Rugby visitors guide to Newcastle

Newcastle’s Millennium Bridge. Photo © jjunkers

Newcastle upon Tyne’s reputation as a cultural party city is legendary. So if you’re visiting for the World Cup, you’re in for a treat.

Newcastle caters for everything and everyone, so whether you are looking to party hard, shop till you drop, kick back over a coffee or visit some of our cultural spots, this is the city for you.

Here is my top-five list of places for your first visit to Newcastle:

1. Newcastle Quayside

You absolutely have to pay a visit to the Quayside in Newcastle. If you’re staying in the Travelodge Central, you’ll be a 6-minute walk away.

Otherwise, hop on the yellow Quay Link bus from the city centre and it will take you down the bank to the Quayside. Here you can enjoy a walk along the river, stop off at a pub and take in the iconic views of the city’s bridges.

Make sure to keep your eye out for the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, which opens up like the shape of an eye. You can look up the tilt times online before you visit.

Street food. Photo © jen_i

The Quayside also hosts a market every Sunday, so worth coinciding your visit with that to sample some great food and browse the independent gift stalls.

2. BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art

If you’re already on the Newcastle side of the River Tyne, walk across the Gateshead Millenium Bridge to the BALTIC on the Gateshead side.

An amazing space full of ever-changing art installations, it has an amazing viewing deck for top-notch views over the city. Plus a fabulous restaurant, SIX, if you are looking to splash out on a scrumptious meal or even partake in a traditional Afternoon Tea.

3. The Diamond Strip

If you’re looking to party, the locally known ‘Diamond Strip’ is the first place to head.

Right on the city centre’s Collingwood Street and so-named due to its glamorous clientele, this is where the girls get dolled up to the nines and the guys even more so.

Bar scene

There are plenty of bars and clubs along the street that draw a very attractive and lively crowd. Come here for the glittering cocktails and the people watching.

4. The Boiler Shop Steamer

On the first weekend (Friday & Saturday) of every month, just behind Central Station, is an event that celebrates all that is good in the North East about food, drink, music and art.

If you enjoy a variety of street food alongside some good entertainment, this vibrant event is a must-see and well worth timing your visit around.

Also a really good family experience, if you’re bringing along the rest of the brood on your rugby weekend.

5. Fenwick’s

If you’re looking for a one-stop shopping experience, Fenwick department store in the heart of the city should be your aim.

Designer goods

A historical gem, Fenwick of Newcastle was the flagship store in the group, and originally opened in 1882 (before the London branch!).

These days, it houses many of the most coveted designer clothes and interiors pieces, as well as a huge Beauty Hall and places to eat.

Come here to pick up a cool gift or just to have a mocha and window shop.