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Buzzing NewcastleGateshead is a vibrant, sociable and inspiring city. It’s a party, gourmet, go-ahead destination within rejuvenated quaysides, a thriving cultural scene and sporting powerhouses.
DAY ONE AM
Take some very historic steps from The Vermont Hotel down to the picturesque Quayside. Few views rival the the impressive sight of the seven famous bridges connecting Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead. The award-winning Gateshead Millennium Bridge is the world’s rst and only tilting bridge. Often referred to as the winking bridge, it tilts to let river traf c pass beneath - spectacularly rising upwards to form a gateway arch resembling the opening and closing of a giant eyelid. It’s often brilliantly lit too.
gateshead.gov.uk
Housed in a landmark industrial building on the south bank of the River Tyne, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art is the biggest gallery of its kind in the world – presenting a dynamic, diverse and international programme of contemporary visual art. It is regularly home to exhibitions from leading contemporary artists such as Damien Hirst, Yoko Ono and Janet Cardiff. Great gift shop too.
balticmill.com
Further along the south bank sits Sage Gateshead. A live music venue with all kinds of music ranging from acoustic to indie, country, world, and folk. Home to the annual International Jazz Festival as well as year-round concerts from electronic and dance to classical music. It is always open and is worth a visit, providing an amazing vantage point for Newcastle.
sagegateshead.com
For a unique view from the water of NewcastleGateshead and the River Tyne, River Escapes (www.riverescapes.co.uk) offers sightseeing trips taking in either the coast or countryside.
DAY ONE PM
It’s said the city of Newcastle upon Tyne has three cathedrals, The Cathedral Church of St Nicholas, The Cathedral Church of St Mary and St James’ Park. With fifty-two thousand fans regularly going to ‘worship’ at Newcastle United Football Club’s home ground every week, football is like a religion in Newcastle upon Tyne. Spend your afternoon enjoying a stadium tour of this iconic stadium. Knowledgeable tour guides will show you many areas you will never have seen before - as well as some very famous ones.
nufc.co.uk
In the evening especially at weekends, Newcastle puts its glad rags on to party hard. The beautiful people pull out all the stops for food, drink and dancing. Start with bespoke cocktails in the gorgeous Redwood Bar in The Vermont Hotel. Dress up and drink the ultimate cosmo or a classy martini perfected by our resident mixologist then head on down to the lively Aveika for our well-loved and distinctive pan-Asian cuisine. Sharing plates, sumptuous sushi and exquisite fish dishes are favourites with the foodies. This is a place that truly buzzes with the excitement that this party city is so famous for. The glamorous crowd comes out in style.
Ready to dance? Livello is the see-and-be-seen style capital of the city into the late hours. It’s where the affluent crowd lets loose heading for a sophisticated night. The best djs and mixologists create a collective vibe that is unrivalled in Newcastle – especially with its cool courtyard chill-out space.
Ready to dance? Livello is the see-and-be-seen style capital of the city into the late hours. It’s where the affluent crowd lets loose heading for a sophisticated night. The best djs and mixologists create a collective vibe that is unrivalled in Newcastle – especially with its cool courtyard chill-out space.
DAY TWO AM
Sunday morning after an indulgent breakfast take a lingering walk along Newcastle’s famous Grey Street. Named the ‘best street in Britain’, its Georgian architecture is unrivalled in the UK with sweeping honey-coloured buildings in neo classical-style. Grey Street’s most famous address, the Theatre Royal which was completed in 1838.
The street leads to Grey’s Monument (you can climb to the top!) and is the gateway to some great shopping (see our shopping guide).
If you can fit in a bit of pampering, head for the city spa, House of Savannah in Eldon Square. In a grand building, the spa is home to pampering and beauty treatments for hair and body. The Prosecco pass for 2 includes a detox and relax session in the steam room, sauna and emotional shower experience. Unwind in a fluffy robe in the peaceful Whisper room and relax in the Buddha lounge – with a bottle of fizz.
savannah-salonspa.com
DAY TWO PM
Spend your afternoon immersing yourself further in NewcastleGateshead’s culture and heritage.
Head back to the Quayside waterfront and follow the signs along the river to Ouseburn. This is where you’ll find a cool cultural quarter.
The Cluny arts complex houses two theatres and a bar.
This is also where you can venture into the deep – join a guided tour of the Victoria Tunnel (a subterranean wagonway built in the mid 19th century).
ouseburntrust.org.uk/victoria-tunnel
Time for a classic movie. Local entrepreneur Dixon Scott (great uncle of film directors Ridley Scott and Tony Scott) opened the Tyneside Cinema in the 1930s. This art deco venue is recognised as one of Britain’s best independent cinemas. This cabaret-style space also has quiz nights, and free screenings of cult films.
tynesidecinema.co.uk
Then it's the Cocktail Hour again!
The Redwood Bar beckons to fill up on champagne – or even a late, lovely and lavish Afternoon Tea if you’re in need of the sweet stuff.
Finally, relax over dinner in The Bridge Brasserie at The Vermont – home to dining classics, comfort food and exquisite desserts.
