Home to Newcastle United, birthplace of Robert Stephenson and of course the city where Secerna has one of its offices, Newcastle is a cultured, cosmopolitan and, most importantly, a canny place to live and work.
But what makes the area so great?
We look at just some of the reasons to love life in Newcastle.
The history
Newcastle’s history goes back over 2000 years, during which the city has been governed by the Romans, the Saxons and the Danes. Originally named Pons Aelius by the Romans, the name Newcastle has been used since the Norman conquest. The town developed greatly during the Middle Ages and played a major role in the Industrial Revolution. It was granted city status in 1882.
The Great North Museum: Hancock is an amazing place, packed full of the history of Newcastle and the north. A must for young and old who want to know more about local history.
Culture
There is plenty to explore in the city’s diverse range of cultural activities. From free museums and art galleries to a lively music scene, there is something for every taste.
If you’re travelling to Newcastle from the south you will snatch a glimpse of Anthony Gormley’s Angel of the North. If you can, it is well worth stopping to gaze up at its outspread arms and take in the vista.
The Sage Gateshead cuts an imposing figure as it overlooks the Quayside. As well as making a nice spot for lunch, the music venue has a packed programme of live performances.
Also on the Gateshead side of the River Tyne is the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, a stunning building which was formerly a flour mill. This free art gallery has a rolling programme of exhibitions and events for all ages. Make sure you take the glass lift to the viewing platform for a great view over Newcastle and Gateshead.
Food & Drink
One thing is for certain when you’re in Newcastle; you will be well fed and watered!
Whether it’s Brunch at Arlo in West Jesmond, lunch at Violets by the quayside, a cup of loose leaf tea at The Teahouse or Sunday lunch at Peace and Loaf, there is a wide range of places to eat and drink.
Want to try street food? Then walk through Stack, the box park in the heart of Newcastle, which is packed with great places to try new food.
We couldn’t talk about the food scene in Newcastle without mentioning Trakol. Based in a series of interconnecting shipping containers on the quayside under the iconic Tyne Bridge, Trakol offers some of the most unique views in Newcastle. An open kitchen with an open fire makes dinner here truly special.
Sport isn’t in short supply
Newcastle United fans have had to take the rough with the smooth over recent seasons. Week in week out, the fanatical toon army congregate at St James’s Park to watch their team play.
And with Middlesbrough FC, Sunderland AFC and Gateshead FC all within striking distance of Newcastle, you have your pick of teams to get behind.
If you’re a sports fan, but football isn’t for you, there are still plenty of options. Newcastle is home to the Falcons, a Premiership rugby club who play their home games at Kingston Park. Rugby League is also represented in the city by Newcastle Thunder.
Newcastle is also home to the Newcastle Eagles, one of the most successful British basketball teams ever.
Add in regular cycling races and being home to the Great North Run, the largest half marathon in the world, the North East really is an amazing place to be a sports fan!
Castles
With its legacy of a turbulent past, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Northumberland has more castles than any other county.
Many have long since disappeared. Some, like Dunstanburgh Castle and Berwick Castle are now romantic ruins and some, like Bamburgh Castle, have been restored to their former glory.
Heading inland you will find Alnwick Castle, the second largest inhabited castle after Windsor Castle, which stands guard over the River Aln. Harry Potter fans will recognise Alnwick Castle as it doubled as Hogwarts in the wizarding films.
Warkworth Castle is a great day out and very family friendly. It’s surrounded by daffodils during the Spring and offers great views over the River Coquet.
This is only scratching the surface of everything there is to explore!
The coastline
If you love to feel the sand between your toes and a refreshing sea breeze, then Northumberland’s magnificent coastline is a great place to spend your time away from the office.
With more than 30 miles of beaches, the coastline up here is spectacular and plentiful. Promenade along our piers, play on the penny slot machines and tuck into fish and chips whilst enjoying the sea view at seaside towns such as Seahouses.
And if you prefer your trips to the coast to be a little more adrenaline packed, then the Northumberland coast is a great place to enjoy kite and wind surfing as well as coasteering.
If the idea of life in the North East floats your boat, take a look at current opportunities to join one of the north’s top firms of patent attorneys and be part of our growing team.