Some interesting streets
by toonsarah
When in Newcastle do take the time to wander away from the main thoroughfares into some of the old winding streets that run between them. One interesting spot is picturesque Amen Corner, behind the cathedral near the Castle Keep. The old cobbles and street lights are evocative of Newcastle’s past, as is the Side which leads steeply down from here to the Quayside. Either side of this street lie narrow passages, usually more staircase than path, with interesting names such as Dog Leap Stairs.
For more historic street names head back up to the Bigg Market and nearby Cloth and Groat Markets and Pudding Chare. Photo 3 is of High Bridge, which links the Bigg Market with Grey Street and Pilgrim Street. It’s a great place to find some more eclectic shops, selling items such as vintage clothing and old vinyl records, and there are also a few nice pubs (photo 4 is of the Beehive Hotel, a very traditional pub on the corner of High Bridge and the Bigg Market). This street owes its name to the original “High Bridge” which crossed a small river or burn in the medieval heart of Newcastle.
The Tyne Bridge
by steventilly
From Black Gate drop down the street called 'Side' and head downhill towards the river. After continuing downwards down Dean Street you will emerge almost directly beneath 'The Tyne Bridge' - Newcastle's most famous landmark. Forerunner to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which is of similar design but somewhat larger!
It was built between 1925 and 1928 by Dorman Long of Middlesbrough and it was the largest single span bridge in the world until the Sydney bridge was built in 1932, also by Dorman Long.
On the far bank, behind the ship (it's a floating nightclub) is The Sage Centre - a new Centre For Music being built on the Gateshead side of the Tyne.
Fenwicks' windows at Christmas
by toonsarah
Fenwicks department store is a Newcastle institution. Every Christmas since 1971 the large windows that run the length of the shop along its Northumberland Street frontage have been transformed into a series of tableaux to delight the young, and not so young, of the city. Few families would dream of shopping in Newcastle’s city centre in the run-up to Christmas without going to see what Fenwicks' windows were displaying.
This year (2007) there was a Beatrix Potter theme, with favourite animal characters such as Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddleduck and Squirrel Nutkin. Most of the scenes, as always, were animated (hence my slightly blurred photos). Last year we were treated to scenes from Gulliver’s Travels, and in other years I have seen Peter Pan, A Christmas Carol and The Snowman featured. There’s a complete list of past window themes on the Evening Chronicle’s website if you’re interested.
These window displays are reminiscent of the way the large London stores used to promote themselves at Christmas when I was a child. Obviously it is a great PR exercise for the store, but they never take the marketing element too far – you won’t see goods that are for sale inside incorporated into any of the scenes for instance. The only advertising involved here is the part the windows play in drawing people to the shop, which is refreshing nowadays.
Jesmond Dene park
by Grootpiet
A great park between the Jesmond & Jesmond Dene neighbourhoods, it's nice for walking, and also has a small (although somewhat derelict) zoo.
On Sundays there is a craft market on the bridge close to the motorway.
St.Mary's Lighthouse
by dazherg
St Mary's Island lies just off the coast a little north of Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear and about 10 miles from Newcastle. It is well signposted from most major routes, the A19 being the closest major north-south route.
Cars belonging to the general public are not allowed onto the island, instead ample parking is available in two car parks, one right at the end of the causeway access road. There is a charge for parking during "Summer" and toilet facilities are available.
The island is accessed by walking about 80 metres across a causeway which is only slightly covered at HW during neaps but can be almost a metre deep during springs. Care should be exercised when negotiating the causeway when any tide is running as it's quite easy to walk "off-the-edge".
Sign in with Facebook
Newcastle-upon-Tyne - UK
The Laing Art Gallery
Black Gate
Angel Of The North
