Located on the northeast coast of England, on the banks of the River Tyne, the city of Newcastle has been around since Roman times and played an important role in Viking England. For centuries, it was one of the country's biggest and busiest ports, and much of Newcastle's industrial heritage buildings are still standing today – though they've been put to a very different use!
English is the main language in Newcastle, and the currency is the pound. Getting around on package holidays in Newcastle is easy thanks to the metro system – it connects the city with the suburbs, stretching from Whitley Bay in the north to Sunderland in the south.
Newcastle Airport (NCL) also has its own metro station, with regular trains going to the city centre. Flights to Newcastle regularly arrive from cities all over Europe, including Cork and Dublin.
The weather can be very unpredictable in this part of the country, though summers are milder and drier and winters can be chilly and wet. Regardless of when you book your flight to and hotel in Newcastle, you should be prepared for all types of weather.
Every September, the city hosts the Great North Run, a half marathon that attracts top athletes from all around the world, as well as hundreds of enthusiastic amateurs.
Enjoy the city's lively nightlife on package holidays in Newcastle by joining locals in the bars and clubs of the Bigg Market or the more sophisticated wine bars along the Quayside. If you wish to contemplate the previous evening's celebrations over a full English breakfast, one of the best can be found at Long Play Café, also on the Quayside. It's also a great place to pick up vintage vinyl records.
Head for Eldon Square if you want to hit the shops on your weekend in Newcastle. Make sure to visit Fenwick, a traditional department store. If that isn't enough retail therapy, take your weekend in Newcastle across the River Tyne to Gateshead's Metrocentre, the largest shopping centre in the UK.
There are more than 2,000 years of history to explore on weekends in Newcastle, along with popular local cultural centres.
Traditional food in North East England is hearty fare designed to fill the stomach. Look forward to dishes such as Pan Haggerty, which is made with thinly sliced potatoes, onions and cheese. The Saveloy Dip, a classic Newcastle snack, is a sausage sandwich dipped in gravy and meat juices before being covered in a layer of pease pudding, another Newcastle tradition. Pease pudding is a spreadable paste made from split peas and often served in stotties (bread rolls) with slices of meat. Wash it all down with a bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale – or 'Newkie Brown' locally – and you'll have enjoyed a taste of the North East.
Newcastle Brown Ale makes a great souvenir of city breaks in Newcastle. You could also buy pint glasses and other mementoes branded with the iconic Newkie Brown logo. Celebrate the area's unique dialect by picking up an English-Geordie dictionary – not only could it help you communicate with the locals, but it makes a fun gift for family and friends back home!