Summer Hotspots in Newcastle

Summer has arrived in Britain, although the sun doesn’t seem to have realised yet. From what we've seen so far, it might be worth packing a raincoat and umbrella as well as those shorts and sunglasses if you're heading to Newcastle for a holiday.

Even so, a traditional British summer is no excuse not to experience some of Newcastle's hottest tourist attractions, many of which can be enjoyed with or without the attendance of the sun. We've chosen six of the best, all easily accessible from Newcastle hostels.

The Quayside
Newcastle quayside is a gorgeous place to be when the sun is out, and there's no shortage of things to do at this hive of entertainment.

Art enthusiasts will want to check out The Baltic, a disused 1950s grain warehouse that has been transformed into a contemporary visual art space. Food fanatics will be captivated by the restaurants lining the river, from seafood specialist The Mussel to Spanish experts El Torero. Quayside is lined with trendy clubs, hotels and bars, but it's also a beautiful place to simply meander along in the sunshine, soaking up the atmosphere. http://www.newcastlequayside.co.uk/frameset.html

Blue Reef Aquarium
When the rain clouds come to play, Blue Reef Aquarium is one of the best places to enjoy the water without getting wet yourself. Meet many of the beautiful and intriguing residents who call it home, including sharks, seals, otters and crabs.

The safari isn't necessarily restricted to beneath the waves, as it also features a 'Monkeys of the Amazon' exhibition, and there are some fantastic opportunities to handle and feed various animals. An exciting, educational and above all enjoyable experience for any visitor to the city. Grand Parade, Tynemouth, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE30 4JF.

Urban Games 2012
The big finale of this three-year project is being held in the heart of Newcastle. Participants can get involved in workshops for break dancing, DJing, skateboarding and music tech. If they've got the confidence, they can also get up and perform in front of thousands of spectators, with a break dancing competition that attracts talent from as far afield as Yorkshire, Scotland and France.

As a result, hostels in Newcastle will be expecting urban fans from all over the country to be gravitating to the city. If you're visiting in August, make sure you don't miss this fantastic celebration of urban art and culture. http://www.theurbangames.org.uk/

The Olympics in Newcastle
Who says you have to go to London to experience the most historic sporting event of all time? All over the UK, people are in the grip of Olympic Fever, but Newcastle is one of only nine places outside of the capital where you can experience the sport firsthand this summer.

Tickets for the football are still available and very reasonably priced, with the events taking place at the iconic St James' Park in the heart of Newcastle. But if footie isn't really your thing, you can also be part of the Games by visiting ~Flow, the artwork specially commissioned to celebrate London 2012. ~Flow is a floating tidemill which uses a huge waterwheel to harness the power of the River Tyne to power interactive musical instruments onboard. ~Flow, Newcastle Quayside, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. St James' Park, Saint James' Boulevard, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 4ST.

World Shakespeare Festival 2012
Throughout the summer, Newcastle is celebrating the World Shakespeare Festival, a splendid extravaganza celebrating the bard himself as the world's playwright. The theatres of the city will be exhibiting some of the most famous plays, with both traditional and modern adaptations taking centre stage.

In particular, the Theatre Royal production of Julius Caesar is sure to thrill visitors to the city; the dark political thriller has been relocated to Africa for director Gregory Doran's contemporary vision. 100 Grey Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 6BR, 0844 811 2121.

Washington Wetland Centre
Although it's situated just outside the city centre, the Washington Wetland Centre is the ideal place to spend a summer day, and it can be easily reached by public transport. Reconnect with nature and get the city out of your lungs by exploring this beautifully diverse mix of wetland, woodland and wildflower meadows.

Interact with some of the most wonderful creatures Britain has to offer, including short-clawed otters, grey herons, woodland birds and Chilean flamingos. The regular events, talks and attractions featured here will mean that you won't want to leave before they close. Pattinson, Washington, Tyne and Wear, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE38 8LE, 0191 416 5454.

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