Northeast England’s largest city, Newcastle upon Tyne is an interesting destination that offers a mix of history and heritage with modern style, 21st century amenities and contemporary social venues. Located on the north bank of the River Tyne, the city dates back to Roman times, when it was founded under the name Pons Aelius.
The locals would describe their city as canny (a term of endearment or compliment) and indeed ‘Toon’ town as it’s colloquially known, has plenty going for it on the attractions side. St Nicholas Cathedral for example, located on St Nicholas Square, is a must for those with historic interests, with a past that dates as far back as the 12th century. In a similar vein, Castle Garth, a looming stone fortress, dates back to the same period.
Culture abounds at venues such as the Laing Art Gallery, Hancock Museum, Discovery Museum and the Museum of Antiquities, while indulgence and more primal gratifications can be sought out in the Graingertown area, where venues offering opportunities for shopping, eating and drinking are plentiful. Come the evening if you are aesthetically inclined, the city’s theater scene is impressive; otherwise a night of revelry is more than accessible with a plethora of pubs and clubs on hand.
Highlights
The Hancock Museum: currently closed for refurbishment and set to reopen in 2009, this facility is essentially a natural history museum displaying local and internationally found artifacts.
Discovery Museum: hands on and interactive exhibits look at maritime history, science and technology, fashion and military history, among other topics.
The Laing Art Gallery: home to both visiting exhibitions and a permanent collection, the latter featuring works by painter John Martin and sculptor Henry Moore.
Life Science Centre: an edutainment centre that introduces visitors to the essentials of life on planet earth, including features on DNA and early primitive organisms.
The Hatton Gallery: located at the University of Newcastle, this facility is hailed as one of the most significant galleries outside of London for international art. The collection is diverse and includes an impressive West African Sculpture section.