Local Attractions

Sage Gateshead

The Sage Music Centre is an architectural gem right on the riverside, next to the Tyne Bridge. Featuring two world class concert halls and a variety of workshop spaces, as well as fabulous views over the Tyne. The venue plays host to a fine variety of international acts.

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Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art

Housed in a renovated flour mill on the banks of the Tyne, the Baltic centre is a highly rated museum that has received critical acclaim on a national level. Instead of housing its own collection the museum hosts touring exhibitions from some of the biggest names in modern British art.

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Millennium Bridge

The newest of the many bridges spanning the river is the spectacular Millennium bridge, which rises like a blinking eye to allow boats through. The bridge has won many awards for its outstanding architecture, and is fast becoming a symbol for the whole region.

Castle Keep

Newcastle is an historic walled city, and the castle keep is a must see part of the cities history. The keep stands prominently above the river and it's easy to see why this location was perfect for commanding the surrounding area, it not houses an interesting museum allowing visitors to explore the cities past.

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Laing Art Gallery

The Laing Gallery in Newcastle city centre has a wonderful collection of permanent works, including the highly regarded watercolour gallery.

The Laing also plays host to many traveling pieces and has recently hosted works from both Van Gogh and Cezanne.

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Alnwick Castle

Alnwick is home of one of the most impressive castles in the country, ancestral seat of the infamous Percy family, and home of the Duke of Northumberland for centuries. The magnificent castle is set in amazing grounds, and you may well recognize it from the silver screen as both Harry Potter and Elizabeth were partially filmed here.

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Shopping

The Newcastle area is home to some of the best shopping outside of the capital, with departments stores such as Fenwicks and John Lewis in the impressive Eldon Square, designer stores like Kurt Geiger, Karen Millen and Reiss in the trendy area around Grey's monument. Not only that but within easy reach by public transport or car is the largest shopping complex in Europe, the newly extended Metrocentre.

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Nightlife

Newcastle is renowned worldwide for its incredible nightlife, named as one of the 8 best party cities in the world by an international magazine, alongside places such as New York and Sydney.

The quayside area has a wide variety of bars and clubs and a lively atmosphere, while the Jesmond area, home to the hotel itself is a hot spot for restaurant and wine bars among the trendy well to do locals.

The Theatre Royal

The Theatre Royal is one of the oldest theatre's in the country, it stands majestically and prominently on Grey Street, recently voted the most attractive street in the country.

The theatre regularly hosts big name west end hits such as Chicago, Joseph and Hairspray

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What's On When

Durham Bonfire Night

05 Nov

The Aykley Heads Police Headquarters organise the annual Guy Fawkes celebrations in Durham, featuring fireworks and a bonfire. Refreshments are available and there's ample parking at County Hall.
Winter Evening Lights

02 Nov

As darkness falls the Alnwick Gardens fill with light during its Winter Evening Lights series. Admire the illuminated Grand Cascade or the spookily illuminated Poison Garden or choose your night and enjoy live blues or cooking demonstrations.

Durham Book Festival

17 Oct

Revitalised and relaunched as the Durham Book Festival in 2008, the former Durham Literature Festival returns to host authors, poets and writers during 11 days of events across a number of venues, including the Gala Theatre, in this hallowed city.