Newcastle is vibrant, cultured and picturesque. In terms of shopping, few UK cities can compete. There's an array of cultural facilities in the town including the Live Theatre, the Theatre Royal, the Biscuit Factory restaurant and gallery, and a host of other big names. The Restaurants surrounding Grey Street and heading down on to the Quayside offer cutting edge and often reasonable cuisine, and the night life needs little introduction.
Car hire from Newcastle means you can visit the Northumberland countryside or the spectacular coastline, and it must be noted that hiring a car from Newcastle provides a portrait of a city which is a vibrant civic hub and a gateway to some of the UK's finest scenery.
The area surrounding the Civic Centre known as the Haymarket is the studious end of town. The brunt of Newcastle and Northumbria University campuses reside here. Venture through the shops of Northumberland Street, before turning right towards Grey's Monument; the heart of the town in terms of architecture and centrality. Take in the grand sweeping crescent that is Grey Street; ‘Best Street in England' 2010 (Radio 4), and the Theatre Royal. Head on down Dean Street towards the Quayside and the iconic Tyne Bridge, where you'll see the Sage Gateshead across the river, and the Baltic Mill art gallery.
Car hire from Newcastle allows you access to the Northumberland countryside and the pleasant villages on the A69, in as little as 20 minutes out of the centre.
