Vessels sailing into the Port of Tyne, Newcastle find a picturesque haven, a relaxing afternoon, a shoppers’ paradise or an opportunity to trace the history of Hadrian’s Wall, ancient castles, stately homes and ruling ancestors. Whatever the choice you will enter into the heart of Northumbria, the northern most region of England.
The City of Newcastle has thousands of years of history packed into what is now recognised to be the region’s cultural and recreational centre and boasts the highest number of listed buildings in the UK after Bath. A golden square mile of leisure, residential and cultural developments with fantastic architecture and superb public art centres is located on the quayside. Visitors can see the International Visual Arts Centre in the former Baltic Flour Mill and the Sage Music Centre, new home of the Northern Sinfonia Orchestra and Folkworks, the national folk music agency. In addition, the riverside café’s and Baltic Square will offer passengers the opportunity to relax in the afternoon sun and enjoy views of the historic bridges crossing the river including the Swing Bridge, one of the last remaining bridges to rotate 360°. At night, the Gateshead Millennium Bridge provides spectacular light displays, which reflect off the water.
This vibrant centre contrasts with a magnificent rural and picturesque hinterland. The area is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites – the great Norman masterpiece of Durham Castle and Cathedral and the magnificent roman work of art… Hadrian’s Wall, almost two thousand years old. Castles and stately homes are amongst the finest in the UK and are impressively situated along dramatic coastlines or surrounded by stunning countryside.
Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England, the first being Windsor Castle, and has been the home of the Percys, Earls and Dukes of Northumberland since 1309. This border stronghold has survived many battles, but now peacefully dominates the picturesque market town of Alnwick, overlooking landscape designed by Capability Brown. The Alnwick Castle Garden has undergone a huge £14 million refurbishment to create an internationally acclaimed garden rivalling any garden created in Europe over the last 100 years. The vast Grand Cascade of tumbling waters forms the centre piece to the gardens.
Avid Cruiser Posts, Photographs and Videos Featuring Tyne.
