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What's on in Newcastle Gateshead

Travel by train to Newcastle from London, York and Edinburgh with East Coast for cheaper train fares.

Jul/Aug/Sept

It’s all about the outdoors in these months, so have your flip-flops and factor 40 at the ready (with a brolly in your bag just in case), and enjoy!

First off is the Mouth of the Tyne Festival (10-11 Jul), a two-day celebration of street theatre and live music at Tynemouth Priory and Castle, with James Morrison and sultry jazz singer Kirsty Almeida headlining.

Next, dig out your stetsons for the SummerTyne Americana Festival (22-25 Jul), featuring the best of alternative country music, from deep Southern gospel to electrifying blues and rock. Toe-tapping concerts take place both inside and outside The Sage Gateshead, with big names including Rosanne Cash, Jakob Dylan and Solomon Burke.

Dress to impress at Beeswing Ladies Day at Newcastle Racecourse (24 Jul), the place to be seen this summer. Prizes are awarded to the most glamorous ladies and you can expect the champagne and Pimm’s to flow as fast as the fillies run.

Talking of running, if you want to get in shape, sign up for the Bupa Great North Run (19 Sept) and join 54,000 fellow athletes and a great party atmosphere for the world’s biggest half-marathon.

Slow it down and head indoors for the Newcastle Gateshead Art Fair at The Sage Gateshead (1-3 Oct), which showcases the work of both established and emerging artists. A great place to pick up an investment piece - or just something pretty for the living room.

Doctor Who Exhibition

Until 31 October

Come face to face with Cybermen, Daleks, Ood, the Absorbaloff and many other fanciful creatures at this awesome exhibition at Life Science Centre, which also includes spectacular props and costumes from the award-winning TV show.

life.org.uk

Chess

27 August-11 September

The legendary musical is given a spectacular new staging by Strictly Come Dancing's Craig Revel Horwood. With lyrics by Tim Rice and music by ABBA’s Björn and Benny, the tale of two chess masters battling it out for world domination and a woman's love includes songs such as "I Know Him So Well" and "One Night in Bangkok".

theatreroyal.co.uk

Epika: The world’s greatest film music live

1-2 October

A rousing tribute to great movie music is performed by the English Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Bjorn Bantock. Listen to thunderous scores, such as The Dark Knight, Spiderman, Jaws, The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and Avatar, while a thrilling light and laser show builds to a stunning climax.

newcastlecityhall.org

5 things to see and do in Newcastle

Seven Stories

The first museum in the UK dedicated to the art of children’s books has an exciting programme of exhibitions and events, including a Harry Potter Weekend (10-11 Jul) and a Doctor Who Day (30 Aug).
Journal Tyne Theatre

This beautiful Victorian theatre offers some great family entertainment—don’t miss Fireman Sam: Pontypandy Rocks!, a new stage show featuring the popular children’s TV hero, who is called on to save the day during the town’s first ever music festival (28-29 Aug).
MetroCentre

As well as over 330 stores, Europe’s largest shopping centre has ample leisure and entertainment facilities to keep the kids entertained. Namco Funscape offers ten-pin bowling lanes, a speedy dodgem track and soft play area; there’s also an Odeon IMAX Cinema, and free summer shows by the centre’s very own Metrognomes (2-30 Aug).
Whickham Thorns Outdoor Activity Centre

A range of outdoor activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, archery, snow tubing and mountain biking, is offered at this leisure complex in Gateshead. For more sedate exercise there are trails and footpaths linking to the Great North Forest.
Castle Keep

Wonder where Newcastle got its name? It was from the first wooden fortification, built by Robert Curthose, son of William the Conqueror, in 1080. Today’s Norman keep dates from the 12th century and boasts spectacular views of the Quayside, Tyne bridges and the city centre—well worth the 134-step climb to the roof!

Comprehensive guide and accommodation ideas for Newcastle Gateshead.

Near the station

Eldon Square Centre - NE1

Located in the very heart of Newcastle, Eldon Square is the shopping experience in the city. With over 100 stores stocking everything from designer shoes to the latest in home entertainment, you won’t go home empty-handed.

Newcastle Quayside Market

For a shopping experience with a difference take a stroll down to the quayside. Spread out near Tyne Bridge, this vibrant market offers a variety of arts, crafts, fashions, food and jewellery as well as street artists. The market comes alive daily between 9.30am and 2.30pm.

The Back Page Sports Bookstore - 56 St Andrews Street, NE1 5SF

The Back Page claims to be the world’s largest stockist of football books and DVDs. The store is spread over two floors and houses thousands of specialist sports titles, match programmes, memorabilia, flags and photographs.

Brasserie Black Door - 16 Stoddart Street, NE2 1AN

Set within the Biscuit Factory art gallery, this is a unique setting in which to enjoy delicious brasserie food made with fresh local ingredients.

Blackfriars Restaurant - Friars Street, NE1 4XN

Eating at the Blackfriars Restaurant is a memorable experience. Located in a former inner-city monastery, the candle-lit dining room oozes charm. The food is created using seasonal produce from local farmers and the British-inspired menu offers a delicious selection of dishes.

Pan Haggerty - 21 Queen Street, NE1 3UG

Pan Haggerty is known for its rustic British cuisine served with minimal fuss and a focus on simplicity. Dishes such as the chargrilled steak, slow-cooked chicken and pork belly make this a great destination for those looking for good value, quality food.

Revolution - Collingwood Street, NE1 1JF

With its soaring seven-metre ceiling, stout pillars and elaborate interior design, Revolution is one of the more modish bars in Newcastle. The bar boasts a range of cocktails as well as 90 varieties of vodka. The bar is worth visiting if only to admire the attention to detail in the décor.

Sgt. Peppers - Vine Lane, NE1 7PW

A pub with a lively atmosphere and named after the famous Beatles song, Sgt. Peppers is a music-themed bar that revels in the classics and features karaoke nights, live bands and juke box tunes.

Newcastle Arms - 57 St. Andrews Street, NE1 5SE

This multi award-winning pub, proud holder of the Tyneside “Pub of the Year” title in 2006, 2007 and 2008, boasts an ever changing list of guest ales.

Gateshead Millennium Bridge

Impossible to miss with its yawning design that arcs impressively over the River Tyne, joining Newcastle and Gateshead, the Millennium Bridge is an impressive feat of engineering. The bridge was awarded the Royal Institute of British Architects prestigious Stirling Prize in 2002.

Castle Keep - NE1

The Castle Keep was built by King Henry II in the 12th-century and continues to overlook the River Tyne. The site is now a Grade-1 listed building and is recognised as one of the best surviving Norman Keeps in the United Kingdom.

The Cathedral Church of St Nicholas - St Nicholas Churchyard, NE1 1PF

The Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas, Built in the 14th-century, contains a number of memorials as well as beautiful examples of medieval stained glass. Be sure to keep an eye out for the images of Patron Saint St Nicholas as well as the Crown Spire.