Posted on August 14, 2012 by sguese

The misconceptions about Newcastle often fade the minute the skeptic takes a chance on this town. Many believe Newcastle is all about coal and industry, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The city has see coal and steel come and go, enough so that Newcastle has turned its attentions toward being a cool urban center. A hipster city with traditional roots, Newcastle is in many regards not what you might expect. Pick up your car hire in Newcastle and be prepared to be wrong about this town.

 

Putting the New and Castle in Newcastle

 

While the Newcastle train station has tried to take a bite out of this former stronghold, the Castle Garth Keep is still worth a gander. It is after all what put the “new” and “castle” in Newcastle. Only the square Norman keep remains. However you can enter and visit a chapel and an exhibition of architectural models including Hadrian’s Wall and some 20^th century eyesores. Be sure to take in the views from the rooftop. This vantage point yields 360-degree views of the city.

 

A Bridge is Never Too Far

 

In Newcastle, bridges aren’t hard to come by. The most famous grouping remains a cluster of Tyne bridges. The most famous is the Tyne Bridge. It was built around the same time as Sydney’s Harbor Bridge. The little Swing Bridge opens at the middle in order to let ships through on the water below. Another must see bridge in Newcastle is the High Level Bridge. Robert Stephenson designed the bridge. It became the world’s first road and railway bridge.

 

Meet Busy Bessie or Newcastle’s 16^th century stretch

 

Set up on Tyne’s northern bank, you will find the former hub of commercial activity in town in the 16^th century. On Sandhill, there is a row of leaning merchant houses. These are the survivors from that era. One home you won’t want to pass by without going in is Bessie Surtee’s House. The home holds three rooms the public can see. Bessie’s story makes for an interesting visit. She was the daughter of a wealthily banker. She angered her father when she chose a pauper to be her husband. As luck would have it, that man went on to become Lord Chancellor.

 

Sporting some time at the Newcastle United Football Club

 

Newcastle considers its football club much more than just a team to watch. Newcastle United Football Club kicks around at St. James’ Park in Newcastle. The venue is always packed for matches. While most tickets go on sale two weeks before a game, the bigger matches are more difficult to come by.

 

Munch on art at a former Biscuit Factory

 

The Biscuit Factory might have your stomach grumbling when you first hear its name, but you won’t find biscuits here. The Biscuit Factory is a former factory now turned commercial art gallery. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the space for it houses the country’s biggest art shop. You can buy work from artists from near and far. The pieces cover a wide range of mediums including paintings, sculpture, glassware and furniture. Even if you aren’t looking to pick up artwork, the space is worth perusing just to see some excellent art.