6 Ways to Discover NewcastleGateshead this Summer

NewcastleGateshead is often heralded as one of the top city break destinations in the UK, and with their rich and unique history, vibrant nightlife and budding independent scene, the twin-cities are the perfect place to explore this summer.

A stone’s throw away from Gateshead Millennium Bridge on the banks of Gateshead Quayside is a converted flour mill which is now home to the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art.

The art gallery is free to enter seven days a week and has regularly updated exhibitions by artists from across the globe. Sculptures, cinema screening, performances, as well as photography and paintings can all be shown in the diverse spaces housed in the building.

Head to level four to access the external terrace for stunning views of the NewcastleGateshead cityscape and catch a glimpse of the 400 strong colony of kittiwakes that nest along the wall of the BALTIC and have used the Quayside as their breeding ground since the 1960s.

For beer lovers, one of the city’s popular breweries can be found under the Tyne Bridge in Gateshead. The independent microbrewery By the River Brew Co prides itself on freshness and serves its beers directly from the onsite tap room.

Even if beer isn’t your thing, the Backyard Bike Shop café and Hawker Street Food Market are bound to have something to tickle your tastebuds on a sunny summer day. The market includes pop-up stalls for some of the city’s most popular independent eateries, including Dabbawal and Fire & Dough.

The outdoor seating area at By the River Brew Co is as close to the Tyne as you can get, providing an alternative view of the historic Quayside and the opportunity to watch the river flow by (you might even catch the occasional kayak row past).

Discover where the story of our city began at Newcastle Castle. This castle was home to royalty, Newcastle Castle was a defensive structure for over 2000 years.

All four floors of the medieval site can be explored by visitors, including the Black Gate and Norman Chapel, and remarkable views from the tower are not to be missed.

The visitor attraction also plays host to outdoor film nights, performances, and special re-enactment events that will you back in time right to heart of the action.

Situated in one of Newcastle’s city centre parks, Wylam Brewery has been serving up some of the region’s best pints for over 20 years. Starting life in Northumberland, their beers have become a local sensation and always go down a treat.

The Palace of Art building, which is home to the brewery, is the last remaining building from the 1929 North East Exhibition, which aimed to celebrate and encourage art, craft and industry at the start of the Great Depression.

Take a tour of the brewery or grab a bite to eat at the Tap Room & Kitchen – the Sunday roasts are a local favourite – and after you’ve finished, Exhibition Park offers a relaxed and tranquil setting to walk off your meal.

If music is more your thing, catch one of the many gigs or music events they host throughout the year and have a boogie into the night in their unique event space.

In a grade-II listed building just off Newcastle’s John Dobson Street, the Laing Art Gallery provides a slower pace and relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. The gallery offers visitors the opportunity to view internationally important works of art, many from the 18th and 19th century, as well as look into Newcastle’s cultural heritage.

When founded in 1901, the gallery was left no pieces of art by its founder Alexander Laing because he was confident in the generous nature of the city’s residents. Some 120 years later the gallery hosts regularly rotating exhibitions, artist talks and activities and showcases decorative art pieces from Newcastle such as, silver, glasswear and ceramics.

Head out for a night on the toon like no other. Boulevard’s cabaret shows are full of glitz, glam, beautiful costumes and showstopping Broadway performances. The welcoming and witty host, Miss Rory has become a household name in the region and will make you feel right at home and have you laughing silly all evening. Grab a drink from the bar, sit back and be prepared to be entertained in true Geordie fashion.