Gateshead: Newcastle’s Cooler Little Sibling
Forget second cities—Gateshead is where the real Geordie magic happens. Think iconic bridges, world-class art in a flour mill, and a giant angel watching over you**. Oh, and it’s cheaper than Newcastle.
Why Gateshead?
✅ Postcard-perfect views: The Millennium Bridge does a lightshow disco at night.
✅ Art without the pretence: BALTIC is the Tate Modern of the North—but with better cake.
✅ Hidden industrial swagger: From Dunston Staiths (the world’s biggest wooden structure) to The Angel of the North (Britain’s biggest moody metal guardian).
🚆 Getting Here & Around
✈️ Airport: Newcastle International (15 mins by Metro/taxi). Hack: The Yellow Line Metro goes straight to Gateshead.
🚆 Metro: Gateshead Station links to Newcastle in 5 mins. Pro tip: Get a DaySaver ticket (£5.70 for unlimited rides).
🚗 Driving: A1(M) runs right through. Parking: Trinity Square is central (£2 for 2 hrs).
Accommodation
Travelodge Gateshead
The Bewick Hotel
The Apartment Company
Sutherlands Boutique Hotel
Rivers Hotel
Ravensworth Arms
Riding Farm Cottages
Ramada Encore by Wyndham Newcastle-Gateshead
Park Farm Hotel
🛌 Where to Stay
🏨 Luxury
Hilton NewcastleGateshead: Rooftop pool + postcard views of the Tyne.
Malmaison: Moody boudoir vibes in a converted warehouse.
🛌 Mid-Range
Jury’s Inn: Solid riverside option with a great breakfast.
Premier Inn Gateshead Quays: Reliable, cheap, and 5 mins from BALTIC.
🛏️ Budget
YHA Newcastle Central: Clean dorms + a rooftop terrace (£25/night).
Campanile Hotel: Basic but cheerful—like a Travelodge with better coffee.
Food & Drink
🍽️ Eating & Drinking: From Michelin Stars to Pit Stops
💰 Splurge-Worthy
House of Tides (Newcastle Quayside): Michelin-starred tasting menus with river views. Book 3 months ahead.
Six at BALTIC: Modern British with a view. Try the North Sea crab crumpet.
😋 Casual Bites
The Staiths Café: Brunch with Tyne views. Order the “Geordie Benedict” (crumpet + black pudding).
Raval Indian Brasserie: Curries so good they’d make your nan jealous. Must-try: Goan fish curry.
🍻 Pubs with Character
The Central Bar: 1890s gin palace with 200+ gins and live jazz.
The Black Bull: Real ale, open fires, and Sunday roast battles (the beef vs. the pork).
What to See and Do
🧭 Must-See Spots & Hidden Gems
🌉 Iconic Landmarks
Gateshead Millennium Bridge: The “Blinking Eye Bridge” tilts for boats (and Instagrammers). Best time: Sunset, when it glows pink.
The Angel of the North: 20 metres tall, wings wider than a Boeing 767. Local legend: It’s either blessing you or judging your life choices.
The Sage Gateshead: A space-age music pod hosting everything from folk gigs to silent discos. Free to wander inside—acoustics will blow your mind.
🎨 Art & Culture
BALTIC Centre: Climb to the free viewing platform for epic Tyne views, then scoff cake in the café. Current exhibition: Probably something weird/wonderful.
Shipley Art Gallery: A hidden gem with crafts so beautiful you’ll want to quit your job and take up pottery.
🌿 Green Escapes
Saltwell Park: Victorian gardens, a boating lake, and a Gothic tower straight from a fairy tale. Secret spot: The hidden pet cemetery (spooky but cute).
Bill Quay Farm: Free entry, alpacas, and the chance to cuddle a goat. Kid hack: They let you feed the sheep.
⚓ Industrial Wonders
Dunston Staiths: A half-mile-long wooden monster where coal ships once docked. Now it’s a moody photo op with craft beer pop-ups.
🎟️ Local Hacks & Events
Free stuff: BALTIC exhibitions, Shipley Gallery, and Saltwell Park.
Avoid: Rush hour on the A1—Metro’s faster.
Don’t miss:
Gateshead Summer Flower Show (July): Giant floral sculptures + prosecco vans.
Lumiere Festival (Nov): The whole Quayside becomes a light art playground.
Final Thought
Gateshead is Newcastle’s artsy, cheaper, slightly quirkier twin. Come for the Angel, stay for the sunset over the Tyne—then brag you discovered it first.