The Spirit of the North

A former Industrial Revolution hub, Newcastle has reinvented itself into a vibrant, forward-thinking city. Although no longer brewed here, Newcastle Brown Ale, or Newkie Brown, is synonymous with the city, so it’s no surprise that the nightlife is fantastic.

From the O2 Academy to the Sage Music Centre, the Newcastle music venues are among the best in England. The city also has a thriving arts scene, including The Biscuit Factory – Britain’s largest original art store.

Equally as good is the Newcastle shopping. The Central Arcade is in an attractive Victorian building, and across the River Tyne in Gateshead is the Metro Centre, Europe’s largest shopping and leisure complex. Indeed, these 2 cities have a healthy rivalry that plays out in sport, architecture and, sometimes, the bizarre.

Gateshead boasts the Angel of The North, a huge statue that is already its most recognised (and controversial) symbol. While in Newcastle the Vampire Rabbit sits above a door near St Nicholas’ Cathedral. Newcastle United Football Club has the most prestigious record, but Gateshead Stadium has seen many a star compete at its international athletics meets.

To the west of the city are some remains of Hadrian’s Wall and further north is Newcastle Airport. See Booking.com for a range of accommodation all over this happening city.