Newcastle upon Tyne, commonly known as Newcastle or ‘the toon’ among locals, sits majestically along the River Tyne in Tyne and Wear within North East England. This vibrant northern city, where pop art emerged in the 1950s and once prospered through coal mining and shipbuilding, has transformed into a contemporary urban center.
From Ancient Roman Fortress to Contemporary Metropolis
The origins of Newcastle date back to Roman era when it went by the name Pons Aelius, serving as an important stronghold along Hadrian’s Wall. The term ‘Newcastle’ emerged from the Normans’ construction of a motte-and-bailey castle in 1080 by Robert Curthose, who was William the Conqueror’s firstborn. During the Middle Ages, Newcastle became increasingly prominent, notably due to its key role as a principal harbor for the wool commerce.
The incorporation of the Industrial Revolution deepened its character, thanks to the plentiful coal reserves in the area which spurred advancements in shipbuilding, engineering, and manufacturing. The arched Tyne Bridge serves as a prominent emblem of the city’s industrial legacy, illustrating how traces of this illustrious history blend seamlessly with modern progress within the urban landscape.
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Where to stay
Visitors looking for a chic and conveniently located accommodation will find the Dakota Hotel Newcastle provides an upscale and essential addition to Newcastle’s hospitality scene. Nestled along the River Tyne, slightly below the Millennium Bridge, this modern establishment features a decidedly urban-inspired decor characterized by shades of gray, beige, and soft browns complemented by accents of leather and velvet. The property boasts 118 sophisticated rooms; opt for one of the corner suites for unbeatable waterfront vistas. Additionally, guests can relax in either the snug library space or the dimly lit bar—both areas offer inviting atmospheres suitable for socializing or unwinding at all times of the day and night.
In the heart of the hotel lies The Grill, where visitors can savor a varied selection of dishes including top-tier Wagyu steaks alongside exquisite wild mushroom gnocchi and subtly sweet corn tempura. This dining area exudes an atmosphere marked by rich tones through its plush dark leather banquettes and elegant moody velvets.
Due to its excellent position, this hotel provides some of the finest vantage points for convenient access to numerous essential spots in Newcastle. Notably, guests can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the iconic Tyne Bridges as well as the bustling Quayside area, which serves as a vibrant social center.
Dakota Newcastle
112 Quayside
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DX
dakotahotels.co.uk/newcastle
Where to go
Despite common belief, the urban arts and cultural landscape here is surprisingly captivating. Located on the Gateshead side of the River Tyne, right across from Newcastle’s Quayside, stands the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art—a space originally housed in an old grain mill. Unlike conventional museums, this center showcases ever-changing exhibits of modern art without maintaining a fixed collection. Guests have the opportunity to climb up to the fourth-floor observation deck, offering sweeping panoramas of Newcastle’s skyline. Interestingly, this very terrace hosts what is known as the world’s furthest-inland colony of kittiwakes; these seabirds nest externally along the museum walls.
In the heart of the city, the Laing Art Gallery holds an extensive collection of British artwork, notably emphasizing pieces created during the 18th century.
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The century-old gallery houses notable artworks by renowned English artists like J.M.W. Turner and Edward Lear. It also showcases major figures from the North East art community, featuring 19th-century painters such as John Martin alongside naturalists like Thomas Bewick.
Where to dine and have drinks
For a taste of the traditional ‘stottie cake,’ a sizable, flat, and usually tough bread specialty hailing from Northeastern England, head over to Big River Bakery located on Wretham Place. This cozy, quintessentially British bakery features an inviting open kitchen and stands as the perfect example of its genre. Inside, shelves brim with freshly baked loaves, delectable sweets, and regional favorites—all crafted right behind the scenes in their bustling ovens.
Head instead to Ouseburn, the trendy artistic district known for its distinctively bohemian vibe, which you won’t find anywhere else within the NE postal codes. This neighborhood hosts Northern Rye (one of several locations they have around town), a boutique bakery and café specializing in artisanal breads made from organically sourced ingredients through long-fermentation processes. Stop by here for chilled coffees along the waterway, gourmet focaccia sandwiches freshly prepared every day, as well as top-tier pastries and desserts.
If you’re looking for a Michelin-endorsed restaurant, Cook House, under the guidance of chef Anna Hedworth, is where you should make your reservation. This venue seamlessly blends coziness with sophisticated cuisine. What started as a supper club has evolved into an actual eatery offering meals from morning through night—breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. On their extensive menu, notable dishes include the succulent Shetland mussels paired with creamy leeks, white wine, and fresh garden herbs, along with the espresso parfait complemented by a hazelnut crumb and fluffy whipped crème fraîche.