In recent years Newcastle has changed itself in to the north east’s foremost tourist destination in addition to growing to be the regions business centre. Millions of pounds of investment have invigorated the city centre making it a desirable place to live as well as work and helped to produce a huge number of brand-new jobs.

There are plenty of reasons to go to Newcastle and it’s been voted the UK’s favourite city break for 4 consecutive years in The Guardian/Observer travel awards. In fact Newcastle provides so many superb attractions it’s hard to know how to start but let’s begin with sport. It is well known that the north east is a hotbed of sporting zeal and given that Newcastle United are back in the Premier league there are sure to be thousands of football supporters from round the country making the journey to St James’s Park. The Great North Run is another event that attracts hundreds of thousands of runners and spectators to the city each year and also helps to raise millions of pounds for charity. Shopping is an additional big attraction to the city with a huge selection of stores as well as boutiques in the city centre and several big shopping centres within the city itself. The MetroCentre is the largest shopping centre in Europe and it is very easy to spend a weekend break there browsing through the variety of designer retailers it has to offer. With the Newcastle Quayside Market opening in July 2010 and also the already established Grainger market, Jesmond market and the Farmers & Country market you’ll be hard pressed not to pick up a bargain somewhere. Newcastle is famous across the nation for its nightlife and it has something to offer everyone to ensure an excellent night out. The Quayside and the Bigg market attract a lively, young crowd and for the somewhat more mature you will find dozens of traditional pubs, theatres and top quality dining establishments. No visit to Newcastle could be complete without trying at least one bottle of the legendary Newcastle Brown Ale which has been made in the city for longer than 80 years. There’s a wonderful range of hotels in Newcastle to choose from when you’re selecting your lodging for the weekend. From B&B’s to five star hotels there is accommodation to suit every pocket and I can personally highly recommend the Rosebery Hotel in Jesmond as a superb place to stay.