Hotels in Newcastle

Our hotels in Newcastle are close to some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Millennium Bridge that stretches across the River Tyne, Newcastle racecourse, boutique shops in nearby Jesmond and  Newcastle Airport. There’s great places to relax and unwind along the river on The Quayside or in refreshing green spaces like Leazes Park near the city centre, next door to the home of Newcastle FC, St. James’ Park.

What is Newcastle famous for? 
Newcastle is well known for its lively nightlife, popular football club, beautiful Quayside and fascinating sights and landmarks, like the seven bridges that cross the Tyne.

What is someone from Newcastle called?
People from Newcastle are affectionately referred to as Geordies. The term is thought to originate from the name ‘George’, which was a common name among pitmen and miners in the northeast of England in the late 1800s, or could perhaps be linked to the city’s support of English kings George I and II in opposition to the rest of the population of Northumberland in the early 1800s. It’s technically only supposed to refer to people born on the north of the Tyne within a mile of Newcastle, but nowadays tends to be a catch-all for anyone from the area. The area’s accent is made up of unique phrasings and words used by people from the Newcastle area and this is also referred to as Geordie. 

Who is the most famous Geordie?
Many famous folk hail from Newcastle. Footballers Alan Shearer and Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne, singers Neil Tenant of the Pet Shop Boys and ex-Girls Aloud star Cheryl Cole, actor and comedian Rowan Atkinson and TV presenters Ant and Dec all come from the area.

Where does a Geordie accent come from?
The distinctive Newcastle Geordie accent often includes non-standard pronunciations and grammatical forms that can leave even other Brits a little confused. It’s believed that the accent originates from over 1,500 years ago when Anglo-Saxon settlers came from continental Europe, blending Danish, German and Old English dialects. Common (if perhaps a little archetypal) phrases include ‘wey-aye’, meaning an emphatic ‘why, yes, of course’, ‘man’ or ‘pet’ as terms of endearment, or ‘areet’ as a quick ‘hello’.

What is the population of Newcastle?
Newcastle has a population of around 300,000 people, making it the 8th most populous city in England and the largest population in the north east region.

Why is Newcastle called the Toon?
The Old English word ‘tun’, which eventually evolved to become town was pronounced ‘toon’. The original pronunciation never changed in the Newcastle area. The city is now affectionately referred to as the Toon, and Newcastle United supporters are often labelled the Toon Army. 
 

Is Newcastle a beautiful city?
Newcastle’s riverside position means it’s not short of iconic views, and the city’s architecture and many green parks make it an attractive city break option for lovers of both urban and more natural environments.

What should I wear on a night out in Newcastle?
If you’re heading to a relaxed pub or bar, then jeans and a t-shirt or more casual wear will be absolutely fine. Many clubs don’t mind more laid-back outfits, but you’ll probably find other people like to dress up a lot more for the evenings. Think shirts, blazers, dresses and heels, although more casual variations are more than acceptable too.

What area of Newcastle is best for nightlife?
The city centre is the best area for nightlife, and the area is compact enough that you can most likely walk from pub to bar to club with ease.

Find out more about Newcastle’s nightlife with our guide.

What food is Newcastle famous for?
One of the UK’s favourite fast food cafes, Gregg’s Bakery originated in Newcastle – there’s around 30 in the city, so you’ll be able to grab a hearty pasty wherever you are. The city is also famous for Newcastle Brown Ale, a dark ale first brewed in 1921, that’s usually drunk from the bottle; locals affectionately refer to it as ‘Dog’ or ‘Broon’.

Is Newcastle safe?
Yes, in general, Newcastle is very safe for visitors. If you’re enjoying the city’s lively nightlife, or strolling any of the busier streets, we recommend keeping your common sense about you (as with any city), but the friendly locals and compact city centre generally mean you shouldn’t face too many problems.

How much is a pint of beer in Newcastle?
The average cost of a pint in Newcastle is £3.92, according to a 2020 study. 
 

What can you do in Newcastle for free?
Exploring Newcastle by foot is totally free and the compact nature of the city means this is easily done. Stroll across the seven famous bridges along the Tyne, explore the Grainger Market or relax in one of the city’s parks. There are also free-to-enter museums and galleries across the city – try the Discovery Museum for science and local history exhibitions.

What can families do in Newcastle?
There’s plenty for families to enjoy in Newcastle, with parks bursting with playgrounds, options for sporting activities like climbing or horse riding, cycling along the Quayside, and plenty of museums to keep kids and adults of all ages happy. The Angel of the North isn’t far from the city, and every June the city welcomes The Hoppings fairground – Europe’s largest travelling funfair.

What can couples do in Newcastle?
Looking for a romantic date night in Newcastle? Stroll along the River Tyne, which looks particularly beautiful when lit up at night. Soak up some culture at one of the city’s many art galleries (The Laing Art Gallery and The Biscuit Factory are two great options), before making the most of the excellent dining options around the city and finishing up with some cocktails and a dance at one of the city’s fantastic bars and clubs.
 

How far is London from Newcastle?
Newcastle is just under 250 miles north of London, with a journey that takes just under three hours by train or around 5 hours to drive.

Discover more about the city with our detailed Things to do in Newcastle guide.