Things to see in Newcastle
Attractions
Segedunum
Segedunum ("segger-doon-um") Roman Fort is the nearest section of Hadrian's Wall to Newcastle. It features a reconstructed bathhouse, a museum of artefacts and a replica full-size section of the wall, which once stretched 117km (73 miles) west from here. A lofty viewing tower looks down on the site.
Address: Wallsend, Buddle Street, Newcastle, NE28 6HRTelephone: +44 191 278 4217.
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 1000-1700, Sat-Sun 1100-1600 (Apr-Nov); Mon-Sun 1000-1500 (Nov-Mar).
Website: http://segedunumromanfort.org.ukAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
Closed and derelict for 20 years, this huge flour mill silo has been superbly restored and is home to an ever-changing programme of (often challenging) world-class visual art exhibitions. There is also a cafe bar, the smart Six Rooftop Restaurant and a viewing platform with staggering vistas over the city.
Address: , Gateshead Quays, Newcastle, NE8 3BATelephone: +44 191 478 1810.
Opening times:
Daily 1000-1800.
Website: http://www.balticmill.comAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Castle Keep
Henry II built this keep in 1168-78 on the old site of the original New Castle that gave the city its name. By the middle of the 19th century, the Black Gate had been reduced to slum dwellings for 12 families and a pub. What visitors see today is the medieval update of the keep. The rooftop terrace offers spectacular river views.
Address: St Nicholas Street, Castle Garth, Newcastle, NE1 1RQTelephone: +44 191 230 6300.
Opening times:
Daily 1000-1700.
Website: http://www.newcastlecastle.co.ukAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Life Science Centre
This exciting Millennium project draws on the city's world-class research facilities, housed in the same "Science Village" complex. This interactive visitor attraction examines everything from dinosaurs and the human body to the way different cultures live. It's designed mostly for kids, but adults will also get a lot from it.
Address: , Times Square, Newcastle, NE1 4EPTelephone: +44 191 243 8210.
Opening times:
Mon-Wed 1000-1800, Thu 1000-2000, Fri-Sat 1000-1800, Sun 1100-1800.
Website: http://www.life.org.ukAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Newcastle United Football Club
Football really is like a religion on Tyneside and witnessing 50,000 Magpies' supporters, all clad in the famous black and white home shirt, erupt when a goal is scored is an experience not to be missed. The stadium is located right in the heart of the city. Tours can be arranged even on non-match days.
Address: , St James' Park, Barrack Road, Newcastle, NE1 4STTelephone: +44 191 261 1571.
Opening times: Website: http://www.nufc.co.uk
Admission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
The Sage Gateshead
Opened in 2004 as a cutting-edge international music centre, Sir Norman Foster's stunning elegant steel-and-glass curved design is Newcastle's answer to Sydney's Opera House or Bilbao's Guggenheim. Controversial in design, it features a sweeping, stainless steel roof that is "shrink-wrapped" around the buildings beneath it. Love it or hate it, it has become a leading musical and cultural beacon for the north-east.
Address: Gateshead, St Mary's Square, Newcastle, NE8 2JRTelephone: +44 191 443 4661.
Opening times:
Daily 0900-2100 (varies, check website).
Website: http://www.thesagegateshead.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Angel of the North
Nothing can prepare you for the scale of Anthony Gormley's iconic sculpture. Built in 1998, this majestic artwork is 20m (65ft) high with a wingspan of 54m (175ft) and weight of 208 tonnes. Though it lies in Gateshead, this masterpiece has become one of Newcastle's tourism landmarks.
Address: Gateshead, Eighton Banks (between the A1 and A167), Newcastle,Telephone:
Opening times:
Daily 24 hours.
Website: http://www.angelofthenorth.org.ukAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Great North Museum: Hancock
This contains the city's largest and most all-embracing museum collection. Moving from spectacular objects from the Ancient Greeks and Egyptian mummies to a large, interactive model of Hadrian's Wall, it has something for everyone. It also covers the natural world, with a life-size T-Rex dinosaur skeleton and a planetarium, plus plenty more.
Address: , Barras Bridge, Newcastle, NE2 4PTTelephone: +44 191 222 6765.
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 1000-1700, Sat 1000-1600, Sun 1100-1600.
Website: http://greatnorthmuseum.org.ukAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Laing Art Gallery
This excellent gallery is renowned for its collection of watercolours and sculptures. Works by eminent Pre-Raphaelites sit alongside pieces by more recent artists such as LS Lowry and local John Martin. The gallery also hosts regular exhibitions and holds events, such as gallery talks, family activities and artists' shows.
Address: , New Bridge Street, Newcastle, NE1 8AGTelephone: +44 191 278 1611.
Opening times:
Tue-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1400-1700.
Website: http://laingartgallery.org.ukAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Discovery Museum
This lively museum is a perfect introduction to the city and Tyneside. Expect immersive displays exploring maritime history, world-changing science and technology as well as fashion through the eras, domestic life and military history. The Tyneside–built boat, Turbinia, which dominates the museum entrance, is the first ship to be powered by a steam turbine.
Address: , Blandford Square, Newcastle, NE1 4JATelephone: +44 191 232 6789.
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 1000-1600, Sat-Sun 1100-1600.
Website: http://discoverymuseum.org.ukAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
