Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a city located in the northern bank of the River Tyne in Tyne and Wear. It is one of the core cities of England and was established during the Roman times. Hence, the city has a rich heritage and possesses a deep culture. It is also one of the more popular destinations of tourists who come to the country.

Sights & Activities

Near the center of the city is the Town Moor, an expansive outdoor space than is larger than the combined areas of Hampstead Heath and the Hyde Park. The area is mostly treeless, though a park is located in its southeastern corner, the Exhibition Park. In it are several sporting facilities such as croquet lawns, tennis courts, and a basketball court. An area is fenced for the children to play in while boats can be hired for those who wish to go boating in its small lake. The park also features a Military Museum and a skating rink. Exhibition Park is also the venue of the annual MELA, a social event celebrating Asian art, music, and cuisine. Another community event held in the park is The Hoppings, a fun fair held every June.

At the head of Grey Street is the Grey’s Monument, built in 1838 in honor of Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey for his role in the passage of the Great Reform Act of 1832. Lucky visitors may even climb the top of the monument through a spiral staircase though this only happen occasionally.

There are also several historic structures in the city and one of these is the St. Nicholas Cathedral, situated along St. Nicholas Street. This Church of England cathedral was named after the patron saint of sailors and boats, a clear indication of the city’s historic association with the River Tyne. The present structure was built in 1359 and has its Lantern spire as the most notable and distinctive feature. There are also a number of memorials within the cathedral, the oldest identified to be from the 13th century.

Another historic religious structure is the Jesmond Parish Church that was consecrated in 1861. Located along Jesmond Road, it is also situated across the Jesmond Metro station.

Much of the city’s local history can be learned at the Discovery Museum, located in Blandford Square. Among its more notable displays is the ship Turbinia, which was used to determine the applicability of steam turbine in powering ships. It also contains some historic military equipment.

One of the area’s most striking landmarks is the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, a tilt bridge used by pedestrians and cyclists. When boats and small ships need to pass by, hydraulic rams rotate the bridge to full 40°. This led to the locals calling the structure the ‘Blinking Eye Bridge.’ The bridge has also earned recognitions and awards for its designers and builders.

Weather

Newcastle upon Tyne enjoys a temperate climate, with warm to hot summers and cold winters that may even bring snow even during the month of March. The city’s proximity to the coast ensures that the weather is a little bit warmer compared to the rest of the inland cities. Rainfall is also a common occurrence in Newcastle, especially during winter. When exploring the city’s sights, visitors should come prepared for any changes in the weather that may occur at a short notice.