Newcastle overview
People live in Newcastle for many reasons, one of them being that it is a vibrant city at the heart of a region combinging a history of older industries with new forms of employment, daring architecture and sculpture. There is a proud local identity and proximity to attractive countryside, including the beauty and remoteness of Northumbria National Park. While not a particularly big city, it is a friendly one with plenty of amenities.
Top attractions in Newcastle
- The Quayside - Newcastle's nightlife at its renowned best. The West End as a whole and the Bigg market are also popular places to hang out. Don't forget to leave your coat behind.
- Angel of the North - across the Tyne in a field on the edge of Gateshead, it is the most iconic symbol of the entire area.
- Newcastle United - much revolves around the goldfish bowl that is St James's Park, hence the presence of all those black and white shirts - the Magpies.
- The bridges - The wide variety of architectural styles will fascinate anyone with the remotest interest in engineering.
- Town Moor - This large green stretch of common land in the heart of the city is so large it can accommodate leisure space and sports fields yet still have room for grazing cattle.
- Centre for life - This science centre with the declared aim of bringing science to life. A great place to get the kids interested through exploration, debate and hands-on experience
- Vallum - a Roman ditch in the Benwell district, the sole visible remains of a former fort marking part of Hadrian's Wall
How to get around
- By Rail - The city is served principally by Central Station, located in the heart of the city. Trains on the East Coast connects to Edinburgh and Glasgow to the north and Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham and London to the south.
- Metro - the centrepiece of the local transport network, the Tyne and Wear Metro is one of just three underground systems in the UK alongside London and Glasgow, although in some respects it is a hybrid of underground and light rail. Most of the stations are above ground, but run in tunnels in the centre of Newcastle and Gateshead either side of the river.
- The city and region has an extensive bus network, with National Express also serving the city on long-distance routes.
- Air - Newcastle has its own international airport, serving routes all around Europe, Turkey and North Africa. It is served by the Metro.
- Motorways - The city can be reach using the A1 and A1(M).
Living in Newcastle
- Universities - Newcastle has two universities: the University of Newcastle and the University of Northumbria. They were rated 37th and 67th respectively in the Guardian¿s University guide 2011.
- Major hospitals - The main hospitals are the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Freeman Hospital and Newcastle General Hospital. The Freeman is located in the High Heaton district in the north of the city, while the other two are in the city centre.
- History - Newcastle dates back to Roman times, with the eastern end of Hadrian's' wall terminating at nearby Wallsend and part of the wall running through the city area. However it was in Norman times that the name became established, the "New Castle" becoming a fortress. In the centuries that followed the city matured when various industries began, with shipbuilding dating back to the middle ages. Coal and steel also became prominent features of the city. Recently however, like many other urban areas, it has sought to redevelop itself as a post-industrial centre for business, commerce and leisure.
- Traditions - The aforementioned sporting tradition of wearing the black and white stripes of the "Toon" is a key feature of life in the city, along with the rivalry this brings with Sunderland. But there is more, with the local tourist authority noting that cultural spaces include the Baltic (one of the biggest art spaces in Europe) and the Shefton Museum of Greek Art and Archaeology. Another great Geordie tradition is wearing a t-shirt or even less in cold weather, as is the presence in the local dialect of many distinct words, rather than just an accent.
Property in Newcastle
Newcastle has a large proportion of terraced housing, although many of these are large and impressive Georgian structures, particularly in the central areas of the city. Family housing is more available in outer areas. In recent years, many new-build developments have emerged around the city.
The national association of estate agents lists nearly 90 different agents in the city, with more across the area.
Events
- Athletics - cross one of the many fine bridges on the Tyne and see major athletics meetings at Gateshead featuring star names.
- Beer festival - hosted by the Campaign for Real Ale, it's a chance to sample something other than Newcastle Brown in April.
- The Chinese New Year - a classic celebration of all things Chinese (not just food) in February each year.
- The Great North Run - iconic half-marathon attracting around 54,000 runners each year.