Castle Keep and New Castle
Originally known as Monkchester, Newcastle only got its present
name when Robert Curthose, son of the infamous William the
Conqueror, built his 'New Castle' on the site of the Roman fort
Pons Aeliu in 1080. Used as a point of defence, the castle was
originally built of wood and timber, but was later rebuilt in
stone. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the castle, as
well as the Castle Keep built later on the same site by Henry II.
The Castle Keep is acknowledged as one of the finest surviving
examples of a Norman Keep in the country.
Castle Keep
Glen Bowman
Hadrian's Wall
In order to separate the Roman Empire in Britain from the native
'barbarians', Emperor Hadrian ordered the building of an impressive
wall in the year 122. Taking approximately six years to complete,
the wall stretches for roughly 80 miles (120km) from South Shields
to Ravenglass, passing through present-day Newcastle. Dotted along
it are several forts, temples, turrets and mile castles, and
visitors can explore these fascinating 2,000-year-old remains, as
well as the often stunningly beautiful surrounding countryside.
Hadrian's Wall was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987,
and continues to delight and amaze historically-minded visitors to
the north of England.
Part of Hadrian's Wall
Alun Salt
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art
The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Arts is a unique and
fascinating collection of ever-changing exhibits set in an old
flourmill on the south bank of the River Tyne. The biggest gallery
of its kind, the Centre allows visitors to explore the innovative
and unusual world of top contemporary artists, both local and
international. The BALTIC Centre also plays host to various
performances, activities, and talks, and visitors have the
opportunity to interact with the current artist-in-residence. Some
of the Centre's past and present exhibitors include Sam
Taylor-Wood, Wang Du, Sofia Stevi, Susan Hiller, and Keith Haring.
Check out the official website listed below for details on what's
showing during your visit.
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art
phototram
Newcastle's Oceanic climate is temperate, and although typical
of the United Kingdom, it can be highly changeable. Due to the Gulf
Stream, temperatures are usually warmer than in the rest of the UK
and as Newcastle is in the rain shadow of the North Pennines, it is
also one of the UK's driest cities. Summers (June to August) are
usually sunny and warm, with average lows of 50°F (10°C) and highs
of 68°F (20°C), while winters (December to February) are cold, with
occasional snow and average temperatures between 36°F (2°C) and
44°F (7°C).
Newcastle International Airport
Location: The airport is situated six miles (10km) from Newcastle
city centre.
Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to last
Sunday in October).
Getting to the city:
The Metro system connects the airport to Newcastle Central
Station, and other parts of the city, leaving every few minutes.
Buses also leave regularly for the Eldon Square Bus Concourse.
Car Rental:
Car hire companies represented at the airport include Avis,
Europcar, Hertz and Interrent.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside the terminal.
Facilities:
Newcastle Airport has shops, bars and restaurants. Other
facilities include a bank, bureaux de change, ATMs, left luggage,
baby care rooms, and a children's play area. Disabled facilities
are good; those with special needs are advised to inform their
airline or travel agent in advance.
Parking
The short-stay and express parking lots are located directly
opposite the terminal. The medium-stay lot, just beyond, offers 15
minutes free parking for picking up or dropping off passengers. The
long-term lots are located furthest from the terminal and offer the
cheapest daily and weekly rates. Discounted rates are available for
bookings made via the airport website.
Newcastle has an excellent public transport system, with plenty
of buses, trains, and taxis available. It may be worth phoning
ahead for a taxi at the weekend, as the city can get quite busy.
Newcastle is also home to the Tyne and Wear Metro, a fast and
efficient means of transport that operates within the city and
connects Newcastle and Gateshead. There are plenty of car rental
agencies in the city, though exploring Newcastle on foot is perhaps
the best way to take in all the sights and sounds. There are also
several cycling paths and bike rental options. Mobile app based
taxi services like Uber are also available.
With its stylish waterfront and a host of historic
sites, Newcastle is a mix of fun and culture, heightened by the
legendary Geordie folk heritage. Newcastle, the party capital of
northeast England, is often underrated as a travel destination and
has been dubbed one of England's best-kept secrets.
A weekend break in Newcastle is well-suited to a
younger crowd, who will get the most out of the party culture of
this university city. However, history buffs may also enjoy a trip
to Newcastle for its ancient Roman heritage, particularly its
proximity to Hadrian's Wall.
The city's modern amenities actually lie comfortably
close to numerous historic sites and impressive old buildings,
including the Castle Keep and New Castle, Wallington Hall, the
lovely old buildings of Grey Street, and the Victoria Tunnel, a
fully-preserved 19th-century wagon tunnel which became an air raid
shelter during the war. A safe city that is easily navigated, with
a range of fascinating museums and year-round cultural events,
Newcastle is far more than its party reputation suggests.
Like most of England, summer is the best time to
travel to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, which has the advantage of being one
of the United Kingdom's driest cities. Summertime brings warm
temperatures, when locals and visitors alike can take advantage of
outdoor bars and clubs.