Travel to Newcastle

Travel to Newcastle

Newcastle is an extremely popular city in Great Britain for people looking to take a short break away from home. This regional capital city has long since had the reputation as being the North's party city, while also being at the forefront of developments in culture, technical innovation and leisure. Also named Toon Town by its fanatic Newcastle United football supporters, its an enjoyable, hospitable and cosmopolitan place.

Visitors wishing to view Newcastle's landmarks have the option of taking a walking tour along the riverbanks of the city, from where you can admire the Tyne Bridge. The bridge is similarly designed to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and construction began in 1925 and was finally finished in 1928. Also nearby you can find the futuristic looking, and more modern, Gateshead Millennium Bridge which was constructed to mark the turn of the millennium.

Transportation to Newcastle

Newcastle is well-connected by the A1 (M) and the A1 motorway from the south and London (travel time approximately 5 hours), although a regularly used and popular alternative route is the M1 (Leeds), the M18 and the A1. The best route from the west coast is the A69 Carlisle-Newcastle road, which leads you through the Tyne Valley's gorgeous scenery and Hadrians Wall country. This is the most rapid route from southwest Scotland and the city of Glasgow.

Express and frequent coaches following routes to Newcastle are fast and reliable. Newcastle is served by National Express, one of the United Kingdom's largest coach operators, from cities and towns throughout the United Kingdom. You can find the Newcastle Coach Station at Gallowgate, and there are plenty of nearby parking spaces available.

The United Kingdom's public railway system is efficient and extensive, with hourly services departing from London's Kings Cross Station (travel time 3 hours). From Central Station there are direct services available to west coast and Midland's cities as well as Scottish destinations.

Newcastle Airport (NCL) is positioned about six miles (9.5kms) northwest of the city at Woolsington on the A696. The facility operates scheduled flights to plenty of significant British destinations as well as lines to most of western Europe and Scandinavia (some routes include a ferry connection). A fast and regular rail connection from the airport to downtown Newcastle is provided by Tyne & Wear Metro. Buses also serve the facility from Haymarket Bus Station and Eldon Square in the city centre. Outside the terminal building, taxis are available.

About seven miles (4.5kms) east of Newcastle at Royal Quays you can find the International Ferry Terminal, which can be reached via the A1058 and the A19, and is excellently signposted. Vehicle ferry crossings operate direct to Tyneside from German and Scandinavian ports.

What to see

By private car, Newcastle offers a choice of many attractions to visit. With plenty of untouched countryside nearby and England's east coast stretching endlessly in both directions, it is not very difficult to find interesting ways of passing the time around the city. A couple of sights near Newcastle which are worth visiting are Castle Leazes and the fascinating Military Vehicle Museum. The seaside draws huge crowds of tourists every year and the abundance of rocky headlands and tranquil bays provide peaceful retreats for those who wish to enjoy tranquillity away from the crowds.

Daytrips

Newcastle is a perfect base for exploring the northeast's coastline, appreciating the historic Hadrians Wall and travelling into Scotland. The Castle Leazes and Military Vehicle Museum are both positioned not very far from the city. Built in a corner of the enchanting Leazes Park, the imposing Castle Leazes makes for an interesting visit and is an outstanding spot for having a relaxing picnic. Visitors have the option to tour the castle or unwind in its splendid gardens, while history enthusiasts will notice that the Military Museum offers fun for the entire family.

There are several fine beaches situated near to Newcastle, especially at South Shields and Whitley Bay. Along the coast you can find plenty of quaint bed and breakfast establishments and traditional English pubs. Also not far is the lively town of Sunderland. Farther afield, Scotland is very idyllic and driving along the A1 motorway will provide you with some gorgeous border country panoramas all the way to the Scottish city of Edinburgh.

Activities and leisure

Newcastle enjoys strong sporting traditions, being home to the famed Newcastle United Football Club and the Guinness Premiership Rugby Union team, the Newcastle Falcons.

Newcastle also offers excellent international entertainment establishments to suit all palates including hospitable bars, pubs, nightclubs, cinemas and theatres. Those who love to shop will not be disappointed as the city boasts plenty of outstanding shopping opportunities. A visit to the Eldon Square Shopping Centre is a must. For a spot of culture, head to the Laing Art Gallery. This popular facility offers exhibits of significant works from various well-known contemporary artists from around Europe. Also worth a visit is the Newcastle Hancock Museum, with its comprehensive selection of exhibits featuring fossilised insects, animal remains and Egyptian mummies.

Safety issues

Newcastle is a big, yet relatively safe city and is well policed day and night. However, there are some areas that you are advised not to visit after dark. Particular areas to be aware of are Newcastle's suburbs. As with any other large city in Europe, keep your wits about you, particularly when withdrawing cash from ATMs and always make use of metered taxi services.

Pickpockets are active in the crowded shopping streets of Newcastle and they also tend to loiter around the city's main railway and bus stations. Use common sense and try not to look out of place. Keep your wallet in your front pocket, strap your handbag tightly around you and never store valuable belongings in a bum bag.