10 reasons to visit Newcastle

Home to the well-known football team, Newcastle is one of the up and coming spots for staycations in the UK this year. Famous for its spectacular bridges, breathtaking scenery, and fascinating history, this fast-paced city is the one for you if you’re looking to keep busy!

To celebrate the opening of our new Newcastle Cobalt Business Park Hotel, we have lined up the top 10 reasons to visit Newcastle!


1. Their historical castles – Newcastle Castle

This Norman fortress is the ideal visit for anyone looking to enrich themselves in the history of Newcastle. Originally built to imprison criminals, the old castle has dozens of passageways and chambers that lead to the spectacular view of Newcastle and Gateshead. The castle hosts many different talks, activities and events making this location a perfect visit for the whole family.

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Newcastle Quayside

Newcastle Central

Gateshead


2. The UK’s first-ever tilting bridge – Gateshead Millenium Bridge

After opening in 2001 as the world’s first tilting bridge, the Millenium Bridge is still an increasingly popular tourist attraction. Containing enough steel to create 64 double-decker buses, this spectacular bridge stretches 126 metres across the River Tyne. So if you’re out for the day in Newcastle, make sure you plan a walk across this iconographic bridge.

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Newcastle Central

Newcastle Quayside

Gateshead


3. One of the UK’s most famous art pieces – Angel of the North

Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North is one of the most famous art landmarks in the UK. This iconographic monument towers 20m high and 54m wide, which is just as wide as a jumbo jet! It’s the perfect place for an Instagram-worthy snap, so make sure you visit on a beautiful day.

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Washington A1(M) Southbound

Washington A1(M) Northbound

Newcastle Whitemare Pool


4. The remains of Roman Britain – Hadrian’s Wall

This 73-mile long wall running between coasts is the perfect place to bask in the history of Newcastle. Originally built to guard the wild north-west frontier of the Roman Empire, all that stands now are the remains of the forts and towers that kept watch over the wall. Get a look at some rare Roman Britain artefacts and take in spectacular views of the rugged Newcastle landscape at this family-friendly location.

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Newcastle Central

Newcastle Quayside

Newcastle Airport


5. Their underground history – Victoria Tunnel

This 19th-century waggon-way stretching from the Town Moor to the Tyne river makes for an interesting excursion under the streets of Newcastle. It was originally built to transport coal from Spital Tongues Colliery to the river between 1842 and the 1860s. The Tunnel was then converted into an air-raid shelter in 1939 during World War 2. You can join one of their many guided tours of the tunnel that last from 1.5-2 hours, making it the perfect day out activity.

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Newcastle Central

Newcastle Quayside

Newcastle Whitemare Pool


6. The gorgeous natural scenery – Jesmond Dene Park

This jaw-dropping natural park is something you wouldn’t expect to see in a city like suburban Newcastle. With plenty of natural walking trails, forested areas, waterfalls, and an open area perfect for a picnic, this park is ideal for any weather. Just make sure to wrap up warm if you’re visiting in the winter!

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Newcastle Central

Newcastle Quayside

Newcastle Airport


7. The variety of art galleries – Laing Art Gallery

The Laing Art Gallery is home to an internationally important collection of art. It focuses on British oil paintings, watercolours and ceramics. From the Marble Hall to the 19th-century display, there’s something for every art fanatic at the Laing Art Gallery. There’s even a learning space and an area for under 5s to play.

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Newcastle Central

Newcastle Quayside

Gateshead


8. Visit a science museum – Discovery Museum

The Discovery Museum is a unique space that’s the perfect place for a free family trip. There’s something to suit all ages here, including a steam-powered ship, the Newcastle Story where you can learn about the city’s history and a PLAY + INVENT space for children.

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Newcastle Quayside

Newcastle Central

Gateshead


9. Visit their popular city market – Grainger Market

Grainger Market is one of Newcastle’s top multicultural hubs. This bustling market hall was built in 1835, and it now features over 100 vendors who sell everything from fresh produce to antiques. You’ll love the bustling and lively atmosphere, and it’s the perfect place to grab a souvenir, a light snack or a toy for the kids.

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Newcastle Quayside

Newcastle Central

Gateshead


10. Visit their groundbreaking science centre – Life Science Centre

This city-centre science experience is the perfect visit for those that are keen to learn more. The International Centre for Life charity founded the centre in 2000 and created dozens of activities for visitors to entertain themselves whilst learning something new. Including scientific experiments, a 4D motion ride and a Young Explorers’ Zone for under 7s, there’s no doubt that brains will be well and truly supersized!

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Newcastle Quayside

Newcastle Central

Gateshead