugby games.

• Bar Blanc

  phone: +44 191 281-5126
  address: 38-42 Osborne Rd
  Connected to an Indian restaurant and attracting a younger crowd of locals and hotel guests, shiny decor and a large outside seating area gives Bar Blanc a cosmopolitan feel.

• Bar Polo

  phone: +44 191 240-7777
  address: 61 Osborned Rd
  A cosy wine and cocktail bar with a Mediterranean feel and Mediterranean appetiser platters to share.

• Mr Lynch

  phone: +44 191 281-3010
  address: Archbold Terrace
  Proud owner of Jesmond's only 2AM licence, this eclectic neighbourhood bar specialises in ginger mojitos and hosts free live music four nights a week.

• Osbornes

  phone: +44 191 240-7778
  address: 61-69 Osborne Rd
  This very spacious bar shows live sports on widescreen TVs and has an outdoor beer garden.

• The Lonsdale

  phone: +44 191 281-0039
  address: Lonsdale Terrace
  A traditional pub with a relaxed atmosphere. Quiz nights, digital juke box, and monthly live music.

• The Bar at the Brandling

  phone: +44 191 281-0067
  address: Brandling Village
  Popular with students and pretty much everyone else thanks to its great prices, happy hour games, and the fact that it's a great pre-party option.

• Collingwood ArmsSituated in the Brandling Village area of Jesmond it has an oldy worldy feel and does fantastic ales as well as the standard booze. Good if you're fed up of Osborne Road, i.e. drinking off a hangover!

• Brandling ArmsHas a massive beer garden and great food at reasonable prices.

Centre for Life/Pink Triangle

Newcastle has a thriving gay scene around the Centre for Life and the Metro Radio Arena. The pubs and clubs in this area are generally lively, colourful and friendly to all persuasions.

• @ne

  phone: +44 191 260-3841
  address: 1 Marlborough Crescent
  This trendy bar features live musicians and DJs, plus wonderful two-for-one drink deals Sunday-Thursday evenings. During the day, it's a great place to stop for a coffee and take advantage of free internet access.

• Baron and Baroness

  phone: +44 191 233-0414
  address: Times Square
  There are organ pipes above the bar, but the Gothic feel stops with the decor. DJs play a wide array of music nightly, and there's plenty of room for dancing. Quieter during the day, it's favoured by visitors to the Centre for Life. There's also a large seating area outside in Times Square.

• Eclipse

  phone: +44 191 230-2795
  address: 48 Clayton St
  Formerly Heroes, this bar has been given a head-to-toe makeover, including shiny wood floors. A handful of beers on tap and a decent selection of cocktails and bottled beers. A massive selection of hot & cold food is served daily until 4PM.

• Powerhouse

  phone: +44 191 261-5348
  address: 7-19 Westmorland Rd
  Newcastle's longest running and biggest gay dance club, with four floors of music from the 1990s to disco and more. Admission is £6-10.

• The Dog And Parrot

  phone: +44 191 261-6998
  address: 52 Clayton St West
  Newcastle's indie rock n' roll bar, dedicated to good live music and good cheap drinks. They host local bands with fantastic haircuts, as well as quiz nights and an award-winning comedy night.

• The End

  phone: +44 191 232-6536
  address: 78 Scotswood Rd
  With its comfy couches and homey feel, this bar offers relief from the club scene in the form of a quiet evening with friends and a nice bottle. Live music from jazz to vocal house to salsa, plus talent nights and comedy nights.

• Twist

  phone: +44 191 261-7676
  address: Bio Science Centre
  Under the same management as the Powerhouse, this bar is more relaxed, with outdoor seating in the summers and a video jukebox for all seasons. Food served during the day.

Other assorted bars

Beyond the main pub crawl destinations, there are plenty of bars and pubs all over Newcastle, including:

• Bacchus

  phone: +44 191 261-1008
  address: 42-48 High Bridge
  This pub gives a nod to Tyneside's old shipbuilding days with its ocean liner decor. A long drink list includes wines, cask ales and microbrews. Popular with the after-work crowd.

• Bar 55

  phone: +44 191 230-5569
  Dance floor, juke box, lots of outdoor seating and multiple TVs!

• Popolo

  phone: +44 191 232-8923
  address: 82 Pilgrim St
  A lounge with a relaxed and sophisticated air, offering a good selection of spirits, wines, continental beers and over 69 creative cocktails, including 12 signature mojitos. DJs play W-Sa nights, with an eclectic mix of music that ranges from Brazilian ghetto funk to left-field hip hop.

• The Five Swans

  phone: +44 191 211-1140
  address: 14 St Mary's Pl
  Formerly Luckies Corner Bar, enlargened and renovated into a large, pleasant looking pub that is now part of the JD Weatherspoons chain, offering value for money drinks and food.

• The Hancock

  phone: +44 191 281-5653
  address: 2a Hancock St
  At this student bar next to both universities, you'll find multiple juke boxes, pool tables, big screen TVs and game machines, plus an array of DJs four nights a week.

• The Newcastle Arms

  phone: +44 191 260-2490
  address: 57 St Andrews' St
  A traditional, friendly pub with a huge array of cask and real ales which regularly wins CAMRA awards. The pub has large TV screens to show football and rugby and also hosts regular beer festivals.

• The Strawberry

  phone: +44 191 232-6865
  address: 7-8 Strawberry Pl
  Directly opposite the Gallowgate End of St James' Park, this friendly pub is a shrine to Newcastle United, displaying a huge amount of club memorabilia from down the years. Naturally, it is packed when Newcastle play at home with a great atmosphere. Non matchdays find it a little quieter, though still popular. As well as real ales, bar meals are also available. The pub has big screen TVs, a jukebox, pool table and a roof terrace.

• The Trent House

  phone: +44 191 261-2154
  address: 1-2 Leazes Ln
  Close to the City Centre and Newcastle University. A great selection of real ales, beers and spirits, but most famous for their free jukebox playing soul, rock and 1970s music. Pub-goers can even suggest tracks online to be added to the jukebox's playlist! Very busy when Newcastle are playing football at home.

• World HeadquartersGreat place to go clubbing for the night with cheap drinks and a crazy audience who are up for it.

Budget

• Albatross Backpackers In!

  phone: +44 191 233-1330
  address: 51 Grainger St, NE1 5JE
  The Albatross is large youth hostel near the Central Station that is housed in a 150-year-old bank

• Jurys Inn Newcastle Hotel

  phone: +44 191 201-4400

• Premier Inn

  phone: +44 870 238 3318
  address: City Road Quayside, NE1 2AN
  Premier Travel Inn is cheap and pleasant, 2 locations on or near the Quayside, 1 location in the city centre, 2 locations adjacent to the airport and 1 location near the Metro Centre.

• Rooms Inn

  phone: +44 191 273-3034
  address: 40 West Parade, NE4 7LB
  Basic hotel in a residential area.

• Village Hotel Newcastle

  phone: +44 191 270-1414
  address: Cobalt Business Park, West Allotment

• Hansen Hotel

  phone: +44 191 281 0289
  address: 131 Sandyford Road
  Nice and pleasant family-run budget hotel near a metro station and a 10-minute walk to the city centre.

Mid-range

• Britannia Hotel

  phone: +44 871 222 0028
  address: Ponteland, Woolsington
  A business hotel equipped with wireless internet and a 400-person conference hall.

• The Imperial Hotel

  phone: +44 191 281-5511
  address: Jesmond Rd, NE2 1PR

• Holiday Inn Express

  phone: +44 191 224-685
  address: Waterloo Square St. James Blvd, Newcastle, NE1 4DN

• Hotel Novotel Newcastle Airport

  phone: +44 191 214-0303
  address: Ponteland Road Kenton, NE3 3HZ
  Rooms start at about £80

• Newcastle Marriott Hotel MetroCentre

  phone: +44 191 493-2233
  address: Gateshead, NE11 9XF
  Overall, the hotel delivers the comfort and convenience one can expect from a large chain hotel at the price.

• The Rosebery Hotel

  phone: +44 191 281-3363
  address: 2 Rosebery Crescent, Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1ET
  Boutique hotel in Jesmond, 20 minutes' walk from city centre

• Royal Station Hotel

  phone: +44 191 232-0781
  address: Neville St, NE1 5DH
  The Royal Station hotel was opened by Prince Albert and Queen Victoria in 1858. Victorian architecture on the outside, the interior of the hotel has been refurbished and caters to those on business and pleasure travels.

• Thistle Newcastle Hotel

  phone: +44 870 333 9142
  address: Thistle Newcastle, Neville Street, Newcastle, NE1 5DF

• Travelodge

  phone: +44 871 984 6164
  address: Forster Street, Quayside, Newcastle, NE1 2NH
  The listed location is closest to the city centre. If full, check the additional 3 locations dotted about the Newcastle/Gateshead area.

• Vermont Hotel

  phone: +44 191 233-1010
  address: Castle Garth, NE1 1RQ

Splurge

• Copthorne Hotel Newcastle

  phone: +44 191 222-0333
  address: The Close, Quayside, NE1 3RT

• Grey Street Hotel

  phone: +44 191 230-6777
  address: 2-12 Grey St, NE1 6EE

• Jesmond Dene House and Hotel

  phone: +44 191 212-3000
  address: Jesmond Dene Rd
  A leafy boutique hotel, no two rooms are alike. Meals at the restaurant come highly recommended as well.

• Mal Maison

  phone: +44 191 245-5000
  address: Quayside, NE1 3DX

Telephone

Newcastle's local telephone code is 0191, the telephone code for the UK is +44.

Internet

If you don't have a smartphone or tablet, internet access is not easy to come by. At the central library, they will create a guest account for you so you can go online, Another possibility would be Castle Computer Repairs in Benwell (133 Adelaide Terrace, Benwell, Newcastle, NE4 9JP), who offer internet access at about ₤2 an hour. (They do not advertise this service.)

Newcastle is generally quite a safe city to stay in. As with all other cities around the world, one needs only to use one's common sense and to keep a low profile. Beware of the usual nuisance of petty theft in crowded places. The whole city can get rowdy on Fridays and Saturdays but is still quite safe. Take care after a big football match; though there has been no significant violence for some years, emotions tend to run high amongst supporters. It is a good idea not to wear the colours of Sunderland football club when in central Newcastle, and vice-versa so as not to attract any unwanted attention. Also, confusing a Geordie and a Mackem (a Sunderlander) could potentially lead to some abuse and is easily done.
Still, the crime in this city is generally lower than other cities the same size in Britain, but some inner-city areas in the west and east ends are best avoided at night, but those areas are far from any tourist attractions.

Newcastle folk are generally very friendly and safe. In fact, Newcastle is renowned throughout Great Britain for its 'family-like atmosphere' and can totally shatter the classic stereotype of 'reserved English' . A peculiarity among Geordies is that they can be found to wear t-shirts and mini-skirts in the middle of freezing winter, so just go with the flow - tourists are spotted by how much clothing they wear but will probably be most welcomed with a big smile or a kiss.

Newcastle is in the heart of the North East region, renowned for its natural beauty and historical monuments. Popular tourist destination outside the city include:

• Alnmouth and Alnwick — The historic town of Alnwick is about a one hour drive north of Newcastle. Alnwick Castle, used in numerous films, notably the Harry Potter films and Robin Hood with Kevin Costner, is worth a visit. The castle is also home to the Alnwick Gardens. Bus services to Alnwick depart from Haymarket and are operated by Arriva. The train can also be used from Newcastle central station, but only as far as Alnmouth station, where a connecting shuttle bus is provided to Alnwick town centre. The shuttle departs shortly after a train arrives, but if you've time to spare, you could take a look at the picturesque village of Alnmouth, which is home to several traditional British pubs and small arts and gift shops.
• Durham — The cathedral city of Durham is a roughly 15 minute train ride from Newcastle Central Station. Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral are the main attractions, and together are one of the UK's World Heritage Sites. Durham University, on whose grounds the Castle sits, is also worth a visit.
• Beamish Open Air Museum — About 25 minutes by car, or 50 minutes by bus, is the Beamish museum. Beamish tries to show what life was like in a typical northern town in the early 20th century — much of the restoration and interpretation is specific to 1913. Aside from the main town however there is also the manor house and the railway which are based on 1825. Tram and bus services operate around the museum, and there are a number of interactive displays and tours such as a dentist surgery and coal mine.
• Rothbury and Cragside — The attractive village of Rothbury and the historic house and grounds at Cragside are also worth a visit. Cragside was the first house in the world to be powered completely by electricity. A special bus service operates from Newcastle city centre during the summer, details are normally posted on the Northumberland County Council website. Otherwise, either can be reached in about 40 minutes from Newcastle by car.
• Hadrian's Wall — There are many sites along Hadrian's Wall which are easily accessible from Newcastle. A special bus (number AD122) runs from Newcastle along the length of the Wall's path. The bus service runs year-round, with a tour guide on Sundays and Public Holidays during summer months. A reduced service operates during the winter, check with the operator, Nexus, before travelling.
• Hexham and Corbridge — The historic town of Hexham is about 30 minutes by car or train, and 40 minutes by bus. The smaller village of Corbridge is slightly closer, but can be used an intermediate stop on the way to Hadrian's Wall sites such as Vindolanda and Housteads. Both Hexham and Corbridge sit on a section of the River Tyne.
• Kielder Water — Sitting within the Northumberland National Park, about 1 hour 45 minutes drive from Newcastle is Kielder reservoir and forest. A number of activities are possible here such as abseiling, canoeing, hiking and mountain biking. A special bus service operates from Newcastle city centre during the summer, details are normally posted on the Northumberland County Council website.
• Northumberland Coast — There are several beautiful villages and coastlines along the Northumberland coast which are well worth a visit. Warkworth and Bamburgh are particular noteworthy for their castles and tea rooms. Both are easily accessible by car, or by bus from Newcastle Haymarket. Druridge Bay country park offers one of the most outstanding beaches in the country, and includes a lake, which is often used for watersports. The holy island of Lindisfarne is easily accessible from Bamburgh.
• Tynemouth — East of Newcastle, set along the mouth of the river Tyne, Tynemouth is easily accessible by Metro, and boasts an impressive Priory, some nice shops, tea houses and beautiful beaches, as well as a variety of bars, cafes and restaurants, ranging from traditional pubs to upmarket restaurants and trendy wine bars. Tynemouth long sands even has a cafe on the beach! Perfect for a warming hot chocolate in the winter, or summer ice creams!
• Wet-n-Wild Water Park — in nearby North Shields, near the International Ferry Terminal, is the UK's largest water park, Wet-n-Wild. The park is indoors so there's no need to worry about bad weather!