Explore the underbelly of Newcastle upon Tyne in Victoria Tunnel which was built between 1839 and 1842. Surrounded by curved brick walls on the two sides, coal was transported through this place till its abandonment in the late 19th-century. However, it was used again during World War II when the tunnel was transformed into an air-raid shelter. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and touring this place is an unmissable activity during a visit to Newcastle upon Tyne.
The serene Tyne River flows out from under the shadows of the historic Tyne Bridge, an emblematic landmark in Newcastle upon Tyne. Built by the makers of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this magnificent arch bridge is among the favored of the city's seven bridges. Its four sturdy towers, fashioned out of Cornish granite, are as much a sight to behold as the latticed, emerald-hued bridge itself. The Tyne Bridge and its surrounding environs also double as a hotbed of nesting kittiwake colonies. Come night, this majestic bridge is set alight with fierce, vibrant shades that reflect on the glassy waters of the River Tyne below. A spectacular marvel of engineering, the Tyne Bridge greatly defines the skyline of Newcastle upon Tyne.
The Quayside is an area along the banks of the River Tyne in Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead. Once full of industrial buildings and commercial docks, the area has been renovated as a modern waterfront district with multiple cultural attractions. The south side of the Quays, connected to the northern side by the iconic Gateshead Millennium Bridge, is the site of the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and the Sage Gateshead music center.
The Castle in Newcastle on Tyne in England is a fortress built dating back to 1177. Solely built for defense purposes, it represents the violent times of North England’s history. A favorite tourist spot, Newcastle Castle is also rich with haunting stories, which gives this medieval monument an eerie factor.
Grey's Monument has been a landmark meeting place for locals and visitors since its erection in 1838. The Monument was built to commemorate the services of Charles, Earl Grey (1764-1845) to the nation. As Prime Minister, Earl Grey, a tireless anti-slavery campaigner, steered the Great Reform Bill (1832) into law. Standing 135ft high, the Monument is at the heart of the shopping area of the city and looks down Grey Street, which was described by no less a person than the former poet laureate Sir John Betjeman as the finest curved street in Britain. It is a key part of the classical heritage of Newcastle. Behind is the Monument Mall shopping area and Eldon Square Shopping Centre is a few paces away.
High above the ancient city of Durham in the North East of England stands its cathedral, tall and proud against the skyline. Built almost a thousand years ago, it is the jewel in this city's crown. Situated on Palace Green, just a few yards away from that other pride of Durham, the castle, it is considered by experts to be the best example of Norman architecture in England if not Europe. But it's not just the experts that love it; in a 2001 BBC poll, the cathedral was voted the nation's favorite building.
Dating back to the 17th Century, Blagdon Hall is a fascinating manor house and Matt Ridley family's residence ever since the year 1700. In the 19th Century, this country house underwent significant remodeling to the designs of Ignatius Bonomi and John Dobson. Stable block within the premises of Blagdon Hall are designed in arresting Palladian style and remains a Grade II listed structure. Milkhope Centre inside Blagdon Hall is a popular attraction for visitors. Blagdon Hall can be easily accessed through well laid out paths.
Located on the outskirts of Durham, the Lanchester Valley Railway Path is a beautiful countryside walkway going through scenic woodlands, rolling green fields and numerous historical ruins. It originally opened as a sing-track transport line in 1862 and carried iron ore between Durham and Consett with several station stops in between. After its closure in 1966, it was converted into a cycling, walking and horse riding path by the Durham County Council and today is popular among tourists as well as locals. The paths are well laid out and are suitable for wheelchair users too.
St. George's at Cullercoats in the borough of North Tyneside stands gazing over the North Sea in all its French Gothic magnificence. The church was built in 1884 for the 6th Duke of Northumberland by renowned church architect John Loughborough Pearson. Its 54.8 meter (180 feet) tall spire has long served as a landmark for fishermen navigating towards Cullercoats or Tynemouth. The monument was restored over time because of dangerous corrosion of its stonework along with the cleaning of its stained glass. The church is home to 'one of the best parish church choirs' in England and also has an organ built by Thomas Cristopher Lewis that was added to its structure in 1885.