If you are considering coach hire in or around the Newcastle area, contact us for a competitive quote. We only use coach hire operators who are local to the Newcastle area which means that we are able to take advantage of the coach operators local knowledge.
In addition, we have gathered some information that you may find useful.
In the North East of England, Newcastle and Gateshead face each other across the River Tyne coming together at the dazzling Quayside. Awash with restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels and must-see attractions including the award-winning Gateshead Millennium Bridge, the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, and The Sage Gateshead- a vision of billowing curves of glass and steel.
Newcastle Gateshead is known throughout the world as a vibrant centre of cultural excellence. Cutting-edge attractions and historic buildings are animated with fabulous events and festivals, parks and gardens are blooming, and world-class sport is available for all to enjoy.
Surround yourself in history, seen at every turn of a street or upward glance. Almost 2,000 years have left their mark – in buildings, bridges and broad sweeping streets. The city centre is compact so it’s easy to enjoy the main sights on foot, remember to pick up a walking tours leaflet from the Tourist Information Centre, which is a great way to see hidden gems.
The Castle Keep is on the site of the 11th century, wooden ‘New Castle’ built by William the Conqueror’s son – and from where the city takes it’s name, the view from the battlements is well worth the climb.
Look out for the city’s medieval fortifications, tucked away in back streets, Blackfriars, a former 13th century Dominican monastery, which is now a peaceful quadrangle and restaurant, and the fabulous Jacobean Merchant Houses on the Quayside.
Newcastle Gateshead is extremely well served with award winning art galleries and museums, rated among the best in Britain - a cultural high for any visitor.
The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art is a new breed of art space. With no permanent collection, this gallery regularly changes exhibitions, giving you the opportunity to view art in all sorts of media, from new commission to previously unseen works from internationally renowned artists. It's a great place to have a meal or a drink and enjoy the fabulous views of Tyneside – and entry is free.
Spend some time at the Life Science Centre. Here man's evolution is examined with a trip along the river of life, which travels back 34 billion years to meet our early ancestors. Once you have discovered man's own origins, take a trip back in history at the Newcastle Story at the Discovery Museum and unravel the city's past back to Roman times.
Other art galleries and museums include the Hancock, Hatton, Laing, Gateshead Library, Military Vehicle Museum, Museum of Antiques, Shefton Museum of Greek Art and Archaeology, Shipley, Side Gallery, University and Waygood Gallery, and the majority are free to enter.
North Easterners have a canny eye for the original, and value for money. This is reflected in the astonishing range of shops and boutiques. Both Eldon Square in Newcastle City Centre and Metrocentre in Gateshead have big high-street names and major department stores. The Metrocentre’s new red mall will again re-instate the centre as the largest in Europe.
Designer label lovers should head for the shops in Princess Square in the heart of the city, and in the side streets you’ll find individual boutiques for picking up that one-off bargain.
Why not buy some original art? The Biscuit Factory is Europe’s biggest centre for original art. Prices for original paintings, photographs, drawings, sculpture, glass and furniture range from £20 to £20,000. Or try Art Works and David Welsh Gallery, both are studios and galleries. You can also pick up some wonderful handmade jewellery, pottery, glass and card in small outlets throughout the city.
If you like the hustle and bustle of markets try the covered Grainger Market, full of all sorts of goodies, the farmers market in Grainger Town (on the first Friday of every month) or the local craft market on Armstrong Bridge on Sundays.
You don’t have to go far to chill and relax in Newcastle Gateshead. There are parks and gardens within the city itself and glorious green spaces just beyond.
Jump on the Metro to Jesmond Dene, a narrow wooded valley, close to the city centre, threaded with walks and pretty bridges. On Sundays, Armstrong Bridge is packed with art and craft stalls selling unusual, and very affordable, locally made wares. Equally close to the city centre is the restored 19th century Saltwell Park; grade 1 listed, it has a stunning fairy tale mansion, now a visitor centre. Leazes Park, in the heart of the city has also been lovingly restored, look out for events and festivals such as ‘Gallery in the Park’, and the Green Festival.
For romantic surroundings, It’s hard to beat the Gibside 18th Century Pleasure Grounds and Chapel. This National Trust property was formerly owned by the Queen Mother’s family, the Bowes-Lyons. Highly recommended are the fabulous outdoor music and theatre events!
And finally, if you love gardens, you’ll love Alnwick Garden. A 35 minute drive from Newcastle Gateshead, the garden has caused quite a stir, mixing traditional garden design with strikingly modern ideas. This autumn sees the opening of 3 new gardens and the huge floating Tree House.
For more information on parks and gardens in Newcastle Gateshead and the surrounding area visit Gardens - England's North East.
Newcastle Gateshead restaurants and cafes run the full gamut. Grainger Town is a great place to sip coffee and watch the world go by, or head down the Quayside for a relaxing lunch with an inspiring view. Many of the restaurants offer special lunch deals and early-bird suppers, so remember to ask! And don’t be afraid to try basement style restaurants Gershwin’s (Dean Street) and Charley’s (close to Theatre Royal) offer great food with cosy surroundings.
Great value lunch options include:
Panis, 61 High Bridge – Wonderful noisy atmosphere. Sardinian run café/restaurant with great service serving anything from sandwiches to full meals (Mon-Sat 10am–10pm).
Smooth Wrap Café, 2 High Bridge Square – Trendy little café with exotic filled wraps and freshly blended juices (Mon-Sat 10am–5pm).
Blackfriars Café Bar, Friar Street – In a 13th century former Dominican monastery in the city centre. Informal café bar menu and evening a la carte specials (Tues-Sat 12-2.30pm & 6pm-11pm; Sun 12-2.30pm).
Blakes, 53 Grey Street – Situated on the majestic sweep of Grey Street, this lively café has wonderful sandwiches and hot dishes (Mon-Fri 7am-5.30pm; Sat 7.30am-5.30pm; Sun 10am-4pm).
Top day-time must dos
1. Enjoy cutting-edge art with FREE entry at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art.
2. Check out Gateshead Millennium Bridge- at night the coloured lighting is spectacular.
3. Browse the gallery and buy original art at The Biscuit Factory.
4. Grainger Town- enjoy fabulous shops and pavement cafes.
5. Angel of the North– stand at the feet of this awe-inspiring figure.