Newcastle
Newcastlegateshead is a fusion of the old and the new, an up and coming city gaining a reputation for great shopping and nightlife. Located in North East England, Newcastle (on the north bank of the River Tyne) and Gateshead (on the south bank) have been transformed into a single visitor destination called NewcastleGateshead. Newcastle has lots to offer for a short city break from exploring the ancient city walls and castle to a stroll along the rejuvenated quayside with its waterfront bars and galleries.
For somewhere stylish to stay check out the Malmaison Hotel for somewhere to stay. The Malmaison is a multi award-winning, luxurious hotel with a newly refurbished bar and brasserie, located on Newcastle's stunning waterfront. The hotel's rooms are light and airy but the atmosphere at the Malmaison is dark and sensuous, decorated in deep purples and plush velvets.
The Malmaison is just a blink away from the "winking eye" of the Millennium Bridge, a pedestrian and cycle-bridge linking Gateshead with Newcastle. The award winning bridge is a marvel of modern engineering and design and is referred to locally as the "Winking Eye Bridge" due to its elliptical shape and its rotational movement. Crossing the bridge to the south bank in Gateshead you reach Baltic, housed in a landmark industrial building. Baltic is the biggest gallery of its kind in the world, with no permanent collection instead providing instead an ever-changing calendar of exhibitions and activities that give a unique and compelling insight into contemporary artistic practice.
Delve into Newcastle's historic past in a visit to the Castle Keep. The Castle was built by Henry II between 1168-1178, it is one of the finest surviving examples of a Norman Keep in the country. The Castle Keep is a Grade 1 listed building, a scheduled ancient monument, and is open to the public 361 days of the year as a heritage visitor attraction.
For some stylish shopping, head to Grainger street, the central street in what is known as Grainger Town, the historic heart of Newcastle. Based around classical streets built by Richard Grainger, a builder and developer, between 1835 and 1842, some of Newcastle upon Tyne's finest buildings and streets lie within the Grainger Town area of the City centre including Grainger Market, Theatre Royal, Grey Street, Grainger Street and Clayton Street. These buildings are predominately four storeys, with vertical dormers, domes, turrets and spikes. When you've had enough culture and shopping, the rejuvenated quayside areas with its hip bars, restaurants and clubs is a great way to unwind and relax for the evening.
Price Information:
Ryanair
www.ryanair.com
Dublin to Newcastle
Return fares from €20 including taxes and charges.
Malmaison Hotel
www.malmaison-newcastle.com
Rooms from £99 (room only)
Jesmond Dene House Hotel
www.jesmonddenehouse.co.uk
Rooms from £175 (room only)
NewcastleGateshead
www.NewcastleGateshead.com