you're heading into the city centre on business, or looking to explore the Northumberland countryside, you'll find the road easy to navigate.
Newcastle's roads and the surrounding county routes, like those across the UK, are well-maintained. Three main routes divide the county of Northumberland - the A1 north to south, the A697, north-west to south-east, and the A69, which runs almost parallel to Hadrian’s Wall dissecting the country from west to east.
For those drawn to the beauty of the open road North East England is a veritable smorgasbord of gorgeous routes, each one punctuated by interesting sights. Northumberland National Park spreads out from the Scottish border south to encompass an area of some 400 square miles.
Lose yourself in the history-drenched Northumbrian coast, stopping off to enjoy places like Bamburgh with its dramatic castle, the quaint fishing village of Seahouses or the bustling town of Alnmouth.
To the north, the Cheviot Hills close to the Scotland / England border, roll attractively. To the west are the forestry plantations of Kielder, where those with an interest in astronomy will find some of the country’s darkest skies, and at the extreme south of the park is Hadrian’s Wall Country, which is a mix of rugged moorland and sheltered green valleys.
In central Newcastle, you'll find you need to take bridges across the River Tyne to reach the north and south sides of the city.
The UK is left-hand drive and speed limits are strictly enforced. The national speed limit is 60mph on single-carriageway roads and 70mph on dual carriageways or motorways. In built-up areas the limit drops to 30mph, or 20 mph in certain areas.
