\nWhen most cities are hunkering down post-Christmas, Newcastle starts its preparations to host a large-scale carnival for the Chinese New Year \u2013 the biggest celebration of its kind in the north-east. It\u2019s a great family event, with traditional dragon parades, lots of street food and fairground rides, all focused around the city\u2019s lively Chinatown.<\/p>\n
Spring<\/strong> Summer<\/strong> Autumn<\/strong> Newcastle is famous for its bridges along the River Tyne. From the Tyne Bridge, the precursor to Sydney\u2019s famous Harbour Bridge, to the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, completed in 2001, they really are a sight to behold. Newcastle Castle has been on the same site since 1080 (in fact, it was built by Robert Curthose, William the Conqueror\u2019s eldest son, and gave the city its name). The castle itself reopened in 2015 after a \u00a31.67m renovation, and it has a great programme of events for families. St James\u2019 Park stadium is home to Newcastle United FC. Visit on a match day (if you can get tickets \u2013 don\u2019t wait until the day) to experience the electric atmosphere of a live game. Go for a stadium tour on non-match days and see the players\u2019 changing rooms, the dugouts, the pitch and catch the splendid view from the stadium roof. The tour also covers the history of the club and ground and will be a real treat for any Magpies fan.<\/p>\n Newcastle\u2019s Grey Street is regarded as one of the finest high streets in Britain, in architectural terms, and sits in the centre of Grainger Town \u2013 a Neo-Classical area designed by Victorian architect Richard Grainger. The most cosmopolitan and stylish part of town is the Quayside development \u2013 as well as stunning views of the bridges, the area boasts the glimmering Sage Gateshead \u2013 a concert venue and centre for musical education. Also at the Quayside is the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, housed in a striking converted flour mill. It has its own cool rooftop bar and restaurant \u2013 taking a drink here is one of the chicest ways to introduce yourself to the city.<\/p>\n You’ll be spoilt for choice when you shop in Newcastle. Newcastle is home to two of the UK’s largest shopping centres- Intu Metrocentre and Intu Eldon Square, featuring over 150 high street names as well as more specialised department stores, flagship stores and world famous brands so visitors are catered for whatever their tastes.<\/p>\n Trains run from across Britain to Newcastle Central Station, including Virgin\u2019s East Coast service from London. It\u2019s a small city, which you can cross by foot or bicycle, so if you arrive by train you shouldn\u2019t need to hire a car. If you are taking your car, the A69 or A1 takes you to the doorstep of the city.<\/p>\n Why not take a look at our affordable hotels in Newcastle
\nThere are many festivals taking place around Newcastle in the springtime, from the Newcastle Beer & Cider Festival to the AV Festival \u2013 a city-wide celebration of contemporary art, film and music. It\u2019s an extremely well-produced and prestigious festival, the only downside being that it\u2019s only every two years, so plan your city break well in advance if you\u2019d like to be there for it.<\/p>\n
\nNewcastle is near enough to some brilliant beaches to make a summer trip worthwhile. Longsands and Whitley Bay are both under ten miles away and while the sea is never what you\u2019d call warm, the beach itself is a glorious stretch of golden sand. If you\u2019re a foodie, look out for Eat!, a large-scale food fair held in June or July. Every June, crowds gather for The Hoppings, the largest travelling funfair in Europe, on Town Moor. The event dates back to the 1880s.<\/p>\n
\nOctober and November regularly see artisanal events \u2013 including the Gin Festival, Craft Beer Calling and Oktoberfest \u2013 a celebration of German wining (or rather, beering) and dining, complete with lederhosen and Tyrolean music.<\/p>\n![\"Newcastle](\"https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Newcastle-breaks_Article_Visit-Britain.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhat are the best attractions in Newcastle?<\/h5>\n
How do I get to, and around, Newcastle?<\/h5>\n