Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne grew around the 12th-century castle that gives the city its name; the keep stands above the old Roman fort of Pons Aelius. The central area contains the neoclassical layout of Grainger Town and the curve of Grey Street, with the Theatre Royal and civic buildings nearby. Railway infrastructure is prominent: Central Station sits close to the city centre and the High Level Bridge carries both road and rail on two levels across the Tyne. Newcastle University and Northumbria University are based in the city, shaping the daytime population and research facilities within the district.

The River Tyne defines much of the district’s northern boundary and the Quayside follows its north bank, lined with pubs, markets and working docks. Several bridges cross the river; the Tyne Bridge marks the transport corridor and the Swing Bridge at the heart of the Quayside still opens to let tall vessels pass. The Tyne and Wear Metro provides rapid local links and the city centre remains a focal point for shopping, cultural venues and professional services within Newcastle upon Tyne.