Eight Reasons Why Newcastle Is Worth Visiting

We know that Newcastle is a canny city and well-worth visiting but we thought we’d find out from you too. We asked the big question, “Is Newcastle worth visiting?” and were met with a resounding “absolutely.” Scroll through our Instagram Story Highlights over on @MyKindOfToon to see many of the brilliant reasons why Newcastle is a great city that you really must visit.

In the meantime, here are eight reasons why Newcastle is worth visiting for a city break, a family weekend or a grand day out... all you need to do now is plan your next UK city break! 

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1. Newcastle is a small but packed city

Visitors to Newcastle will quickly find out that it is a small but perfectly formed city which is easy to navigate on foot or using the metro system. There is much to explore in Newcastle and Gateshead from the café-laden suburbs of Jesmond and Heaton to hipster’s paradise in cultural quarter, Ouseburn and you will certainly not get bored as there are many things to do!

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2. Newcastle has a “fantastic foodie scene”

Newcastle and neighbouring town Gateshead, are blessed with an abundance of food and drink hotspots and a wealth of cuisines from around the world. Whether you love Italian, can’t wait to try Korean or love to sample street food – Newcastle has restaurants, cafes and independent pop-ups galore. Amongst the top restaurants in Newcastle are classy fine-dining establishments as well as the best place to get a dirty burger. From breakfast to late night nibbles – you’re in for a foodie treat.

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3. Newcastle has surprising history and heritage

People may not automatically associate Newcastle with rich historical buildings and a city steeped in heritage. Visitors to the Toon will discover a castle dating back to the 12th century which gives the city it’s name, an unexpected Victorian tunnel, an Edwardian shopping arcade and plenty of examples of the region's Roman heritage in the region - and that's just scratching the surface.

We were at a meeting in Newcastle this morning and took this photo... Of course it's worth visiting! pic.twitter.com/6Dd7MbCeHO

— North East Enterprise Agency (@NEEALtweets) June 5, 2019

4. Newcastle has iconic sights, striking architecture and is a beautiful city

If you visit Newcastle, you really must visit the Quayside to see the seven bridges across the River Tyne including Tyne Bridge, Swing Bridge and the fondly dubbed “blinking eye” – Gateshead Millennium Bridge. Newcastle and the North East are not short of iconic views – make sure to tick of Angel of the North in Gateshead, Earl Grey atop his monument in the heart of Newcastle city centre and a stroll down Grey Street to admire the beautiful architecture on offer.

5. You've gotta love the people!

Visitors to Newcastle are in for a warm Geordie welcome making it the perfect choice for a city break in the UK. Enough said!

6. Newcastle is full of art and culture

From iconic and instantly recognisable sculptures like Angel of the North, to subtle street art on hidden corners, Newcastle and Gateshead is bursting with imaginative expressions of creativity. There are art galleries galore from Laing Art Gallery and Hatton Gallery to Shipley Art Gallery in Gateshead, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and Ouseburn's The Biscuit Factory. Theatre-lovers can experience West-End shows, new productions and one-off performances. Fans of live music will find classical, jazz and contemporary performances oozing out of Sage Gateshead or sweaty gigs in the heart of Ouseburn at The Cluny.

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7. Newcastle has beautiful surroundings taking you from city to coast to countryside

Fans of the countryside who also want to indulge in a bit of theatre and make the most of great night out are in for a treat in Newcastle. The proximity from city to coast to countryside makes it a top option for a diverse staycation. Not only that but the metro will take you from city to the coast in no time. Whether it’s the wilds of Northumberland or the leafy parks and countryside in rural Gateshead where you may spot red kites, Newcastle is a brilliant starting point to explore the North East.

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8. Newcastle Nightlife

The Toon is famous for its vibrant nightlife and is definitely the number one place to visit for those of you wanting to let your hair down. Visitors to Newcastle will find bars where you can dance the night away, sip innovative cocktails or catch up over a local craft ale. There are pubs in shipping containers, pubs in buildings dating back to the 1500s and in an art deco former Palace of Arts. Newcastle’s nightlife is as diverse as it is lively! Theatre-goers will find a performance to suit their mood, comedy to split their sides and live music to help them dance the night away – you can even head into outer space for a round of adventure golf.