Newcastle

Although the historic city of Newcastle, the largest city in the northeast of England, dates back to Roman times, it is now a trendy and stylish city with excellent restaurants, wonderful shops and a buzzing nightlife.

Walk around the city and you will notice the remains of the city walls as well as glorious Victorian architecture. Erected when the Roman fort of Pons Aelius was built to protect the confines of the city, some parts of the walls and towers still exist today, the best surviving piece behind Stowell Street, while Grey Street possesses some of the city’s most beautiful Victorian architecture.

Newcastle has many other historic sites to explore. St. Nicholas Cathedral, located on St. Nicholas Square, dates back to the 12th century. Castle Garth, or the ‘new castle’ as it is called, was built in 1080 by Robert Curthose, the illegitimate son of William Conqueror. In the 12th century Henry II rebuilt the castle in stone, the remains of which can be visited today. The 135-foot Grey’s monument at the top of Grey Street was erected in honour of a local man, Earl Grey, who was prime minister from 1830 to 1834.

Newcastle boasts fine international restaurants to suit all palates, delightful pubs, bars, nightclubs, theatres and cinemas, as well as some of the best shopping around. Visit Eldon Square Shopping Centre and you will not be disappointed!

Explore the countryside to further discover the historical wonders of this area. Two worthwhile attractions are; the Denton Hall Turret is located at the Roman-built Hadrian’s Hall, and the Benwell Roman Temple, a small temple dedicated to the local god ‘Antenociticus’ with an apse at the south end containing a statue base, flanked by altars.

Newcastle is serviced by its airport only 15 minutes from the city, as well as excellent coach and rail lines. Newcastle lies on the main east coast rail route between London and Edinburgh, with hourly trains departing from the capital (duration: three hours, express).