Conference 2017
Newcastle
United by seven bridges across a spectacular riverscape, Newcastle (a city on the north bank of the River Tyne) and Gateshead (a town on the south bank) form a single, diverse and extremely vibrant visitor destination.
With so much to see and do, where do you start? Whether you're visiting NewcastleGateshead for a city break or you're a local looking to explore the North East - our list of must sees will ensure you experience the best NewcastleGateshead has to offer.
The Angel of the North
Standing tall and watching over NewcastleGateshead, this iconic work of public art by Antony Gormley is admired by 150,000visitors a year.
At 54m wide and 20m high, it dominates the NewcastleGateshead skyline and is an awe-inspiring symbol of North East pride and culture.
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art
Often referred to as one of the cultural jewels in the Quayside's crown, the BALTIC is the largest gallery of its kind in the world.
With an ever-changing calendar of exhibitions and activities by some of the art world's most prominent figures, it's a must see for visitors and locals alike.
Quayside and Bridges
The Quayside, with its landmark buildings, bars and restaurants, and the seven bridges that span the River Tyne have become the iconic image of NewcastleGateshead.
Highlights include the Gateshead Millenium Bridge, the only tilting bridge in the world, the famous Tyne Bridge and the Swing Bridge, which revolves to allow ships to pass on either side.
The Castle Keep
Dating back to 1178, Newcastle Castle Keep is one of the finest examples of Norman stone in Britain.
The site itself was previously occupied by a Roman fort, an Anglo-Saxon cemetry and the original'New Castle' from which the city takes its name. From the top, the castle also boasts an outstanding view of NewcastleGateshead.
Grey Street and Grainger Town
These elegant sweeping streets, designed in the 1830s by the internationally renowned Richard Grainger, are said to boast more listed buildings than any other city bar London and Bath.
Take time to explore the Victorian Grainger Market, home to the original Marks and Spencers Penny Bazaar. Newcastle's famous Grey Street was once voted Britain's best street by Radio 4 listeners.
Great North Museum: Hancock
Help build a virtual Hadrian's Wall and discover spectacular treasures from Ancient Greece, mummies from Ancient Egypt, a planetarium, a life-sized T-Rex skeleton, a double-storey bio-wall featuring animals from all over the planet and more - plus it's all free!
Life Science Centre
The award-winning Life Science Centre brings learning to life for a fun family day out.
With excellent exhibitions, an amazing 4D motion simulator ride, live science shows and the North's biggest planetarium all under one roof, you'll learn, laugh and love your visit. If you visit during the winter, the centre also host the city's seasonal ice rink, situated in the middle of Times Square.
intu Metrocentre
Europe's largest indoor shopping and leisure centre is quite simply retail heaven, with everything from high street favourites to one-off stores and boutiques. And when you've shopped 'til you drop, there's an IMAX cinema, a champagne bar and over 50 great places to eat.
Ouseburn
Once the cradle of the industrial revolution on Tyneside, the area is once again becoming a vibrant place to live, work and play, thanks to imaginative, culture-led regeneration projects and the enthusiasm and commitment of the local community. Now the stunning townscape, set against fields, two rivers and six bridges, is home to artists, musicians, long established as well as newer creative businesses, visitor and educational attractions and, increasingly, residents. Locally, the name is most often associated with the small area on Lime Street around the Cluny, Seven Stories, Ouseburn Farm, and the immediate banks of the river itself, the Victoria Tunnel runs beneath the city from the Town Moor down to the Tyne.
Sage Gateshead
The Sage Gateshead, named one of the top five concert halls on the planet by the Philharmonia's director of touring Lionel Maazel, showcases everything from classical and jazz to indie and folk music by world-renowned artists.
The venue also hosts play to some of the North East's best events, as well boasting a rather luxurious brasserie.
St James' Park
Anyone surveying the city skyline or listening to the cheers on match days will be left in no doubt as to one of our overriding passions!