Newcastle

Newcastle upon Tyne is a vibrant city on the north bank of the River Tyne, famed for its striking bridges, friendly Geordie welcome and a nightlife scene regularly rated among the best in the UK. The city grew on the back of coal, shipbuilding and heavy engineering, and that industrial heritage is still visible in the warehouses and chimneys lining the Quayside, now reborn as a riverside walk dotted with bars, restaurants and contemporary art.

At the heart of the city is Grey Street, a sweeping Georgian curve often cited as one of the finest streets in England, leading up to Grey's Monument and the busy shopping district around Eldon Square and Northumberland Street. A short walk away, the medieval Castle Keep and Black Gate (which gave the city its name) sit close to the Norman Cathedral Church of St Nicholas and the bustling Grainger Market.

Down by the river, the Tyne, Swing and High Level bridges frame views across to Gateshead, where the Sage music centre and BALTIC contemporary art gallery anchor the south bank. Stadium of St James' Park, home to Newcastle United, looms over the skyline, while neighbourhoods like Ouseburn and Jesmond offer independent breweries, galleries and green spaces within easy reach of the centre.