'Must See' in NewcastleGateshead
With countless things to see and do in NewcastleGateshead it's sometimes difficult fitting it all in. The attractions listed below however (and in no particular order) are unmissable!
The regeneration on both sides of the River Tyne is as stunning as the famous bridges which span it. The latest bridge is The Gateshead Millennium Bridge (affectionately known as the ‘blinking eye‘ due to its unique opening mechanism) which has swiftly gained iconic status. The Quayside also boasts an array of excellent bars and restaurants, has much public art to enjoy and is the perfect place for a stroll.
Britain‘s biggest original art store boasts two floors of exhibition space and sells paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, photography, ceramics and glass from world-renowned artists.
Built between 1168-1178 during the reign of Henry II, this Grade I listed building is one of the finest examples of a Norman Keep in the country. See page 16 for more information.
The most famous piece of public art in Britain? We think so! Antony Gormley‘s huge corten steel sculpture stands 20 metres tall and has a wingspan of 54 metres making it wider than the Statue of Liberty is tall.
This stunning Sir Norman Foster designed complex is the latest iconic landmark to be situated on Gateshead Quays and is the region‘s new home for music.
Radio 4 listeners voted this the ‘Best Street In Britain‘ and it‘s not hard to see why. With its elegant curve and beautiful Georgian architecture it‘s a real beauty.
A vibrant and exciting centre which hosts an ongoing, award-winning, exhibition based on the theme of ‘life‘, offering live science shows, an interactive dome theatre, handson displays and family-based laboratory workshops.
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art
You‘ll find an ever-changing calendar of exhibitions and activities at this landmark, former industrial building. From blockbuster exhibitions to community-based work, BALTIC never fails to enthrall. A true ‘art factory’.
Recently claiming the prestigious ‘Large Visitor Attraction of the Year‘ award at the North East England Tourism Awards, this superb gallery has an impressive collection of fine and decorative art including paintings by the members of the Pre-Raphealite Brootherhood group of painters. It also has an inspiring temporary exhibition programme showing everything from historic to contemporary pieces.
You want to shop? MetroCentre is Europe‘s biggest shopping and leisure centre and is home to 330 retailers, from small independents to major department stores.
This restored 13th-century friary is an oasis of calm, slap bang in Newcastle city centre. Here you‘ll find a large grassed courtyard, a series of craft shops and an award-winning restaurant.
From Romans and knights to ship-builders and pitmen, this is the place to come to discover the colourful history of the region. The region‘s biggest free museum houses some fun and fascinating collections. The gem of the collection is Turbina, the world’s first boat to be powered by a steam turbine engine.
