Hotels and Travel

Destination - Newcastle upon Tyne

The famous Tyne Bridge (1928) is a symbol of the city. Originally named the George V Bridge, this impressive steel structure was based on the Sydney Harbour Bridge (which in turn was inspired by the Hell Gate Bridge in New York). Robert Stevenson's High-Level Bridge (1849) was the world's first road and rail crossing; with the railway carried above and the roadway below.

Today most of Newcastle's classical buildings have been restored. Close to Grainger Town is Newcastle's thriving Chinatown, entered via a huge Chinese Arch.

North of the city centre is Newcastle Town Moor, an extensive open green space. The annual Hoppings funfair, said to be the largest travelling fair in Europe, is held here. Jesmond Dene, a Victorian park in the leafy suburb of Jesmond, has a narrow wooded valley, deep ravine and waterfall.

Roman Sites and Museums

Segedunum Roman Fort, standing on the banks of the River Tyne, was the last outpost of Hadrian's Wall. For 300 years Segedunum (meaning 'strong fort') housed 600 Roman soldiers. Today Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths and Museum is the gateway to Hadrian's Wall, a World Heritage site.

Another new attraction in the city is Seven Stories, the Centre for Children's Books. Situated near the quayside, this is the only centre for children's literature in the UK. The centre's collection of original artwork and manuscripts help record the processes involved in creating a children's book and give an insight into the working lives of writers and illustrators.

Entertainment

Newcastle offers outstanding nightlife including a huge range of clubs and comedy venues. There are also many theatres including the Theartre Royal, which presents a season of productions by the Royal Shakespeare Company each year. 

Shopping and Hotels

Newcastle is a major retail centre, rivalling any area of the UK for the sheer variety and quality of its shops. The city boasts several shopping centres of which Eldon Square is the largest. Over the river in Gateshead is the MetroCentre, the UK's largest shopping and leisure complex. There are a number of high quality hotels in Newcastle both in the city centre and at the Metrocentre including the Malmaison Newcastle, Hilton and Marriott.

Art Galleries

The city has notable art galleries including theHaton Gallery and the Laing Art Gallery, Located at the University of Newcastle, the Hatton Gallery's permanent collection includes superb African Art and work by the renowned German artist Kurt Schwitters Merzbarn. There is also a changing programme of historical and contemporary exhibitions. The Laing Art Gallery has an impressive collection of fine and decorative arts and also present temporary shows. Its 19th century paintings include work by Gaugin, Landseer, Burne-Jones and Holman Hunt. Other galleries include the Newcastle Arts Centre, the University Gallery, Northumbria University and the Waygood Gallery. The Biscuit Factory, Britain's largest original art store, is located in the heart of the city.

To check availability and rates at Newcastle hotels visit Direct-Hotels.co.uk