In this, the next in our series of attractions to visit if you are on a budget break, we’re going to take a look at some of things that you can see and do for free in Newcastle and Gateshead.
1. Visit The Discovery Museum
Newcastle’s Discovery Museum (Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne) was originally named the Municipal Museum of Science and Industry and, in 1934, it became the first science museum to open in the UK outside of London. Originally based in the city’s Exhibition Park, it was relocated to its current home in 1978 and was renamed The Discovery Museum in 1993.
The museum features a number of permanent interactive collections including: a Science Maze; Fashion Works, which traces the history of the fashion industry; the Newcastle Story, which traces the history of the city since Roman times; and Tyneside Challenge, which features exhibits relating to the science and industry in the area. It is also the home of the 19th century ship Turbina, which was once the world’s fastest ship.
2. Relax in Saltwell Park
Gateshead’s 55-acre Saltwell Park opened in 1876, and was originally known as “The People’s Park”. In 2005, a £10 million restoration project was completed, bringing the park back to its former glory, and it now attracts more than 2 million visitors each year.
You can visit Saltwell Towers, a Grade 2 listed Victorian Mansion, which lies in the centre of the park, and which now houses a visitor entre and cafe. Saltwell Park also includes a Rose Garden, the Octagonal Gardens, a boating lake, play areas for children and bowling greens. You can also visit the animal house and aviaries, or play tennis or basketball on the park’s courts for free.
3. Visit the Quays
Tke a stroll along Newcastle and Gateshead Quays, where you’ll find a whole host of attractions, including the famous Gateshead Millenium Bridge. There are also shops, bars and restaurants. You can visit the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art (Gateshead Quays, South Shore Road, Gateshead), which features exhibitions of visual art.
4. Take a Walking Tour of Newcastle and Gateshead
You can download a free booklet (or audio files) of walking tours from the website of the NewcastleGateshead Initiative and explore on foot. Tne guide features eight different walks. Two of the walks take you through the Grainger Town area, whilst the other six cover the following areas: Newcastle Central Station; the Castle and Quays; the University Quarter; Jesmond; Gateshead and the Ouseburn Valley.
5. Visit Blackfriars
Blackfriars was originally a friary and dates back to the 13th century. It was home to a group of Dominican Friars, who were nicknamed the Black Friars because they wore black cloaks and white tunics. The friary has now been renovated and converted into a restaurant and craft shops, and you can take time out to relax in the grassed courtyard. Blackfriars is in Friars Street, in the centre of Newcastle.
Tags: free attractions, Gateshead, Newcastle, UK holidays, UK travel
