Newcastle is a city famous for its great industrial heritage, eponymous brown ale, distinct Geordie accent and iconic bridge over the River Tyne. Our Fuel Cards team, who are based in the city, share their ultimate must-do list for a perfect visit if you only have 24 hours in Newcastle….
Places To See And Things To Discover:
Newcastle and its surrounding areas have a great mix of all things modern as well places with historic significance, from the Sage (a modern music and arts venue) to the remains of the castle keep right in the heart of Newcastle, from the famous Tyne Bridge to the Angel of the North sculpture. Here are just a few others:
Laing Art Gallery: Home of some world-class pieces of art.
Theatre Royal: Where you’ll find all the best shows.
Beamish Living Museum of The North: An open-air museum where you can go back in time and see an example of rural north east England.
Eldon Square Shopping Centre and Gateshead’s Metrocentre: Great if a little retail therapy is your thing!
The Seaside: Newcastle has lots of beautiful beaches!
Hidden Secret Gem: It’s not really Newcastle, but right outside our Jarrow Terminal is Bede’s World at Jarrow Hall, which is an Anglo-Saxon village museum that celebrates the life of Venerable Bede, a monk and scholar who lived in the Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.
Where To Eat:
Where not to eat is probably an easier question to answer! Newcastle’s restaurants know no bounds and whatever you’re in the mood for, you will not be disappointed! Here are just a few of the team’s favourites:
House of Tides: Newcastle’s 1 Michelin star restaurant, perfect if you want a really fancy meal.
Chinatown: Which is in an historic area of Newcastle with many authentic Chinese restaurants, as well as an elaborate archway entrance.
Babucho: A New York-style brasserie restaurant/bar with great décor.
Kafeneon Greek Restaurant: Serving Greek and Mediterranean dishes prepared fresh on site. We’ve had superb food every time we’ve visited, but our recommendations include their Meze sharing platters or a melt-in-the-mouth, slow-cooked lamb kleftiko.
Where To Stay:
There are lots of great hotels across the city, but our favourite places to stay include:
The Vermont Hotel: Think 1930s grandeur combined with modern luxury (and a great rooftop bar!).
The Malmaison: Possibly the hippest hotel in Newcastle.
Royal Station Hotel: A beautiful hotel that was opened in 1850 by Queen Victoria.
Jurys Inn: A northern gem situated in the heart of the city.
Night Life:
Newcastle is infamous for its night life, and the whole city really does come alive at night, even in the winter months when you can walk down the Bigg Market in freezing temperatures and the streets are still buzzing (and not a coat to be seen). Newcastle really is a great place for night life, drawing people from far and wide for stag and hen dos, or just for a “jolly up.” No matter where you visit, you’ll be sure to get a warm welcome and possibly an “alreet pet” (which is Geordie for “hello”). The quayside on the banks of the River Tyne is a great spot for drinks, regardless of whether you like the new and trendy or the old and quiet. Variety really is the spice of life when it comes to Newcastle’s bars. Here are a few of the team’s favourite spots:
The Forth in Pink Lane: Which offers a great range of real ales.
The Vermont Hotel’s Sky Lounge: A rooftop bar, where you can sit and see the wonderful views of our exciting city.
Decantus: An upmarket gin bar on beautiful Grey Street.
Revolución de Cuba: For all you cocktail lovers!
Newcastle Fast Facts:
Population: 312,476
Currency: Pounds Sterling
Time Zone: GMT
Languages: English….and Geordie (the local dialect, for those not in the know!)
