Newcastle is gearing up to host the Great North Run this Sunday, 13 September. The city will swap its usual nightlife for the half marathon event.
Beyond the race, Newcastle offers a vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can explore galleries featuring local artists, attend folk music sessions at venues like The Cluny or The Cumberland Arms, or catch performances by the Royal Northern Sinfonia at the Glasshouse.
The city's rich history is evident at Newcastle Castle, the Norman fortress that gave the city its name. For art enthusiasts, the independent Tyneside Cinema showcases its Art Deco interior and heritage exhibitions, while the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art provides six floors of gallery space and city views.
Newcastle is also known for its culinary heritage, including the original Greggs bakery, which opened in Gosforth in 1951. The historic Grainger Market, which opened 200 years ago, offers a range of local vendors selling diverse foods, from Sichuan dumplings to kipper stotties.