| Newcastle – a great city - once in the forefront of
19th century industrial innovation, now, the forefront of technical innovation,
leisure and culture. For cultural attractions the city is unlike anywhere else. Wander down to the transformed waterfront, the Quayside, now lined with stylish hotels, designer bars, restaurants and public art. The Gateshead Millennium Bridge, a work of art in itself, arches across the Tyne to link the City to Gateshead Quays and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. The Baltic Centre, which has unrivalled views across the Tyne, is a former flourmill where artists from all over the world come to word. |
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The most famous view of Newcastle is that of its bridges (although the “Angel of the North” statue on the A1 road might dispute that nowadays). The best known of all the bridges is the Tyne Bridge, with its distinctive arch shape - rather similar to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. In fact the Tyne Bridge was actually built as a prototype for the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The same company from Middlesbrough built both bridges. The Tyne Bridge is somewhat smaller than the Sydney equivalent of course, what with the River Tyne being rather narrower than Sydney Harbour! At night time, the bridge is illuminated, so that the bridge, and its reflection in the river, both look dazzling. |
| The whole Quayside area near these bridges has been the beneficiary of much
urban regeneration in recent years, after the area fell into decay. Its former
prime was when the shipbuilding and coal mining industries were strong, and the
quayside was a hive of activity. These days it is somewhat more salubrious, and
is home to luxury flats and apartments, and swanky bars and restaurants...how
times have changed!
Every few years the Quayside has also been home to part of the Tall Ships Race, when many old style sailing ships are moored on the river, giving the quayside a historical feel, and a glimpse of what it used to be like, with tall ships everywhere.
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The River Tyne’s newest bridge is the Gateshead Millenium Bridge, which is a spectacular modern design. It is a footbridge in the shape of an eyelid which opens up in order to let boats through if they are too tall to fit underneath. There is also a Swing Bridge, which is at a very low level, which not surprisingly given its name swings open to let boats through if necessary. |
| Take a trip to ‘Hadrian’s Wall’ - the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain. It is the best-known frontier in the entire Roman Empire and stands as a reminder of past glories of one of the world's greatest civilisations. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1987, Hadrian's Wall ranks alongside the Taj Mahal and other treasures of the great wonders of the world. Spanning nearly 2,000 years of history, dramatic and wild landscapes, towns and cities, a visit to Hadrian's Wall is a must for anyone living in or visiting the North of England. Forts, museums and events bring Roman history to life; walks lead you through spectacular countryside. Time spent exploring this unique Roman heritage in its ever-changing setting will leave you with an unparalleled sense of awe and wonder. |  |
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Locals are known as "Geordies", and speak a distinctive, if non-standard type of English, also called Geordie. You can find a guide to their distinctive patois here: http://www.une.edu.au/langnet/geordie.htm |