Interesting Facts

With a population of 210,000, Newcastle is the largest city in the northeast. Unfortunately, this large city has no major tourist attraction. However, the city is friendly and easy to get around on foot, and the city does offer the dining and shopping diversity you would expect to find in a larger city.
Castle Garth is the "new" castle from which the city gets its name. The current castle's construction work dates back to 1168.
The bridges of Newcastle are some of the city's most interesting landmarks. The Tyne Bridge, which is the city's most famous, was built during 1925-1928. The Swing Bridge was built in 1876 by Lord Armstrong to replace the Old Tyne Bridge. It pivots in the middle, which allowed larger vessels to reach his shipyards upriver. The High Level Bridge was designed by Robert Stephenson and was the world's first road and railway bridge. It opened in 1849 and Queen Victoria was one of the first to cross.
The Laing Gallery in Newcastle houses the northeast's premier art collection. Local pottery, glassware, costumes, and sculptures along with British art are displayed in this very organized museum.
The Jarrow Crusade commenced in the eastern suburb of Jarrow. It was in 1936 that 200 men set out to walk the 275 miles to London to protest against the alarming conditions brought about by unemployment.
Newcastle has an extraordinary number of great restaurants. Check out the happy hours at the local establishments. It's during these early evening hours you can find inexpensive specials and a chance to mix with the locals.
The locals are known as Geordies. And you should know that they place going out, drinking, and dancing on the top of their priority lists. The Bigg Market is known for having large groups of young people hanging around. But don't worry, Newcastle provides venues to appease every taste.
If you're ready to shop, you've come to the right place! The Metrocentre at Gateshead is the largest shopping centre in Europe. With 350 shops, 50 eating establishments, and fairground rides, you can rest assured that everyone will find something to their liking.
Newcastle is thought to be the first place in Britain to brew beer. It is known, however, that Newcastle's first commercial brewery, John Barras and Company of Gateshead, was established here in 1770. Since 1927, the city has been the home to the production of Newcastle Brown Ale, known locally as "Dog." Today, it is the top-selling bottled beer in Europe.
Okay Sports Fans, are you in for a real treat! The city of Newcastle and the Geordies are fanatically supportive of its local football team, the Newcastle United Magpies. The team is so important to the city that after the death of the team's most famous goal scorer, Jackie Milburn, thousands crowed the streets for what could almost be considered a state funeral!