The top ten views of Newcastle

Despite perceptions that it is 'grim up north', Newcastle is without doubt one of the most beautiful cities in England.

This September will mark ten years since Grey Street in Newcastle was voted the finest street in Britain in a BBC poll, and walking down it today, it is not hard to see why.

The steep hill down to the Quayside and the foot of the Tyne Bridge offers a marvellous glimpse of the famous green construction, and this got us thinking. What other beautiful views are there in the city?

So, after conducting a not-entirely-scientific straw poll, we've come up with a list of the top ten views you should take in when visiting a Newcastle hostel and presented them - as if this were an ever-so-official awards ceremony - in reverse order.


10) Town Moor hill

Kicking things off is the view from the top of the Town Moor hill on the edge of the city.

Every summer Newcastle's Town Moor - a large common on the edge of the city - turns into one of the biggest funfairs in Europe. But when the waltzers and candy floss aren't in town, the Moor's hill provides a great vantage point of the city.

Providing panoramas over the treetops and rooftops of Newcastle's suburbs, it also offers a great view of St James' Park (or as some people like to call it, the Sports Direct Arena) and is a peaceful place to rest and drink in the city after a brisk walk to get there.

9) Byker Bridge

Though Byker is best known for its fictional Grove, the East End area of the city is actually a thriving community and Byker Bridge, spanning the Ouseburn Valley, offers a wonderful image of the Ouseburn area sitting beneath.

The former industrial hub has been regenerated into a diverse cultural area with a city farm, music studios and venues taking over disused buildings, and from up on the bridge you can see a carpet of redbrick factories, chimneys and machinery down to the Tyne. It's almost as if you're looking into the city's past.

8) Jesmond Dene Mill/Waterfall

Hidden away in the depths of the sprawling city park, Jesmond Dene is a derelict mill that offers one of the more natural scenes on our list. The Old Mill used to be powered by the Dene's current, but has long since been abandoned and now sits alongside a picturesque footpath.

While the mill is well worth exploring in and of itself, a carefully chosen spot along the footpath offers a wonderful view upstream of a waterfall, perfectly framed underneath the arch of an old stone bridge.

7) Level Seven of St James' Park

At number seven is the sight from Level Seven of St James' Park (or the Sports Direct Arena if you insist). From the top tier of Newcastle United's 52,000-seater stadium you not only get a near birds-eye view of the pitch below, but an amazing view of the city beyond.

Being so high compared to the opposing stand makes it an amazing point from which to gaze out and the university's red brick buildings and the Civic Centre's spire are both easily spotted on the busy skyline.

6) St Mary's Lighthouse

A walk along the beach at Whitley Bay - just 20 minutes on the metro from the city centre - is a great way to spend a day, and is worth it to catch a glimpse of St Mary's Lighthouse alone.

Standing proud in the North Sea, the picture postcard lighthouse is now a visitor attraction that can be reached at low tide and makes for a perfect photo opportunity.

5) BALTIC sixth floor

The top floor of the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art on the Gateshead side of the Millennium Bridge is not only home to a great restaurant, but also offers one of the most incredible places to look out over the city.

The restaurant's bar area is housed in a glass-fronted cube above the art gallery's viewing platform, (so you can just head to the fifth floor if you don't want to eat) and it makes for a fantastic place to sit with a drink before you head to your table.

Views of the Tyne's iconic bridges and the incredible architecture that lines the river all make the BALTIC one of the best places in the city to have a gander.

4) Tyne Bridge

While it might be difficult to concentrate on the spectacular sight from the Tyne Bridge with four lanes of traffic zooming past, walking over it is not to be missed.

From high up on the west side of the bridge there is a cute rooftop garden to sneak a peek at. Beyond that are the views of the river's remaining bridges and the bustle of the riverbanks. On the east side is a look back down the river towards the BALTIC and the Sage, as well as the steady stream of ants trickling along the Quayside to its many bars and restaurants.

3) Top of the Castle Keep

Visiting the building that Newcastle takes its name from is worth it just to explore the historic 12th century keep, but climbing to the top and standing among the battlements gives a view of truly epic proportions.

At number three, the Castle Keep sitting right next to the East Coast Main Line lets you gaze down upon the tracks as they snake out of the city, look out across the Tyne and up the valley into Gateshead or spin around in the opposite direction and see Newcastle from above.

It is open Monday to Saturday from 10am until 5pm and from 12pm until 5pm on Sundays. Entrance is £4 and free for under-18s accompanied by an adult.

2) Grey's Monument

Grey's Monument at the heart of the city centre would be top of the list, but the 40-metre high column celebrating Earl Grey's passing of the Reform Act is rarely open to the public.

On the rare occasions when it does open, visitors climbing the 184-step spiral staircase to the top are met with the best view available over the city. Standing above most surrounding buildings, it offers a 360 degree panoramic view of the whole city and beyond. Truly stunning.

1) The Free Trade's beer garden

Coming out on top is the view from the Free Trade beer garden on the edge of the Ouseburn. The little pub with a big heart specialises in real ale and cider and, with a glass in your hand while sitting in their famous beer garden, you can take in the best view in Newcastle.

From a bend in the river you get a view straight along the water through the bridges and spending a warm evening there with friends is a delight like few others. The sun sets over the Tyne and you have a wonderful view perched above the river, as well as a historic pub to enjoy.

Though so far it hasn't happened, rumours persist that property developers are going to erect a huge building that will block the grand view, so make sure you pay a visit before it's too late.

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