What to do in and around Newcastle – European Reference Network

Whilst you’re in the area you might want to spend a few days longer here and explore this part of the world.

Newcastle and Gateshead offers a wealth of diverse activities for those visiting the region. From visiting arts and cultural venues to sampling the nightlife and dining, the city has much to offer. Below are a few suggestions. For a more comprehensive overview of the area and its attractions please visit the NewcastleGateshead website and the Visit Northumberland website.

Arts and Culture
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art is an international centre for contemporary art located on the south bank of the River Tyne alongside the Gateshead Millennium Bridge in Gateshead. It presents a constantly changing programme of exhibitions and events. Sage Gateshead is a major centre for musical education, performance and conferences, located on the Gateshead bank of the Tyne. The centre occupies a curved glass and stainless steel building designed by Norman Forster. Theatre Royal is situated at the top of Grey Street and hosts a variety of shows, ballet and opera. If you arrive by car from the south on the A1 will not fail to notice Anthony Gormley’s Angel of the North.
History and Heritage
		Hadrian’s wall the ‘Edge of the Roman Empire’ boasts world class archaeology in some spectacular landscapes along with rare wildlife. Castle Keep one of the country’s finest examples of a Northern Keep and points to the region’s thousands of years of heritage. Grainger Town boasts neo-classical architecture where 40% of the building are listed as having historical importance with Grey’s Monument and Grey Street itself being the focal points.
Eating and Drinking
A wide variety of bars and restaurants can be found across the city. There are many different bars and restaurants in Grey Street and Dean Street which cater all tastes and budgets. You may also wish to visit Stowell Street which is the city’s very own Chinatown.
Further Afield
		For those with a little more time to spare, the coast is only matter of minutes away on the Metro system. A short train journey from the Central Station will allow you to enjoy the picturesque market towns of Corbridge and Hexham.
Take an inter-city train from Newcastle north and you can enjoy a picturesque journey along the beautiful coastline of Northumberland. In little over an hour you will be in Edinburgh. The close proximity of the two cities makes it an idea destination for a day out ‘north of the border’.
		Newcastle is located in easy travelling distance of four of the UK’s national parks. The Lake District west of Newcastle boasts 12 of England’s largest lakes. The Yorkshire Dales straddling the Peninne Mountains is famed for it’s beautiful scenery. The North Yorkshire Moors is known for its stunning moorland, spectacular coast, ancient woodland and historic sites. Finally the Northumberland National Park borders Scotland. It boasts the largest working forest and some of the darkest skies in the country. Why not try a bit of star gazing whilst you’re there.