Explore Newcastle upon Tyne

What to know before visiting Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne, or simply Newcastle, is a city and metropolitan borough in Tyne and Wear, England. The city is located on the River Tyne's northern bank and forms the largest part of the Tyneside built-up area. Newcastle is also the most populous city of North East England. Newcastle developed around a Roman settlement called Pons Aelius and the settlement later took the name of a castle built in 1080 by William the Conqueror's eldest son, Robert Curthose. Historically, the city's economy was dependent on its port and in particular, its status as one of the world's largest ship building and repair centres. Today, the city's economy is diverse with major economic output in science, finance, retail, education, tourism, and nightlife. Newcastle is one of the UK Core Cities, as well as part of the Eurocities network.Famous landmarks in Newcastle include the Tyne Bridge; the Swing Bridge; Newcastle Castle; Newcastle Cathedral, St Mary's Cathedral, St Thomas' Church; Grainger Town including Grey's Monument and the Theatre Royal; the Millennium Bridge; St James' Park; and Chinatown. Culturally, Newcastle is famed for its nightlife; bakery chain Greggs; television personalities Ant & Dec; the Great North Run half-marathon; and Newcastle United Football Club. Newcastle was historically part of the county of Northumberland until 1400, when it became a county in its own right separate from Northumberland. Newcastle and the North Tyneside area of Northumberland, along with some of County Durham south of the city, created the county of Tyne and Wear in 1974. Newcastle is governed by Newcastle City Council, part of the North of Tyne Combined Authority. -Wikipedia