even bridges and a sea of shimmering lights, sparkling on the Tyne’s dark waters,
bifurcate the famous city of Newcastle. It’s a city that occupies a special place in the
hearts of its permanent residents and temporary guests. If any city can be regarded as
having a spirit; a sense of soul; an indomitable character, then surely it is Newcastle. The
Tyneside university city isn’t like anywhere else in the North East, or the NorthWest, or
any other part of England for that matter.
What Newcastle may lack in high-end chic and opulent pizazz it more than makes up for in
sass and passion. Geordies are a gregarious and generous bunch, and it’s thanks to them that
Newcastle provides one of the safest and most enjoyable nights out in the whole country. It’s the
sort of city where you could venture out on your own and still be assured of a good night and to
make a bunch of new friends along the way. Not that it should come to that; Newcastle is a place
best shared. Bring some mates and make a proper weekend of it, or take your partner and have a
ball, metaphorically, or even literally if you’re so inclined.
Whether living there as a student, partying there for a stag weekend or passing through on
business, the North East stronghold exerts a strong pull. It’s enough to ensure your first visit to
Newcastle won’t be your last; the dual conurbations of Newcastle and Gateshead lure visitors year
after year, returning to cement old memories and embed new ones. Memories of bacchanalian
nights by the quayside, sipping cider and shooting the breeze. Memories of spilling out of St
James Park at 4:45 on a Saturday afternoon with the roar of the crowd still
ringing in your ears. Memories of bar-hopping on Jesmond Road,
culture-cramming at the BALTIC gallery and history-chasing at the
Discovery Museum.
The city, which developed around a Roman settlement
called Pons Aelius, still bears the scars from its
tumultuous past, one that’s seen its share of battles and
conquests, dating back to the 11th century. Newcastle
forms the perfect staging point for exploring Hadrian’s
Wall, which once ran for 73 miles from coast to
coast. There are also more contemporary pleasures
to enjoy of course; Newcastle’s shopping malls,
including Eldon Square, attract throngs of visitors
from across the North of England, while its seafood
restaurants and brasseries have earned high praise from
normally sharp-tongued critics. If you know where
to look, Newcastle offers a wealth of enticing options,
from accommodation to entertainment. Without that all-
important local knowledge, however, discovering the North
East’s best bars, freshest seafood restaurants, greatest family
attractions and chirpiest cafes comes down to potluck.
INTRODUCTION
4
For offers and promotions:
@entguide_new
