Making the most of Newcastle
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise berths sit beside Royal Quays Marina, where there is little to explore and no cruise-terminal building yet.
Newcastle International Airport is 15 miles north of the Cruise Terminal, a journey of 30 minutes. The city connects to the rest of the UK by the A1(M), running north/south, and A69, running east/west. Newcastle Central Station is nine miles or 20 minutes from the terminal, with intercity trains to Edinburgh, York and London; London is under three hours away. Hourly services cross the Pennines to the UK's west coast and Lake District.
From Newcastle Central Station, the Metro to Percy Main takes about 15-20 minutes, followed by a 20 min walk to the terminal.
A city-centre taxi has a fixed fare of 12 pounds, slightly higher for the return trip.
Cruise lines commonly offer 16 Euros p.p. shuttles, but may only do so the night before so as not to jeopardise excursion sales.
For parties of more than one, a taxi may therefore be better value.
For GPS, use International Ferry Terminal Royal Quays North Shields Tyne & Wear NE29 6EE.
Bring a printable map.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, more often called Newcastle, has worked hard to shed its dreary industrial reputation and build a successful tourist industry. Its regeneration has clearly worked: the city is now a popular UK weekend destination, especially for younger visitors drawn to the bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
On the north bank of the River Tyne, Newcastle has 2,000 years of history and an impressive architectural legacy, including the UK's greatest collection of classical listed buildings. It rose to prominence during the Industrial Revolution, yet had long been a Roman capital and Saxon defensive point in northern England. Its Roman roots survive in Hadrian's Wall, whose remains stretch east towards Wallsend.
Roman remains and the stately neoclassical streets of central Grainger Town now contrast with the ultra-modern Quayside development. Newcastle's waterfront shines with smart boutiques, fine restaurants, stylish hotels and modern art. The Gateshead Millennium Bridge itself is an artwork, arching over the Tyne to join Newcastle and Gateshead Quays; it normally tilts only once a day at noon.
Modern facilities sit comfortably beside historic sites, parks, traditional markets, galleries and museums. It may not be on every visitor's top-destination list, but Newcastle is a lively, thriving city with much to offer.
Getting around
CitySightseeing buses leave Newcastle Central Station and make numerous stops, including St James' Park, Quayside, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, The Sage Gateshead, Gateshead Quays and Castle Keep. Hop on and off as often as you wish. Their partly open, partly covered upper decks offer top-deck views in any weather, and a pre-recorded English commentary accompanies tours lasting 30 - 60 minutes, according to the route.
Nearby places
The attractive coastal town of Whitley Bay is nearby.
Hadrian's Wall can be reached on bus 122.
Food and shopping
Northumberland Street is Newcastle's principal shopping street. A 2004 report ranked it the UK's most expensive high street for rent outside London. Other central shopping areas—Eldon Garden, Monument Mall, Newgate centre, Central Arcade and the traditional Grainger Market—are all close enough to walk between. Outside the centre, Gosforth and Byker are the largest suburban shopping areas, while Gateshead's Metrocenter is Europe's largest indoor shopping centre.
If time allows, Royal Quays outlet centre is about 10 minutes' walk from the berth. Some locals instead recommend Tynemouth, as Royal Quays Outlet has needed refurbishment in recent years. Tynemouth has many independent shops and Riley's Fish Shack at King Edward's Bay.
Money
The pound (£) is used throughout the UK; you may also hear pounds called quid. Scottish bank notes are not readily accepted elsewhere in the UK, so exchange them before leaving Scotland.
Cash machines (ATM), also called holes in the wall, are widespread and normally dispense £10 and £20 notes.
Most shops and restaurants accept Visa, Mastercard and Maestro.
Staying connected
English is spoken nationwide, though local accents can be strong.
Most cafés and restaurants provide free WiFi.
For emergencies in Newcastle, dial local 999; EU-wide 112 can also be used.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours are generally as follows:
Small shops often trade 6 or 7 days each week, from 10am - 6pm. Larger stores generally remain open until 9PM, while hyper marts are often open 24/7.