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NewcastleGateshead is one of the most exciting places to visit in the UK thanks to its rich history, bustling nightlife, cultural hot spots and plenty of shops, bars and restaurants to while away the hours.
Whether you're visiting for the first time, returning to your favourite tourist attractions in Newcastle and Gateshead, or even if you're a local Geordie who wants to find something new, our whistle-stop guide to NewcastleGateshead will tell you everything you need to know about visiting the Toon.
Why is Newcastle called 'The Toon'?
Newcastle is often called 'The Toon' by locals as this is usually how 'Town' would be pronounced in the Geordie accent. The origins of the word 'town' is rooted in Anglo Saxon Old English, with 'tun' meaning 'enclosure, estate, farm or village' and is phonetically pronounced as 'toon'.
As language elsewhere in the country developed, The Great Vowel Shift meant that many words with the 'oo' vowel sound became an 'ow' sound elsewhere in the country. The Geordie dialect is one of the only regional accents in the country that still uses many of the phrases and pronunciations found in Old English.
What are some helpful Geordie phrases?
The Geordie dialect is a unique one and there are a few words and phrases that are helpful to know when visiting the area. Should you ever find yourself baffled by some of the terminology, here's a few basics to get you started.
Things You Should Know About NewcastleGateshead
Traditional Geordie Food
Finding good restaurants in NewcastleGateshead is incredibly easy as there are so many great places to eat. From fine dining experiences to street food, the NewcastleGateshead food and drink scene is eclectic, varied and one that excites and inspires. You can start your day at any one of our best breakfast spots in Newcastle or pick up a working lunch in any of the independent eateries in Newcastle or Gateshead.
The North East is also known for its traditional British grub and has adapted a number of classic British dishes over time. Whether it's including the scrunchy bits on your fish and chips or honing classic Sunday Roast to perfection, comfort food is the order of the day. You can even find more traditional Geordie foods such as stottie cakes, ham and pease pudding sarnies and Savaloy dips in the Grainger Market while Pan Haggerty is considered a local delicacy and a favourite among stodge lovers. Collectively Newcastle and Gateshead are also home to at least 49 Greggs bakeries, so you'll never be far from a cream cake or sausage roll on your visit.
If you're wild about sea-food, the Northumberland Coast is truly the place to be. Here you'll find the famous Riley's Fish Shack in Tynemouth, while further North, you can unwind by a roaring fire while enjoying fresh Northumbrian mussels, smoked salmon and Craster Kippers.
Drinking in NewcastleGateshead
Some of the best nights out in Newcastle start with a drink in hand and if there's one thing the North East does well, it's providing thirsty folk with a drink at the end of a long day. Newcastle's drinking culture is one of the most fun and friendly in the country and our locals will think nothing of chatting to you at the bar to give you recommendations on how to have the best night in town.
You'll find a myriad of great pubs and bars in Newcastle; the only hard part is choosing where to go. Lovers of craft beer are in for a treat in Ouseburn Valley, where you can chug frosty pints from local breweries in the beer garden to the sounds of live music while dog lovers should also be sure to head to Newcastle and Gateshead's dog friendly pubs or to some of Newcastle's most famous bars for colourful cocktails.
The good news for travellers is that the average price of a pint in Newcastle is £3.00 and our signature brew is of course Newcastle Brown Ale, which has been served in the region since 1927.
Famous Places To Visit In Newcastle
There are plenty of historic and cultural sites in NewcastleGateshead and beyond. Why not take your own alternative tour of Newcastle and Gateshead's most famous spots which have featured in film, literature and television. Here's a couple of North East 'Hollywood' hot-spots we'd recommend...
Exploring outside NewcastleGateshead
NewcastleGateshead has plenty to see and do within the city, but there's also a world of experiences beyond in nearby Northumberland as well as the Coast. Did you know, that over half of Gateshead is made up of Countryside? If you're visiting NewcastleGateshead for more than one day, pick up a travel pass and use the Metro and bus service to venture to some of the best tourist sites in the North East.
The North East is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK with miles of sandy coastline and scenic views; perfect for a day out with the kids, building sandcastles and splashing in the cool North Sea.
The Northumberland countryside also provides the perfect day out thanks to its quaint English villages, National Trust sites and luscious green nature reserves. Walk along Hadrian's Wall and explore many of the English Heritage venues, Roman Forts and properites. Discover our Victorian heritage at Beamish Outdoor Museum, go on a nature walk in Kielder or explore the castles and stately homes hidden among the scenery, you'll find a number of surprises outside NewcastleGateshead.
When visiting NewcastleGateshead to spend time as a couple, travelling with friends or looking for places to go with your family, you're guaranteed to find things to do. Check out our Visitor's Guide for more information and plan your visit today.
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