The attractive northern city with a vibrant, trendy nightlife

Newcastle upon Tyne is the Northeast's lively party capital, a city that has cast off its former industrial image to re-invent itself as a sophisticated tourist destination. The attractive city centre boasts a vibrant nightlife, superb cultural heritage, and a burgeoning student population, which have all contributed to the city’s glowing reputation. The home of Newcastle United football club, Brown Ale and the iconic Tyne Bridge, the city prospered during the Industrial Revolution as a centre for the wool trade and coal mining. As Newcastle’s local economy grew, so too did the city’s infrastructure, and as a result the city now boasts one of the largest collections of neoclassical buildings anywhere in the UK, many of which are currently housing the boutique shops, restaurants and trendy bars.

Why Go?
Newcastle will almost certainly appeal to anyone that enjoys a good night out, with countless bars, restaurants and nightclubs. There are several theatres and live music venues in Newcastle, including the 11,000 capacity Metro Radio Arena, which attracts top international acts. Visit in September to take part in the famous Great North Run.

When to Go?
As you might expect being right up in the north-east of England, temperatures in Newcastle rarely reach the balmy highs of those in the south, but a bit of cold and rain have never dampened the spirits of Newcastle's army of revellers who make their way to the famous Bigg market and the Quayside on a Friday and Saturday night. Newcastle is undoubtedly a year-round destination for great nightlife.

How to get there?
Domestic flights to Newcastle Airport (NCL) are available from virtually every corner of the UK, with several low cost carriers operating on domestic routes. easyJet has Newcastle flights from Stansted, Bristol and Belfast International, while Flybe offer flights to Newcastle from Exeter, Guernsey, Jersey, London Gatwick, Cardiff, Southampton and Belfast City Airport. BA fly from London to Newcastle and Eastern Airways can get you there from Birmingham and Aberdeen. Air Southwest have a Newcastle flight from Newquay or Plymouth.

Must see
The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art built on the south bank of the River Tyne in a former flour mill contains exhibits from both local and international artists as well as serving as a location for performance art. For a taste of local history, find out how the city got its name with a visit to the now very old ‘New Castle’, originally built by the son of William the Conqueror and later added to by Henry II. The Metro Radio Arena hosts top bands, dance troupes and comedy acts in a seated indoor arena. The Life Science Centre features exhibitions and activities for kids and adults, revealing science fiction and science fact in a fascinating environment.