London has a lot going for it, no argument there. But, there’s plenty of other great things to hold your interest in England. Throughout the country there’s cathedrals, cliffs, castles and cuisine to explore. GetAway Travel is here to help you plan your London and beyond adventure!
Newcastle upon Tyne — beverage, industrial history
William the Conqueror decided to build a castle high on a sandstone bluff above the River Tyne on the site of a former Roman fortification. It was a “new castle,” hence the name. Now, it is more frequently referred to as Newcastle rather than the longer Newcastle upon Tyne.
Newcastle Gateshead Quayside with River Tyne
The city, which made its bones as an industrial center, first for textiles, then for coal and then for ship and steam train building, is a fascinating blend of modern and historical culture.
Earl Grey is a tea blend flavored with oil produced from the rind of bergamot oranges.
Grey’s Monument is in the city center. It commemorates Charles Gray, the 2nd Earl of Grey and creator of Earl Grey Tea.
However, if you aren’t a tea drinker, do partake of the area’s other famous beverage — Newcastle Brown Ale.
Brown Ale – you thirsty yet?
Newcastle Castle is one of the oldest buildings in the city and now it’s a great museum. Explore the ancient passageways and chambers, and the view of the city and countryside from the roof is amazing. Two of the other larger museums in the city include the Great North Museum and Discovery Museum. At the Great North visitors browse the eclectic offerings from mummies from ancient Egypt to local artifacts. The Discovery Museum, a museum of science and technology, has lots of hand-on activities for adults and children and some great ship models including its top attraction, “Turbinia” which was once the fastest ship in the world.
Built on top of a Roman fort around 1175
The Tyne Bridge looks like the Sydney Harbor Bridge. It is the most famous of the seven bridges on the Tyne which are all clustered in an area less than a mile and they all cross to Gateshead. The best views of six of the seven bridges is from the Millennium Bridge.
A view of Newcastle city centre from Tyne Bridge
