City breaks in Newcastle and Gateshead: expect the unexpected

Newcastle upon Tyne, and the North-East overall, have a well-earned reputation for passionate football fans, fine ale and a rather incomprehensible, if endearing, dialect; and there’s no doubt that these things will be in evidence on any visit to Newcastle and Gateshead. However, with the recent installations of outstanding public art and music venues, alongside marvels of architecture and engineering from Victorian times to the present day, there’s actually much more to the modern Tyneside than these proud traditions.

One obvious reason to visit is, naturally, to watch Newcastle United in action at the iconic St. James’ Park, situated right in the centre of the city. The spring’s Tyne-Wear derby against bitter rivals Sunderland, is a particular favourite for the locals, but be prepared for feelings and emotions running high!

A recent survey of Barclays Premier League supporters found Newcastle fans to be by far the most dedicated to their club, cheerfully sacrificing time with partners and families to attend matches. Perhaps thanks to this fervent support, the ‘Toon Army’ are having a great season, and if you’re lucky enough to witness anything like the ludicrous overhead bicycle-kick goal that Obafemi Martins scored against Bolton – not to mention his flamboyant, gymnastic celebrations – it’ll have been well worth the trip. Afterwards, soak up some of the local atmosphere, banter and brew at the much-loved Strawberry pub just outside the Gallowgate end, which can proudly proclaim its chips to be ‘the best that Sir Bobby Robson has ever tasted’.

If football leaves you cold, or if you’ve been there, done that and fancy something a bit more highbrow, there’s a wealth of stimulating cultural sights and happenings just minutes downhill from St. James’ on the historic Quayside. The unique, curvy, glittering outline of The Sage Gateshead, designed by Lord Foster’s practice, immediately catches the eye. Inside, visitors can watch rehearsals in practice and join workshops, as well as international concerts covering every possible musical genre in three performance spaces all designed for incredible acoustics.

Also in the Quays development you’ll find the huge BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, which houses a constantly changing programme of exhibitions and activities so there’s always something fresh, and the award-winning ‘Blinking Eye’ Millennium Bridge. Locals are understandably proud of the bridge with its elegant, unusual tilting construction, and consider it superior to London’s equivalent as it opened on time and doesn’t wobble! Art lovers should also check out the Side and Laing galleries, with plenty of nearby street sculptures and installations including the sparkling Blue Carpet Square, and the monumental, 20-metre tall public sculpture 'Angel of the North' by Antony Gormley OBE in Gateshead.

There’s just too much to pack in to one day, but luckily, plenty of varied accommodation is available in the 'canny toon'. At one end of the spectrum, hostels such as the Albatross Backpacker Inn provide a cheap and very cheerful place to stay; or if you're feeling a little more flush, then more up market accommodation is available in places such as The Swallow Hotel Gateshead, which has a pool, spa and sauna, and is ideally situated right in the centre of the Newcastle-Gateshead conurbation.

The compact city centre is crammed with entertainment, museums, shopping and nightlife, while if you venture a little further a field in search of tranquility you’ll find scenic locations like Alnwick Castle Gardens, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall and Holy Island, and miles of beautiful, unspoilt coastline. Many of these destinations are accessible via the affordable and efficient Metro service from anywhere in Newcastle, Gateshead or Sunderland.

About the Author

Elisha Burberry is an online, freelance journalist and keen movie-goer from Scotland. Her interests include travelling, cooking and photography.