Travel Answers

Has anybody ever traveled to the North East of England for a literary tour? Or read any Catherine Cookson novels and traveled to or wanted to travel to some of the places set in her work or related to her as an author?

Hi! Would appreciate public transport options to reach The Adephi B&B in Jesmond...or nearest train,bus stop. we will be arriving into Newcastle airport 8.30 am. Would also appreciate an aproximation of time for the trip. Thanks for your advice

Hey Fellow Tourists!
I've just moved to the UK (midlands) from Canada, and am looking for a great night out with the ladies. Have heard that New Castle is the place to go. (ages 24-28)
We are planning on spending a weekend in April in New Castle and were hoping for some recommendations of the best pubs, bars and clubs to head to.
Friday night not too heavy and Saturday night planning a full day of partying, and would love some advice.

Anyone keen in joining me to go to Newcastle from London, and watch the match on 13 Apr?

What is the best area to stay in? We are arriving by train and it would be great to know the best area to stay within walking distance to some great sites. Thanks!

Hi we recently moved back to the north east and I'm looking for places to take the wife in Newcastle I'm 38 and she's 37 she's into clubbing and I've never been before please can anyone give me some suggestion ?

Hey guys i was wondering what is the most central part of Newcastle (with the most pubs,live music clubs etc) and how much the rent goes for there? On a side note, is it a nice place to live for a couple of years as a University student?

hi, we are thinking about going to newcastle this august. do you guys think this is a good idea or is everybody off town because of the summer break and its gonna be boring?

Hello! My fiancee and I will be moving to Newcastle Upon Tyne in August. We currently live in the San Jose area of California (silicon valley.) I'm moving to attend Newcastle Uni and he will be joining me and transfering his job. We have never been to the UK before and have so many questions! Here is what we really need to know: 1) City Centre or Quayside? Which is better for the under 25 crowd? Pros? Cons? Pricing isn't a huge factor since we are coming from such an expensive city in Ca. 2) Mobile phones: we have tmobile currently and are considering going with Tmobile UK upon arrival. Good idea? 3) Dog: we are bringing our 4yr old dog with us. Is Newcastle (generally) a pet friendly city? 4) Rental (or letting) policies: what is generally required to let a flat or home in England? We will have a deposit prepared but are there specific documents required? 5) Culture: I am a biracial young woman (Italian/Black American.) Are there many types of people in Newcastle or will we be looked down upon?) We come from such a diverse city, I want to know what to expect! 6) Banks: Which bank(s) are best for temporary accounts? We will be in Newcastle for 1-1.5yrs 7) weather: we know it's cold and rainy usually....right?! Does it ever get hot or snow? 8) Driving: I am terrified of driving on the opposite side of the street! Will I need a new/different drivers license to drive in the UK? Or since I have a valid Ca license, will that work? Anything else that you would like to share would be so helpful to us! We appreciate your help! Looking forward to our journey!

Hi, I am currently arranging a stag weekend & have chosen to come to Newcastle. I am aware of the excellent bars & clubs but have no idea what to do during the day... Can you recommend Karting or quadbiking or anything similiar???? (names of companies please) Thanks

My husband is considering a job in the Newcastle area. We have a 5 year old and need to know good areas to begin our housing search (we will be renting at first) and which schools to look into. Also, is there an US expat group that I can contact there? There is a Women's American group in Surrey, I didn't know if a resource like this meets in Newcastle. Very excited about the possible move. We have heard amazing things about the area. Thanks for the tips!

I am considering staying in Newcastle later this year. Are there any hotels in the city centre of Newcastle which should be avoided because they are so bad. I have come across a hotel called Whites which has generally received dreadful reviews. Are there any other really bad hotels around the centre of Newcastle.

Hi Heading to Newcastle upon Tyne early November for a few days, can anyone recommend cheap and clean accommodation, doesn't need to be fancy just a bed as hope to get out and about to see thing, and any ideas on what to make sure to see. Cheers

Hello. I will be visiting Newcastle this November (20-23), and I am looking for recommendations as to good restaurants, pubs and clubs. I have yet to book a hotel, but am looking at the Hilton, Marriott Gosforth Park and the Copthorne. I want to stay somewhere that is accessible to nightlife, but still nice. I have read about Jesmond as being a nice area with ample nighlife, is this true? If so would it be better to stay in that area? Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Debbie in NYC

Hey, We're two aussies moving to Newcastle in March 2011 on a working holiday visa. Wondering if anyone who is from that general area or has done a simliar trip can offer some advice/opinons on how much a couple would on average spend (per month) on groceries, eating out, going out, transport, small trips over weekends etc.... I have come up with 1800GBP for the both of us, yet I have no idea if this is "just" enough, not enough... etc etc (1800GBP being after rent) When we first arrive we're looking at staying at the Albatross hostel until we can find some share accommodation. Can anyone offer any opinions on the Albatross or recommend any other hostels? Any help would be great appreciated.... Thanks

My husband has been offered a job in Newcastle and we are pretty sure he is going to take it and we will move there by the end of this year. I have never been (visiting next month-Oct) and of course I have a ton of questions. Mainly, I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice or guidance on schools for my children. I have a 9yr. old in 4th grade and a 13yr. old in 8th grade. I'm wondering what are the best state schools in and around Newcastle. My husband's contract is for 2yrs.-do we put them in British schools? I have heard of others putting there kids in "American" schools-Not sure what to do or what is best. Thanks so much!

Hi ! I am a middle eastern muslim female doctor, I will be moving to Newcstle Upon Tyne late October or early November to work in the RVI. Will I be facing any trouble being "visibly different", I have been brought up in a Catholic Sisters' school, travelled to the US and visited London, and I have never faced any troubles with racism for being veiled or coloured. Will I have any problems living in Newcastle, and where is the best place to have a flat that is close to the hospital and in a welcoming safe neighbourhood ? Thanks in advance

Hi everyone, This is a strange question I know! I am doing a 6 week placement at the City Hospital in Aug/Sept and have accommodation in Jesmond. I visited the hospital today from the city centre and it took me ages to get to the hospital. I am a little worried when I actually start that I will be late for my shifts, although they should be out of rush hour (7.00am start, 9.00pm finish). Does anyone know a back way from Jesmond to the West without going through the city. Would be very grateful for any help so thanks in advance.

Hi, Could anyone assist me please. I'm from Malaysia and going to visit Newcastle next week. I've been to Newcastle once before but that was a really short stay and it won't be any different from this one either. So just wandering, since i'm into collecting all the NUFC kits along the years, is there any specific shops that sells old NUFC kits??? And also since this season, all the 3rd kit is sold out in the official store, is there any alternative shops that sell this kit? Appreciate your kind assistance.

hello! i'll be in newcastle next week for work. everything's coming out of pocket so i'd prefer to stay somewhere that's cheap, quiet and accessible to downtown. totally open to hostels or bed & breakfasts. could you recommend some places? thanks!

Hey I'm moving to Newcastle in a few months from Canada to supply teach. I'm wondering where the best place is to live. I'm only 22 so I want somewhere where there are lots of young people but is safe and affordable. Also do you think the students will like having a Canadian teacher and do you think I will have a hard time understanding student's 'geordie' accents? Thanks!

Hi, we are coming to Newcastle to celebrate my daughter's 21st birthday and wonder if anyone can recommend a nice restaurant with a good atmosphere? We have heard of Cafe 21 but do not know of anyone who has eaten there. Does anyone know of it and what it is like? Any other suggestions most welcome.

Hi, what is the best train option (i.e. relatively low cost & short journey time) between Newcastle and Edinburgh? Thanks.

Hi everyone, I will be traveling to Newcastle on the 14 May. This is my 1st time in England. I would like to know how much does it cost to travel to Leeds or York for a full day trip. Hope anyone can give me good advice. Thanks in advance.

Hi, I'm looking to book a hotel for a friends stag party in Newcastle. I'd appreciate if someone could recommend a hotel that is located in the heart of the action in the city centre & that has a residence bar that stays open late!! Not alot to ask for!!! Thanks in advance, Peter

Hello Coming over from the Wirral for New Years Eve. (2 couples age 27-30) Whats the score in Newcastle is it just pubs and clubs or do you have anything going on down the quayside? If its the pubs and clubs thing would we need to book tickets or anything? Were stopping New years day aswell so a nice restaurant recomendation would be good too. Also anything worth visiting when were there... I've only ever been to Newcastle once before we only seen the inside of St James and a cracking chinese restaurant in the quayside. Thanks Ross

Hi to all kind people from Newcastle, My boyfriend and I are planning to visit Newcastle for a couple of days in November to attend a NUFC's match. I will greatly appreciate if someone gives me an advice where to stay in Newcastle. Since our budget is a quite modest one, we are looking for a cheap hotel or hostel only to have a nap for a couple of hours. Tried to find one via internet but there is no great varity of options. Is it so? I would also appreciate some local information concerning the best pubs in the city? Thank you very much in advace! Can't wait to see this lovely place!

I coming with my sister to Newcastle the weekend of the bank holiday. We fly in late the friday night and fly out Monday pm. Will the tourist attractions be open on the bank holiday Monday? Also, we want to try and see tynemouth castle and priory, Bamburgh castle, lindirfarn, Hever Castle and Haddon Hall. We will be able to see these things in the 3 days we have in the area? Is it best to book day trips or hire a car and drive ourselves? We are both Australians and don't know the area well. Thanks!

Hi, We are an american couple moving to Newcastle. Will we be welcome in NewCastle? We will be working with the film community and filmmakers. Also are there dog friendly beaches and is a dog friendly city? We have been to London and other parts of England but not to Newcastle, and are well aware of the distinctive Geordi dialect. I'm sure we'll get used to it, but generally speaking how understanding and patient are Newcastlers to people who don't quite understand what they're saying at first? Thank you Alex

Can anyone point me to a website or book that will name the buildings etc on this map Ta.