Weekend break - Newcastle. Would you?

[GetOrfMoiLand]

I am looking for somewhere in teh Uk where I could go for 1 or 2 nights with DP to celebrate anniversary early Feb.

I read a couple of years ago about how beautiful a city Newcastle is, and in the papers have seen lovely architecture amongsth all teh snow. So was thinking about going there (if the snow stops) as opposed to Exeter, which was the first choice, but we have been there before.

Can anyone recommend any hotels/restaurants/things to do.

YES YES YES (cos i used to live there!)

Architecture around Grey Street is gorgeous, the quayside is fab. Good shopping, bars, restaurants etc in Newcastle.

Malmaison or Copthorne on the quayside, The Vermont is lovely too. Have a look on tripadvisor.

Theatre Royal or the Sage Music Centre may have things on of interest too you. Th Baltic Art Gallery... Depends what you fancy.

DO you have far to travel??

Quite far - we shall be coming from Gloucester. So am planning a slow ambling drive up stopping en route somewhere (haven't really thouight it through).

The architecture looks stunning - looks a bit like Bristol in places with the grand georgian buildings.

Yes had heard about teh Baltic. DP went to Newcastle about 20 years ago and he says he had a great time - everyone friendly but that it was freezing.

Thnaks for hotel recommendations.

Yes - lovely city and beautiful coastline, great shopping and very friendly people.

Well thats what I found, have rellie that live there but originated from the SW, they wouldn't move anywhere else now.

Definately take your thermals...despite half the locals going out in next to nothing at night it is a lot colder up there

The Quayside is lovely for a wander round and there are loads of eateries round there.

get a metro out to Tynemouth - beautiful little seaside town with the most fab flea/antique market on a sunday morning.

Hancock museum is one of my fave places, though I haven't been since it was refurbished and they took away all the stuffed animals...

There are wonderful Turkish baths at the city pool, but I can't remember if these are single sex only.

YES YES YES, agree with MummyTumbles, and I used to live there too. Stay at Malmaison or Copthorne on the Quayside; go to coast (can go on metro), Baltic Art Gallery, drift round posh shops on Grey Street (or High street in Eldon Square and Northumberland St), theatre, Art House films at Tyneside Cinema, Sunday market on East Quayside, music at the Sage; chips on the pier at Tynemouth; potter round Grainger market and flea market at Cullercoats metro (on the coast), Comedy club, jazz cafe....

Restaurants - V smart, gorgeous setting Fisherman's Lodge. At the other end of the price budget, exellent local Italian that attracts people from many miles around. At the bottom of my old street! Absolutely fab, but they don't take bookings. But worth the wait. Francesca's

IF coming from Gloucster treat yourself to train (I used to do NuT to Chletenham Spa by train a lot (but man in Cheltenham is now DH )) as it a long drive. Or toodle up through Cotswolds and Peak District and put your foot down on M1 at Sheffield.

It will be bllx freezing in February though.

Have a look here:
here and here

Malmaison and Hotel Du Vin have both been mentioned to me as lovely places to stay.

If you are of a certain age, you will keep seeing place names that set off Dire Straits songs in your head...

You have given me a fab idea for our anniversary in April. We met in Newcastle.

OOh thank you everybody very much - there are some lovely ideas here. The Copthorne looks lovely right by the quay, so do vermont and Malmaison.

Dammit, I want a city break now

the turkish baths are single sex as are the sauna and steam room in the same bit.

I would say go, another who used to live there, well worth a visit

Jesmond Dene House is also gorgeous, but a few miles out of town. Depends if you want to be central or not....

You're making me homesick now

Malmaison or Grey Street Hotel.

Hotel du Vin is fantastic! certainly one of the best - roll top baths in bedroom etc plus walking distance to Quayside and town. They do a deal on a Sunday where if you spend £75 in the bistro you can get a room for £25...so might be worth booking a couple of nights separately.....