City guide: Newcastle
1st Jan 2015 Travel
2 min read
Home of the Angel of the North, brown ale and the largest population in the North-East, Newcastle is known for its warmth and candor. Just over two hours by train from Manchester and 90 minutes from Edinburgh, it’s well placed for a last-minute weekend getaway. Here are some must-sees for your itinerary
Travel in time at Beamish Museum
Step back in time with a visit to Beamish Museum. An open air, immersive experience, it tells the story of North East England through the 1820s to 1940s.
Take part in a wartime cooking experience, pet animals at the farm and take pictures at the tram stop—it’s incredibly easy to spend a whole day here.
Centre for Life offers a similarly hands-on experience, but in the realms of science and technology. Ideal for children and families, the Brain, Curiosity and Experiment zones all offer plenty of opportunities for fun, educational play.
Also recommended: Great North Museum, Laing Art Gallery
Dance the night away on Quayside
Geordies love a good party, and Newcastle is known as one of the UK’s richest cities when it comes to nightlife.
Quayside contains a wonderful stretch of bars and eateries, all looking out across the water in a manner that’s perfect for people watching. The Quayside is also home to a Sunday market, where you can peruse jewellery, prints, clothing and homewares.
Also worth a visit is the Tyne Bar, which goes above and beyond in terms of hospitality. There’s a free jukebox, various free-entry gigs and even free food on a Tuesday evening—these little extras are perfect for entertainment on a budget.
Also recommended: Passing Clouds, Pleased To Meet You
Get crafty at the Biscuit Factory
Get inspired for your next craft project at the stunning Biscuit Factory.
The UK’s largest independent contemporary art gallery, they hold an impressive selection of paintings, prints, sculptures, ceramics, textiles and furniture, as well as various pop-up exhibitions.
Stroll exhibits at your leisure before stopping by the Factory Kitchen Café—open seven days a week, they serve delicious bacon stotties right through to avocado toast.
Also recommended: Jesmond Dene Arts & Crafts Market, Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
Eat at The House of Tides & Fat Hippo
The brainchild of Kenny Atkinson (a double-winner of the BBC’s Great British Menu), a visit to the House of Tides is a must for serious foodies.
An 8-course dinner menu starts at £68, and it’s worth every penny—menus change seasonally but have included such delights as smoked cod roe, carrot macarons and home baked rye bread.
For those who prefer things messier, Fat Hippo deliver on juicy burgers with quirky toppings. Opt for the PB&J, a 4oz patty topped with cheese, chunky peanut butter and bacon jam. It’s surprisingly delicious.
Wash down with their very own Fat Hippo IPA, or a “Naughty Shake”—ice cream blitzed with lashings of alcohol.
Also recommended: Peace & Loaf, Mantra Thai
