Exploring the University City of Newcastle upon Tyne in the County of Tyne and Wear
On the northern bank of the River Tyne, about eight and a half miles from the North Sea lies the university city of Newcastle upon Tyne. Commonly known as Newcastle, it is the most populous city in the northeastern part of England. This city forms the core of the Tyneside conurbation, and it is also the eighth most populous urban area in the entire United Kingdom. The city is a member of both the English Core Cities Group as well as the Eurocities network of European cities. The city grew and developed around the Pons Aelius, a Roman settlement and was named after the castle built by Robert Curthose, William the Conqueror's eldest son.
Newcastle grew as an important center for the wool trade in the 14th-century then it eventually became a major coal mining area. In the 16th-century, its port was developed as well as the shipyards along the River Tyne, and it emerged as one of the world’s largest shipbuilding and ship-repairing centers. Today, the city’s economy relies on various sectors such as corporate headquarters, learning, digital technology, retail, tourism and cultural centers. Home to a wealth of historic sites, museums, places of interest and fine tourists attractions, this city is a wonderful place that promises an extraordinary travel experience.
Newcastle’s Food and Shopping
The city of Newcastle offers several major shopping areas, making it a shopper’s paradise that presents an extraordinary range of shopping options. The Eldon Square Shopping Centre is the city’s largest major shopping area; it is also one of UK’s largest city center shopping complexes. Northumberland Street is the main shopping street of the city, it is also ranked as the most expensive shopping street in the UK for rent, outside London. This bustling street houses two major department stores including the Fenwick Department Store which houses some of the most luxurious designer brands and one of the largest stores of Marks and Spencer.
The Granger Street and the area around the Grey’s Monument is another shopping area in this city. And other shopping destinations in this city also include the Eldon Garden and Monument complexes, the Newgate Centre, Central Arcade and the traditional Grainger Market. The city is also home to largest suburban shopping areas it offers easy access to various impressive shopping facilities.
Newcastle is also home several five-star restaurants and places to eat. The most top-rated eating out spots in the city includes Mascalzone, Simla Restaurant, Starks Kitchen, Beirut lounge, Caspian Turkish Restaurant, La Famiglia and Luigikhan's. All of them are considered as the finest dining destinations in the city that every tourist has to try.
Things to See and Do in Newcastle upon Tyne
With its wealth of historic sites, magnificent museums and impressive range of fine tourist attractions, this city promise an extraordinary range of things to see and do. The famous Victoria Tunnel and The Quayside are two of the most recommended historic sites in the city that tourists should not miss. Visitors should also take time and spend a lovely afternoon in the Jesmond Dene Park to enjoy the great outdoors and mother nature. You also have to visit the magnificent Discovery Museum and The Great North Museum to learn more about the history of the city and its people. With more hidden gems to discover and plenty of tourist attractions to visit, a single day won’t be enough to experience this whole city. So if you are planning to visit Newcastle, make sure to prepare for a few days trip.