We all need a chance to get away from it all once in a while, and if you're looking for an opportunity to unwind in a cosmopolitan location, a trip to Newcastle could be the perfect choice.

Situated in the north-east of the UK, Newcastle is a city known for its industrial past, which grew up around the shipbuilding industry, glassworks and manufacturing.

As the official tourism website for the region, NewcastleGateshead can help you plan your next visit to the area, providing advice on sights to see and places to visit, as well as keeping you up to date with the latest events, festivals and shows going on.

We can even help you find and book the perfect accommodation for your visit, whether you're looking for luxury Newcastle hotels, or something a bit more basic.

Getting to know your way around Newcastle

A thriving port city, Newcastle is located on the north bank of the River Tyne, and a short walk across any of the stunning bridges that span the waterway will bring you to Gateshead.

Visitors to the region can enjoy an array of exciting activities within the city centre, from shopping and dining in fine restaurants, to an evening of culture at The Sage, a performance venue with striking modern architecture.

For shopping, there's Eldon Square, which is home to more than 150 stores, including high street brands, boutiques and specialty shops. It also features a fantastic range of drinking and dining establishments. Or head to the Metrocentre – as Europe's largest indoor shopping and leisure complex, it offers something for everyone.

Sightseers will probably want to visit the 12th-century Castle Keep, explore the Victorian splendour of the Central Arcade and watch the modern Gateshead Millennium Bridge in operation. Grainger Town is the historic heart of Newcastle, while St Nicholas Cathedral is more than 900 years old and is known for some beautiful stained glass.

There's also Chinatown on Stowell Street – enter via a traditional red gate topped with ornate decorations, and discover a variety of shops and restaurants based on cultures from across Asia, including not only China, but also Korea, Japan, Vietnam and Thailand.

Alternatively, take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city to explore the surrounding region. For example, hotels in Newcastle serve as a popular base for those wishing to walk along Hadrian's Wall or discover the Northumberland coast, while other local landmarks include The Angel of the North, Antony Gormley's magnificent sculpture.

Derwent Walk County Park and Watergate Forest Park are two other great choices for visitors to the area who want to enjoy a bit of fresh air and sprawling natural beauty.

Book accommodation with NewcastleGateshead

Whether you're arranging a romantic weekend getaway, a fun-filled family holiday or are travelling for work, reserving a room at one of the many fabulous Newcastle hotels is certainly a good way to start planning your visit.

Indeed, the city offers a wide range of accommodation options to choose from, including practical Newcastle airport hotels and budget accommodation like the Euro Hostel, as well as independent retreats right in the city centre such as the Kensington House Aparthotel.

Newcastle Gateshead can help you to find the ideal hotel for your requirements, and our website makes it easy to search for rooms and book online. Visit our website today to browse the various options that are available and make a reservation.