Newcastle upon Tyne is a port city on the banks of the River Tyne in the Northeast of England. The area dates back to the Roman times and it also derives its name from the Norman castle that was built here in 1080 by Robert II, the eldest son of William the Conqueror. The settlement gained importance in the 12th century as a fortress settlement that was strategically important for keeping out invaders from Scotland. In the 20th century, marine and heavy industries still remained important to Newcastle with coal playing an important part but in the 21st century, Newcastle is an important education hub.
Today Newcastle is an important education centre. It is home to Universities such as the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, and the Northumbria University. Apart from the University, the other important centres of education are the Municipal College of Technology, Rutherford College of Technology, and the Royal Grammar School, the college of education.
Newcastle is also home to Newcastle United, the football club. Football is a way of life here and like other parts of Britain, people of the city stand firmly behind their local team for support. The stadium of the club remains in the heart of the city and continues to receive unwavering support from its fans.
Newcastle has a vibrant nightlife, an event packed programme not to mention its bond with nature at every step. Where else would you get to surf in clear waters in the morning, ski in the evening at the Weardale and marvel at the world-famous Hadrian’s Wall. Living in Newcastle upon Tyne keeps you connected with the nerve centres of England without losing connect with the rural quiet.
Things to Do in Newcastle upon Tyne
One of the best things to do in Newcastle is to walk at least part of the 84-mile-long Hadrian’s Wall Path which makes its way across the city centre and follows Hadrian’s Wall across the beautiful countryside.
Check out the seven bridges that epitomise the River Tyne. Chief among them is the namesake Tyne Bridge, which at one point was the largest arch of any bridge in the world. The Gateshead Millennium Bridge is another landmark and crossing it on bike or foot is another thing high on the to-do list of the Newcastle area.
The Newcastle Castle which is actually anything but new is a family-friendly place and will connect you with the history of this place.
A visit to the historic quayside should be on the list of your priorities as there are a number of historic buildings here which have been today converted into hotels, shops and restaurants.
The Cathedral church of St Nicholas was built in the 14th and 15th centuries and its most arresting feature is its lantern tower. This tower, with a crenelated Scottish crown at the top was built in 1435 and is 197 feet tall. In the evening, the spire is floodlit and this is a sight that you don’t want to miss.
The old city Chares are one of the oldest parts of Newcastle which consist of medieval alleyways, and lanes. Some of the other noteworthy places worth seeing around are Grey’s monument, into Eldon Square, Laing Art Gallery, Great North Museum in Hancock and Discovery museum.
Employers in Newcastle
Some of the noteworthy and big employers in Northeast England are Nissan Motor Manufacturing which has the largest car manufacturing plant in the UK in Washington, Tyne, the Sage Group which is an accounting software giant, Tetley Tea, the largest teabag factory in the world, Greggs plc the largest bakery chain and financial giant Deloitte.
