United Kingdom, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Newcastle-upon-Tyne, more commonly referred to as simply Newcastle, is the largest city in the north-east of England. Newcastle has recently been voted the UK's best short break destination and the vibrant city of Newcastle is considered one of the world's new cultural Meccas, with many world-class, dynamic attractions.

History

It has a rich and varied past, dating back to the Roman era, and at one time a quarter of all the world's ship building industry was centered here.

It was given its name in Norman times after they constructed a ‘new castle’ in 1080, which still exists. An important part of Newcastles development came from the import of coal from Northumberland.

The original castle was made of wood and it was soon replaced with one built of stone. The remains of this castle can still be visited today in the form of the Keep, which dates from 1170, and the Black Gate, which dates from 1248.

As early as Elizabethan times, Newcastle was exporting coal. Newcastle's chartered control of the river ensured that all coal from the area was shipped from its port.

Over the next few centuries various other industries also established themselves in Newcastle. Of these, perhaps the most significant were the iron and steel industries, for these were to play a significant factor in Newcastle's development in the 18th and 19th centuries.

In recent decades several other trades have replaced many of the traditional, industrial areas of employment.

Of these the most significant one is the retail trade. Since the 1980's several large shopping centres have opened in the city, establishing Newcastle as one of the best shopping cities in the UK.

Geography

Newcastle upon Tyne is located in the North East of England, on the banks of the River Tyne and surrounded by the scenic beauty of Northumbria. The city itself is located on the northern bank of the River Tyne at latitude of 54.974° N and a longitude of 1.614° W.

Demographics

Newcastle has a population of approximately 259,000. The city itself has a population of just over a quarter of a million, but its close links to these neighbouring boroughs makes the regional population far larger.

Economy

Newcastle's economy was founded on coal and steel which made the city a world leader of manufacturing, particularly in shipbuilding and armaments. Today the city is an important business and financial center, with a broad economic base spanning manufacturing, information technology, commercial and professional services and retail distribution.

The city of Newcastle is one of the most important business cities in this part of the country and major companies in the Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Gateshead area include many large UK corporations, such as Greggs, Northern Rock, Procter and Gamble, Sage and the car manufacturing giant, Nissan.

Culture

Newcastle is well-known for its fun-loving, party atmosphere. It has excellent cultural and recreational amenities, and is particularly renowned for its exciting night-life. Indeed, according to the DKNY Energy Index, it ranks as the fifth most exciting city in the UK! The city boasts many attractions, with good shops, restaurants, pubs, art galleries, museums, theatres and concert venues.

There are countless restaurants and hotels that spread out lip smacking Italian, Indian, and French dishes among others.

Sports

There are good sports facilities in Newcastle for participants, such as golf courses, tennis courts, central badminton courts, popular swimming pools, modern fitness centres and gyms.

The River Tyne runs straight through the centre of Newcastle and is a particularly scenic area for walking and cycling in Newcastle. There are also a number of pubs along the way, close to the riverside.

Transportation

Newcastle is a major transport hub and is served by Newcastle Airport - a major airport on the outskirts of the city; trains - with frequent train departing from the Newcastle Central Station; buses, coaches and taxis. The city of Newcastle is also home to its famous Tyne and Wear Metro system, which was the first light rapid rail transit system in the United Kingdom.