Newcastle Attractions
The Newcastle region offers plenty of activities for visitors who arrive in the area via Newcastle Airport. Located just ten minutes south of the Airport are the combined cities of Newcastle and Gateshead which offer a wide variety of cultural, historical, and contemporary attractions along with friendly accommodating locals.
For a historical and scenic view of the city of Newcastle it is worthwhile to take a trip to the Quayside which is on both sides of the River Tyne. From across the river you can view the Gateshead Millennium Bridge which is known to the locals as the ‘blinking eye’ as it opens and closes to allow boas through. The Quayside area also has a large allotment of bars and restaurants for those who are ready to sit down and relax as well as an excellent collection of public art, shops, and local street merchants.
Also worth visiting for a taste of contemporary and historical culture is The Biscuit Factory located in Newcastle on Stoddart Street. The Victorian building that used to house a large biscuit factory now contains the largest commercial art space in the country and is home to many pieces of art as well as a restaurant and coffee shop.
One of the newest projects recently completed in Newcastle is the Sage Gateshead also worth a visit in St. Mary’s Square. The Sage is home to international musical and contains a music information resource centre, two stages, and 26 rooms of music education to explore. The building hosts rooms that allow visitors to explore the sounds of rock, classical, indie, electronic, dance, symphony, and more from across the world and is free to visit.
Also worth a visit is the Centre for Life located in Times Square that is an interactive experience that offers sensory experiences of all kinds to help visitors appreciate the beauty of life. The Centre of Life contains a Dome that offers an audiovisual film in 3D, live demonstrations of science in the Life Theatre, a thrilling Motion Ride that resembles a rollercoaster, and plenty of special events throughout the year that change. Also, during winter the Centre for Life also opens an outdoor ice skating rink.
Finally, for those who love to shop the MetroCentre in Gateshead is a shopping centre that cannot be missed as it is one of the largest shopping centres in all of Europe. With hundreds of stores that include department stores, specialty shops, and street outlets as well as restaurants, bars, and cafes plus an 11 screen Odeon Movie Theatre there is plenty to keep even the most impatient person satisfied.
