Top Rated Attractions in Newcastle upon Tyne

Explore the underbelly of Newcastle upon Tyne in Victoria Tunnel which was built between 1839 and 1842. Surrounded by curved brick walls on the two sides, coal was transported through this place till its abandonment in the late 19th-century. However, it was used again during World War II when the tunnel was transformed into an air-raid shelter. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and touring this place is an unmissable activity during a visit to Newcastle upon Tyne.

One of the best provincial theaters in the UK, the Theatre Royal is situated on Grey Street, the most architecturally striking street in the city. Designed by Richard Grainger in 1837, the current building was refurbished in the late eighties. Its importance can be seen in the yearly residency of the Royal Shakespeare Company and in the breadth of star-name touring productions (drama, musicals, ballet, contemporary dance and opera) that it attracts. The theater runs a program of extra events: talks, master class recitals, workshops, lunches, and pre-performance suppers. Guided tours of the building are also available.

The serene Tyne River flows out from under the shadows of the historic Tyne Bridge, an emblematic landmark in Newcastle upon Tyne. Built by the makers of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this magnificent arch bridge is among the favored of the city's seven bridges. Its four sturdy towers, fashioned out of Cornish granite, are as much a sight to behold as the latticed, emerald-hued bridge itself. The Tyne Bridge and its surrounding environs also double as a hotbed of nesting kittiwake colonies. Come night, this majestic bridge is set alight with fierce, vibrant shades that reflect on the glassy waters of the River Tyne below. A spectacular marvel of engineering, the Tyne Bridge greatly defines the skyline of Newcastle upon Tyne.

The Quayside is an area along the banks of the River Tyne in Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead. Once full of industrial buildings and commercial docks, the area has been renovated as a modern waterfront district with multiple cultural attractions. The south side of the Quays, connected to the northern side by the iconic Gateshead Millennium Bridge, is the site of the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and the Sage Gateshead music center.

The Castle in Newcastle on Tyne in England is a fortress built dating back to 1177. Solely built for defense purposes, it represents the violent times of North England’s history. A favorite tourist spot, Newcastle Castle is also rich with haunting stories, which gives this medieval monument an eerie factor.

Embracing the sweeping countryside like only it could, this metallic Antony Gormley masterpiece is a sight to behold. Overlooking the majestic Tyne Bridge from atop the verdant hill of Birtley, this 20-meter (65-foot) steel-cast angel pays tribute to the long, coal-mining heritage of the Tyne region, besides also inspiring one to overcome their fears. With a stupendous wingspan of nearly 54 meters (178 feet), the Angel of the North dominates Gateshead's skyline with its impressive embrace. An interesting fact about this statuesque angel is that, it is modeled on a cast of artist Anthony Gormley's body.