A guide to Newcastle Upon Tyne

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Located on the northern bank of the River Tyne, Newcastle was formerly the county town of Northumberland, now one of the largest and most populated cities in England, in the conurbation area known as Tyne & Wear. Founded by Hadrian, the Roman Emperor, in the 2nd century AD it was originally called Pons Aelius, designating the bridge across the Tyne and given his family name. After the Roman withdrawal, the settlement became part of Northumberland, a powerful Anglo-Saxon kingdom where it was known as Monkchester but then almost destroyed after several conflicts with the Danes and the rebellion against the Normans in 1080. Due to its strategic position, Robert Curthose, son of William the Conqueror, erected a wooden castle there and it became known as New Castle or Novum Castellium and was Englands’ northern fortress against the Scots during the Border Wars. The town prospered when a royal charter issued in 1530, restricted all coal shipments from Tyneside to Newcastle quayside creating a monopoly which lasted some time at the expense of the growth of neighboring city Sunderland, creating a rivalry which still exists today. In 1644 during the Civil War, Cromwell’s Scots allies, who were based in Sunderland, stormed Newcastle, which supported and defended the King. In gratitude the King bestowed the motto “Triumphing by a brave defence” upon the town but was subsequently later imprisoned there by the Scots. It was the export of coal and then shipbuilding and engineering that led to major development as a city and a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution with many innovative developments including the steam turbine and Stephensons Rocket coming from surrounding areas. Offices and retail employment are now the main source of employment since the decline of heavy industry in the area since the 1960’s. The Tyne is most famous for its series of dramatic bridges that link the towns of Newcastle and Gateshead on the south bank. The most iconic is the Tyne Bridge, a fine example of compression arch suspension, opened by George V in 1928 and built near the site of the original bridge built by the Romans. Other bridges spanning the river include Robert Stephenson’s High Level Bridge, built in 1849 the world’s first road/rail bridge, the Swing Bridge and Redheugh Bridge. The town of Gateshead commissioned the latest, the Millennium Bridge to integrate the re-developed quayside on the south bank with the older quayside of Newcastle on the north. Known locally as the ‘Blinking Eye” due to its ability to open and close the arch to allow tall ships up the river. A passion for sport exists in the city of Newcastle, with St.James’ Park, the stadium home to Premiership football club Newcastle United dominating the city from all directions. With a renowned reputation for fun-loving, friendly people, an abundance of restaurants, bars and nightclubs in recent years, Tyneside is a popular tourist destination and a recent cultural revolution has seen many new theatres and art galleries opening across the city. Known as Geordie, the local dialect contains vocabulary not heard elsewhere in England and much can be traced back to Norse/Danish origins.

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Jesmond PHC (Men's Hockey)
Newburn Judo Club (Martial Arts)
Newcastle (Women's Hockey)
Newcastle (Men's Hockey)
Newcastle City CC (Cricket)
Newcastle Eagles (Basketball)
Newcastle Mens (Men's Hockey)
Newcastle United Football Club (Football)
Newcastle University Mens Hockey Club (Men's Hockey)
Northumbria St Georges (Men's Hockey)
Northumbria St Georges (Women's Hockey)
Novocastrians RUFC (Rugby Union)
Sendai Karate Club Newcastle (Martial Arts)
Solo Martial Arts Studio (Martial Arts)
Tyne RC (Rowing)
Wallsend RFC (Rugby Union)

Shops

John Lewis
Bell David
Bookworld
Robinson W Newcastle Ltd

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S P C K Bookshop
Ian Wood Sports
Katherines Florist
5th Avenue Flowers
Robinsons Florists
Junior
Electrik Sheep
Boots
Kirkhouse Productions
Early Learning Centre
La Senza
Rymans
Get Smart 11
Peter Barratts Garden Centre
Clays Garden Centre
Cowells Garden Centre
Chandlers Garden Centre
Halls of Heddon
Dobbies Garden Centre
Ouseburn Valley Garden Centre

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Symons Pet Store
Petwise
The Blagdon Farm Shop
Millets
Whittard of Chelsea
High and Mighty
Quayside Pharmacy
F Robson & Co
Scorpio Shoes
Breeze Shoes
Evans
J D Sports
Halfords
Mountain Warehouse
Majestic Wine
Midhurst Art
Kard Bar
Alan Reed Gallery
Evergreen Gallery
Colliers

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The Biscuit Factory
Corrymella Scott Gallery
Locus +
Thorntons
PC World
Wickes
Neal’s Yard Remedies
Out Of This World
Ernest Jones
Peacocks
All Saints
Gamestation
Goldsmiths
Barratt Shoes
Specsavers
T K Maxx
Fat Face
Intoto Kitchens
Hallmark Cards
Hallmark Cards

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Lush
River Island
BHS
Office

Antiques

The Glass Man
Cradlewell Antiques
Time Antiques
Graham Smith Antiques Ltd
Attica Period Clothing
Graham Smith Antiques Ltd

Activities

Go Ape!(Adventure)
Ministry of Paintball(Adventure)
Ride of Your Life(Adventure)
Barnesbury Cycling Club(Cycling)
Gosforth Road Club(Cycling)
Kenton Riding School(Riding)
Murdon Equestrian Centre(Riding)
Murton Equestrian Centre(Riding)
Stepney Bank Stables(Riding)
Tilery Equestrian Centre(Riding)

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Places to Stay near Newcastle Upon Tyne

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Newcastle City Centre Apartments (0.28 miles)

Click here to book this apartment with Hoseasons

Set right in the heart of this buzzing, bubbly city, just 5 minutes' walk from Central Station, these contemporary apartments are perfect for exploring the rich cocktail ... More

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Claude Gibb Hall (0.28 miles)

Located in Newcastle city centre, this established three star campus rated accommodation offers the ideal budget option for your stay.

Enjoy shopping, culture, sport and Newcastle's vibrant nightlife, all within easy walking distance of Claude Gibb ... More | visit website

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Premier Inn Newcastle Central (0.36 miles)

This recently refurbished hotel is situated in the heart of the city centre, next to Eldon Square shopping centre and a short walk from the Quayside and metro station. The hotel offers modern accommodation with comfortable ... More | visit website

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Sandman Signature Hotel (0.39 miles)

The Sandman Signature Hotel Newcastle sits in the city center of Newcastle, surrounded by key attractions in the city such as the iconic Newcastle United Football Club Stadium, China Town, city center shopping district, Newcastle ... More | visit website

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93A Grey Street Apartments (0.40 miles)

City Centre apartments, ideal for business or leisure guests, located in the heart of Newcastle City Centre.
Created, managed and maintained by the owners to meet customer satisfaction.

... More | visit website

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Staybridge Suites Newcastle (0.44 miles)

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Newly opened, Staybridge Suites is an all-suite, extended-stay hotel located just moments from the Quayside area, with its excellent selection of restaurants and bars. Also within walking distance is the ... More

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Euro Hostel Newcastle (0.45 miles)

The brand-new, city-centre Euro Hostel Newcastle has everything you need to stay and enjoy this fabulous city... and we’re only 10 minutes walk from Central Station!! Built within an historic warehouse, we have 4, 8 and ... More | visit website

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Week2Week (0.48 miles)

Week2Week properties offer the perfect alternative to expensive, impersonal hotels. Our unique properties are situated in prime locations and have been fully furnished to the highest standards so guests benefit from a home from home ... More | visit website

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Newgate Hotel Newcastle (0.51 miles)

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Situated in the heart of the city centre

The hotel is ideally located for business or pleasure; local attractions include: the Quayside Sunday Market, Discovery Museum, Beamish Open Air Museum, the Life ... More

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Greystreet Hotel (0.53 miles)

Newcastle’s first boutique hotel. Grade II listed, this former old bank oozes period charm. Bedrooms are air-conditioned and flooded with light from floor-to-ceiling mullioned sash windows. Bedroom interior design incorporates contemporary iconic goods, designer beds, ... More | visit website

Brit Quote:
Great discoveries and improvements invariably involve the cooperation of many minds - Alexander Graham Bell
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On this day:
Benjamin Franklin Arrives in London - 1724, First Bomb Dropped on English Soil - 1914
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Places to Stay near Newcastle Upon Tyne

Newcastle City Centre Apartments (0.28 miles)

Claude Gibb Hall (0.28 miles)

Premier Inn Newcastle Central (0.36 miles)

Sandman Signature Hotel (0.39 miles)

93A Grey Street Apartments (0.40 miles)

Staybridge Suites Newcastle (0.44 miles)

Euro Hostel Newcastle (0.45 miles)

Week2Week (0.48 miles)

Newgate Hotel Newcastle (0.51 miles)

Greystreet Hotel (0.53 miles)

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