On the River Tyne’s southern bank, Gateshead is known for its stylish buildings and cultural exhibitions. The town shares the lively Quayside area near the river with its larger neighbour Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Explore innovative bridges and artistic hubs that make Gateshead among England’s most fascinating communes.
Admire the Angel of the North, an enormous structure 177 feet (54 metres) wide serving as a gentle embrace to town visitors. Capture photos of your family beside the statue to demonstrate its size.
Visit the town centre on the River Tyne. Admire Quayside’s innovative architecture, with the Gateshead Millennium Bridge among the highlights. The structure joining the town to Newcastle has a state-of-the-art tilting feature to allow boats to pass underneath. Note the stunning architectural design of the curved footpath and grand arch.
Beside the bridge is the intriguing BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, which is housed in a former mill. Browse the temporary displays on modern works that encourage reflection. Fun tours catered to kids are available. Visit the extraordinary glass bubble domes of Sage Gateshead next door. The concert venue is designed with excellent acoustics and architectural designs for the best possible sound quality.
Dine at one of the traditional pubs around the Quayside area. Local cuisine includes Newcastle Brown Ale and the Singin’ Hinny, which is a type of baked scone.
Expect warm summers and fairly mild winters with occasional heavy snowfall. Bring an umbrella and warm clothing in case of rain and wind. On a sunny day, head to Saltwell Park for its play areas, woodland gardens and picturesque views.
The town is just south of Newcastle in the northernmost part of England. Drive south from Edinburgh for 2.5 hours or north from London for 5 hours to get here. Flights are available from the rest of the country to Newcastle International Airport, which is 10 miles (16 kilometres) north of the town.
Gateshead is a historic town that places an emphasis on modern, innovative architectural wonders.
