Budget tips for Newcastle upon Tyne, England
The northern English city of Newcastle (officially called “Newcastle upon Tyne”), about 45 miles from the border with Scotland at its most direct route, is known for its friendly and fun-loving locals. Locals are called “Geordies”; most notoriously, they have a habit of parading from pub to pub in the coldest depths of winter wearing clothes better suited to beach resorts.
I visited in late summer and everybody’s attire struck me as seasonally appropriate. But it took three darlins in a quarter-hour to teach me that Newcastle’s legendary friendliness was no fabrication. Later, when I found myself sharing a table with people I’d only just met, who then insisted on buying a round and sharing hilariously inappropriate information, Newcastle – just three hours from London by train – began to feel quite distant from the capital.
In the 19th century, Newcastle was one of Britain’s industrial motors, with shipbuilding of particular economic importance. The decline of coal and the protracted collapse of shipbuilding over the 20th century hit Newcastle very hard. In time, the city has reemerged, not without some struggles, with a very different economic base.
Gateshead Millennium Bridge spanning the tranquil Tyne River. Photo: Steenbergs
New attractions
What is so striking to recent visitors is the fact that so many of Newcastle’s star attractions are less than two decades old. The Gateshead Millennium Bridge (opened 2001) is one such attraction. It is a “tilt bridge.” When it rises to allow boats to pass underneath, it doesn’t lift – it tilts.
Just over the bridge in Gateshead are the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art (opened 2002, in an old flour mill) and Sage Gateshead (opened 2004). The former is a beautiful museum with special exhibitions, a great gift shop, two restaurants, and fantastic views. The latter is a concert venue and a music education center. Another key attraction, the Angel of the North statue, was completed in 1998.
In late May, Newcastle’s profile in the US is likely to rise with the launch of a direct flight from Newark on United.
Newcastle is on the upswing, and there’s never been a better time to visit. Here are some tips for keeping Newcastle affordable.
Virgin Train East Coast getting ready to depart Kings Cross in London. Photo: Photo: Aubrey M
Getting there cheaply
From London, you can take Virgin Train East Coast, where one-way fares can dip to as low as £15. Direct trains leave very frequently from Kings Cross station and take around three hours, depending on what time of day you leave. Buy as far in advance as possible to get the best deal.
Non-stop flights are available too, and on British Airways it takes a little over an hour. We found flights on a recent search for as low as £68 each way from Heathrow (LHR).
Learn about Newcastle history at Discovery Museum that offers free admission. Photo: here
Explore free museums
Admission is free to several key museums, including the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art (Gateshead Quays), the Discovery Museum (Blandford Square), and the National Glass Centre not far off in Sunderland. The Discovery Museum is especially good for kids, with information-packed exhibits focused on Tyneside, the surrounding region, and Newcastle.
Get an affordable public transportation pass
Consider a Day Rover pass for unlimited travel in the region. A Day Rover pass will set you back only £7.
This massive sculpture is a modern addition to Newcastle opening 1998. Photo: Psycho Delia
Visit the dramatic Angel of the North for free
Use your transit pass to visit the Angel of the North, about five miles south of the River Tyne. Conceptualized by sculptor Antony Gormley, it is over 65 feet tall and over 175 feet across. Its dramatic, rust-colored presence is striking. It is completely worth a visit – and there is no charge for admission.
Geek out with unlimited video games
In a timelier vein, gamers should visit Newcastle’s Life Science Centre (Times Square) between May 23 and November 1, 2015. The world’s biggest collection of playable computer games, spanning several decades, will be exhibited as part of “Game On 2.0”, an exhibition exploring the culture and history of gaming. Admission at £12.95 for adults and £7.50 for under-17s may be a tad pricey, but it permits access to every part of the museum – and access to all of the exhibition’s playable games.
The Newcastle branch of Sleeperz opened in 2012. It’s a quick walk from the train station and city center. Photo: Courtesy of Sleeperz
Book budget accommodations for £60
The Newcastle branch of Hotel Sleeperz is well located, just a skip from the city’s main train station. A search of upcoming double rooms turned up a fair number of rates at £60 and under. The sleek building offers 98 rooms that are basic but very cheerful. There’s a restaurant and lounge on site, and free Wi-Fi is available to all guests.
Click here to see all hotels in Newcastle available for your dates.
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