48 Hours in Newcastle – History, River Tyne, Bridges and Hospitality! Leigh travelled up in last month (January 2025) to find out more on what the city had to offer for events.
Destination Overview:
Newcastle boasts rich culture and history with its; cobble streets, castle, cathedral, monument, theatres, priories, football stadium, restaurants, art galleries, museums and parks.
It is also the home of Greggs Bakery which was founded in 1939, this might explain why there are so many situated around Newcastle instead of Starbucks which you would normally find in other cities. It is also the birthplace of Newcastle Brown Ale, which was initially established in Burton-on-Trent before relocating to Newcastle. It also has the Grey Monument to commemorate Earl Charles Grey, it is said that Earl Grey tea is attributed to him as a gift from China due to his diplomatic influence in China.
The city also features the beautiful Tyne River with its many bridges. It has great rail links from London, Scotland and most of the major cities into the city centre and the underground can take you to Whitley Bay beach in under an hour!
Day 1:
I arrived in Newcastle and was hosted by the County Hotel which was situated directly opposite the station. My room was beautiful and comfortable.
The hotel's warm hospitality greeted me as I checked in. My room was comfortable, contemporary but traditional with all what I could possibly need. The hotel kindly allowed my client and friend to park their vehicle in their car park for a few hours in the evening whilst we went for a meal.
The hotel style if a fusion of Victorian and contemporary, this is because it dates back to 1874. It has kept the original Victorian charm with a contemporary twist. It has 9 meeting rooms with various capacity sizes. The meeting rooms on the 1st floor are all accessible. There are some amazing original features within some of the meeting rooms with the stained glass windows and mirrored wall, giving the room amazing light.
The Hudson Restaurant has a chilled and relax vibe. The Hudson Bar gets some good foot fall. However, there are some lovely spaces within the bar which you can semi privatise.
The Botanist Bar and restaurant. This is a bar ideally situated in Newcastle city centre. It has a quirky décor which is beautifully lit giving a great ambiance. It has a beautiful dome which the restaurant use as a feature. There is also a lovely roof top bar which would be ideal for a cocktail party in the warmer months. The menu and drinks were reasonably priced and had a great eclectic selection to suit all tastes.
**The service here was really, really good too!
St James' Park - Home of Newcastle United Football Team. On the approach of the stadium, it was easy that this stadium is part of the pulse of the city. It is situated within easy reach of the station too making it easy to get to. I was greeted by the statues Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer. As soon as I entered the stadium it had an instant positive and exciting vibe.
With it’s 5 conference and meeting rooms, there are ample options to hold your conference, gala dinner, meetings and events. There is memorabilia throughout each room. Instead of table names, they have a football on the table with the names of the greatest Newcastle players! The rooms are very versatile and the Events team are very flexible and your event could be tailor made and unique.
**Not only was it a must see venue for the visit, we also plan and recommend a number of events at stadiums. Have you ever considered this for your events?
The Discovery Museum - a really unique and quirky place. Not only could you hold your event in the museum amongst the exhibits – The Turbinia steam boat and the retro games area. There is also a beautiful art deco Great hall complete with steel green beams, beautiful lights and high ceilings, complete with stage. This beautiful room is ready to go and would not need dressing due to the beautiful interior.
The Baltic - situated right on the River Tyne. This venue is dripping in history as a former flour mill. It has loads of character and some amazing views over the Tyne and Newcastle. It is also right next to the Millennium Bridge! It has many venue space to chose from for all sizes of events. Not only does it have the wonderful roof top Six restaurant with it’s tasting menu, chef’s table, legendary Sunday Roasts and a bar with a view. It also has the art centre, but also multiple meeting rooms, some with amazing views overlooking the Tyne, some with an outside terrace. One of the rooms even has a swimming pool, which used to be part of the flour mill. Don’t worry this is covered over to make space for your event but you have the option to use it if you wish to with retractable floor boards.
As I mentioned, it is situated next to the Millennium Bridge and this is where you gain access. The Millennium Bridge is a work of art in itself. The bridge is a crescent shape. It is said that when the bridge is raised, it looks like an eye is opening and closing, quite a site to behold. Not only that, you can pay to have the bridge lit up in a specific colour making it a brilliant branding opportunity for all of Newcastle to see!
**You will find the bridge lit in various colours in support of various charities to raise awareness and a mark of respect.
The Glasshouse - located in the heart of the city, offering a modern and elegant space suitable for various events. The architecture features floor-to-ceiling windows that provide natural light and views of the cityscape. It can accommodate concerts, corporate events, and private parties. There are different venue spaces, including two auditoriums with customizable lighting options. The venue also offers event spaces with views of Newcastle. It is equipped with advanced facilities and supported by a dedicated team who are flexible, passionate and creative which ensures seamless execution of events. The versatile layout of The Glasshouse can be adapted to suit different events.
The Hilton Newcastle Gateshead - Located on the banks of the River Tyne and a short walk away from the city centre. The Hilton Newcastle Gateshead Hotel offers breath taking views of the iconic cityscape and the picturesque bridges spanning the river. This modern hotel combines comfort and elegance.
The hotel has 254 spacious and contemporary rooms with everything you could need for a comfortable and luxurious stay. It also has fitness centre, indoor pool, and spa. There are also 13 conference room which can house 600 delegates in total. It also has the contemporary Windows on the Tyne Restaurant and bar on the ground floor which is dripping with light due to the floor to ceiling windows.
Blackfriars - A restaurant located in a medieval friary which was Established in 1239. It offers a unique dining experience steeped in history, which you can see with its’ stoned walls, wooden beams, and atmospheric atmosphere. The food is amazing with a contemporary twist on British dishes. The Friary has won awards for its’ cuisine!
This could be because the dishes are made from locally sourced ingredients.
** Event opportunities: It also boasts a cosy bar, a cookery school, and private dining rooms. The staff were very attentive both the food and service were amazing. It also has a microbrewery on site where they brew their own beer! There is also a beautiful outside terrace and garden area where you can hold an event in warmer weather.
Day 2
The Copthorne Hotel - situated on the scenic Quayside, offering picturesque views of the River Tyne. 156 rooms with amazing views of the Tyne river and bridges. I was hosted by the Copthorne for my second night and my room was spacious, contemporary, comfortable with stunning views of the river.
The hotel also have five versatile meeting rooms. The largest space can accommodate up to 200 delegates. They also have a fully equipped fitness centre, an indoor swimming pool, and a sauna.
**The hotel's contemporary Quay 7 serves an international and local cuisine using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. They have utilised the outside area with a terrace taking full advantage of the proximity of the riverside and it’s stunning views.
INNSiDE By Melia - in Newcastle Gateshead is a vibrant, quirky and contemporary hotel located right on the banks of the River Tyne. This hotel offers a blend of modern design and comfort. It champions local artists and business. Local artists work are displayed throughout the common areas of the hotel. They sell products from local business in their foyer. The bedrooms are focuses on providing a comfortable and relaxing environment with its’ floor-to-ceiling windows which offer stunning views of the river and the iconic bridges.
The hotel's restaurant, Gino D’Acampo Quayside, serves an array of delicious international and local dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The hotel have also taken advantage of its location with an outdoor terrace overlooking the riverside. You can have pre and post dinner drinks in the trendy bar within the hotel.
INNSiDE By Melia have some great meeting spaces including a playful and mindfulness meeting room with a more relaxed set up. Including a work area and some games.
**This would be a great space to book alongside your meeting room for delegates to take time out and reset.
The Palace of Arts - home to the Wylum Brewery is situated in the beautiful Exhibition Park. This unique and quirky venue was originally built for the 1929 North East Coast Exhibition, this grand building is the only remaining structure from the event. Many intermediate concerts are held here and it is a great event space. You can hire the bar as well as the circular hall area for your event as well as the entrance. It even provides it’s own beer, being that the Wylam Brewery is based in the building.
As it is situated in the park, you can also hold events in the park too!
**You can even personalise and brand your own beer! The Wylum Brewery offer tours of the brewery, which you could take full advantage as an activity during your event!
Newcastle Civic Centre - opened in 1968, it is located in the heart of Newcastle. The iconic building is known for its architecture and it is the hub of the city.
The Civic Centre is distinguished by its striking modernist design, featuring a blend of concrete and glass with intricate details and sculptures. The building's tower, surmounted by a golden eagle with seahorses which are part of the crest.
As the seat of Newcastle City Council, the Civic Centre houses various meeting rooms. One of the rooms is the historical Banqueting Hall with its grandeur and elegance. It is adorned with crests and fireplaces which is linked to the historical use of the building. The many fireplaces throughout the hall look stunning when lit with uplighters creating the effects of a fire. The room also has a mezzanine which can be incorporated into your event. It has recently been renovated with a glass front which used to be uncovered. This space can also be used for events too.
**The Silverware Room displays the many gifts given to the city.
Crowne Plaza Newcastle - situated on the vibrant Quayside. The foyer welcomes you to a light, bright wide open space which leads you into Hawthorns Restaurant which overlooks the riverside and offers an array of dishes which uses locally sourced ingredients. You can have pre dinner or post dinner drinks at The Gin Bar, which offers an extensive selection of gins, cocktails and other beverages.
The hotel has 251 beautiful bedrooms and suites, many of which offer stunning views of the River Tyne and its iconic bridges. There are nine meeting rooms including the Stephenson Suite. Which is the largest of the meeting rooms and can accommodate up to 500 guests. It also has a fitness centre, spa and an indoor swimming pool.
Summary:
I thoroughly enjoyed my FAM trip to Newcastle organised by Caroline Reed – Newcastle Gateshead Initiative (NGI). The city had great energy and real positive vibe. Everyone I met were passionate about their city and venue. I was really enlightened about the possibilities of venues in Newcastle and Gateshead to hold events.
There were numerous distinctive, unique, quirky, classic and sophisticated venues available, offering various opportunities to host a unique event that creates an experience and a lasting impression with multiple opportunities to incorporate your specific branding.
Thank you to Caroline and Alison for organising the FAM, for your hospitality, for looking after me and showing me some of the event wonderful spaces in Newcastle. Thank you to The County Hotel and The Copthorne for hosting me to enable me to spend quality time in Newcastle.
Have you thought about Newcastle as a destination for your events? Get in touch with our team and let's start planning.
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