Newcastle: Britain's Ultimate Party City – Attractions, Dining & Nightlife Guide
Separated by the river Tyne, there are two cities: Newcastle and Gateshead. Both that cities have a lot to offer for everybody, whether you like shopping, culture or parties.
So what to do in the Newcastle city? Where to eat and how to spend a great time during the night? Let's start with a few main tourist attractions.
Newcastle Castle
First fortifications built in the Newcastle Castle place are dating back more than 1800 years and it was a Roman fort of Pons Aelius, which was built to defend the bridge over the River Tyne and it was part of Hadrian's Wall.
In 1066 the Normans invaded England and because of that Robert Curthose (he was the son of William the Conqueror) built here the first castle in 1080. In the 1600s parts of the Castle were leased out and people start to build here their houses and shops. It was called the "Castle Garth".
In 2011 the Old Newcastle Project received funds and was renovated, renewed and reopened to the public in 2015.
If you want to visit the Newcastle Castle, tickets cost £6.50 and £3.90 for children. The castle is open 7 days a week from 10:00 to 17:00.
St Nicholas Cathedral
In 1091 Normans built here a church near the castle, which was destroyed by fire in 1216. The current building of the St Nicholas Cathedral was completed in 1350 in Perpendicular style.
The church was restored in 1777 and raised to cathedral status in 1882. In that time they called it the current name: St Nicholas Cathedral.
You can visit the cathedral from Sunday through Friday from 7:30 to 18:00 and from 8:00 to 16:00 at Saturday and Bank Holidays.
The Discovery Museum
The Discovery Museum is about the life in Newcastle and Tyneside - the city placed on the other side of the river. It will show you how the world changed through its history in science and technology.
The museum has a lot of interactive displays which are regularly updated and complemented. There is a lot of changing programs, activities and exhibitions. It's a perfect place to learn.
The entrance to the Discovery Museum is for free.
Jesmond Dene Park
Jesmond Dene Park is a narrow wooded valley near the Ouseburn river, so it's some kind of a wildlife corridor in the center of Newcastle city. You can find here many kinds of trees from native to exotic ones.
The Jesmond Dene Park stretches for more than three kilometers and you can find here a lot of wildlife: many woodland birds and Kingfisher or Red Squirrel.
When you visiting Dene Park, you can also visit Millfield House placed just near the entrance. You can also find here the cafe or use the toilet. There is also a picnic area.
Eldon Square Shopping Centre
Do you like shopping instead of visiting historical sites? The best place for that in Newcastle is the Eldon Square Shopping Centre.
It was opened in 1976. It has two floors with 1,400,000 sq ft and more than 150 shops.
Where to eat?
If you are looking for the place to eat in Newcastle city, see my proposition below.
The Biscuit Factory
The Biscuit Factory it's an art exhibition, gallery, shop, restaurant and a cafe in one. Why not order your dinner, in the meantime watch some arts wondering through Biscuit Factory corridors, then eat your meal, drink coffee and buy yourself a souvenir?
It's the best place for tourists to eat I can imagine in Newcastle. If you have some money and time you should definitely visit it. You can find the Biscuit Factory at 16 Stoddart Street and it's open usually from 10:00 to 17:00.
Where to drink?
There are many interesting pubs or other places to drink in Newcastle, but I will write only about the ones I've visited personally and I enjoyed it.
Crown Posada
This is one of the most famous pubs in Newcastle and the second oldest pub in the whole city. The whole building has the interior in Victorian style, an elaborately paneled entrance, original stained glass windows and an awesome atmosphere. It's also called the Daily Telegraph & Abbot Ale Tyne and Wear perfect pub.
There is also a legend, that the pub was bought by a Spanish Sea Captain for his mistress. The Crown Posada can be found two minutes walk from Grey Street, Quayside on the 31 The Side Street.
BrewDog Newcastle
BrewDog in Newcastle has been opened in 2012. You can find it between the historic Grainger Town and the picturesque Quayside, on the 16 Dean Street.
There is a glass fronted, so you can see life in the street. There is a lot of live music inside and other artistic events. And it's all made in the industrial style. You can not only try many beers from all over the world here but also play some board games or use vintage pinball.
Nightlife
Newcastle upon Tyne is called the party city of England. In the ranking for the best city nightlife, this city has the 3rd place and the only better cities were London and Berlin. If you will visit Newcastle at night, you will see in yourself.
Boulevard Show Bar
Boulevard Show Bar is the famous Newcastle cabaret full of hilarious comedy, stunning costumes and fabulous dance. While enjoying the show, you can also get some good drink from the bar. This is the place you cannot miss while being in Newcastle.
This Show Bar can be found at 9 Churchill Mews street and the recommended time to spend here is about 2h 30 min. It's closed from Monday to Thursday.
Conclusion
Newcastle upon Tyne is a great city not only for historical sites and tourist attractions, but also for a great pubs and nightlife. I can recommend it for people in every age, becaue everybody will find here something for themselfes.
