Newcastle is the perfect point from which to explore the north of England in your hire car.
See the City
A bustling metropolitan city, Newcastle seamlessly combines history and modernity. With an endless range of stylish bars and restaurants alongside the renowned Geordie spirit, you are certain to get caught up in the lively atmosphere of the Newcastle nightlife. The city is also home to a wide range of attractions to keep its visitors amused, so renting a car here opens up North England for all!
As one of the largest cities in the UK, it stands to reason that Newcastle is also one of the best for shopping. From designer department stores to independent vintage shops with all your high street favourites in between, it comes as no surprise shoppers from all over the country visit Newcastle in search of some retail therapy.
A visit to this city isn’t complete without a trip to see the iconic Angel of the North in Gateshead. It stands on the site of an old mine and is seen by nearly 90,000 people every day, making it one of the most viewed sculptures in Europe. The surrounding grounds were re-claimed as a green landscape in the 1990s and now act as a popular picnic spot.
Explore Northumberland
As the linchpin for three of the UKs most scenic counties, Newcastle is ideally situated to see some of Northern England’s striking countryside and coastline. Drive up to Holy Island, which is not only a wildlife haven but also home to Lindisfarne Castle. Make sure you stop for a bite to eat at one of the charming island pubs; crab sandwiches are a Holy Island favourite and a popular dish on their menus!
For those looking to unearth some of Northumberland’s history, Carlisle is only an hour’s drive to the west of Newcastle. Here you will find a wealth of historic attractions such as the city’s 900 year old castle, or get out in the fresh air and take a walk along Hadrian’s world, a fascinating world heritage site.
A visit to the nearby North Yorkshire Moors is also a fantastic day trip. Head out in your hire car and you should reach the Yorkshire Dales National Park in just under an hour and a half. Explore some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK in this walker’s paradise, or simply admire the view from one of the many pubs or tea rooms which, steeped in history, offer time-honoured local recipes made from delicious local produce.
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