The Gateshead skyline is dominated by some iconic silhouettes, including world-class venues, magnificent feats of architecture and one of the most famous sculptures on the planet. The Angel of the North watches over the town and welcomes you on the way to one of our Newcastle hotels. They all provide a perfect base for eating your way around Gateshead’s exceptional eateries and sampling some of our favourite pubs in the land. The days out come thick and fast, much like the local accent, and range from the stunning scenery of the Derwent Valley right the way through to contemporary art extravaganzas at the BALTIC. Tick off as much as you can, and enjoy your time south of the River Tyne.
Things to do in Gateshead
Activities
Your top options for activities in Gateshead feature some of the most iconic architecture in the north of England. The Angel of the North, the brutalist BALTIC Centre, the magnificent Millennium Bridge and a fairytale mansion of Saltwell Park are all worth taking the time to visit during your stay.
Places to eat
When you get peckish in Gateshead, we’ve gathered some great gourmet options for you to choose from, including fine dining with a view from the top of the BALTIC, our favourite curry in town, an authentic taste of Italy, some Asian tapas that’ll tantalise with every bite and the vegan restaurant that could convert a carnivore.
Nightlife
If you want to sample some of the North East’s nightlife, you needn’t head to Newcastle. Gateshead has some stellar pubs for you to choose from with much-loved live music venues and community atmospheres. Plus, there are top bar options for those who prefer stylish surroundings and carefully crafted cocktails.
Shopping
The Metrocentre is Gateshead’s most popular shopping hub. It’s a short drive upstream in Dunston. But if you’re in the mood for a shopping spree, it’s your best bet in the area. It’s home to fashion favourites like All Saints, Flannels, H&M, House of Fraser, Size?, Topshop and Zara. You’ll also find luxury brands like Apple, Swarovski and Toby Carvery. There are plenty of fast-food options if you get peckish. Plus, it’s home to Gateshead’s IMAX ODEON Cinema. Alternatively, you can visit Trinity Square in Gateshead town centre. The Halo sculpture is its impressive centrepiece. Surrounding it, you’ll find High Street names such as Boots, Nando’s and Gateshead’s Vue Cinema.
Getting Around
Getting around Gateshead couldn’t be easier. The town is well-connected with the A1, which you can follow all the way from London. Alternatively, make the most of public transport and get to Gateshead faster via train or, more conveniently, via coach. The Gateshead Interchange is the busiest bus station in the county. You can find it next to Trinity Square. It’s also one of two Gateshead Metro stations, along with Gateshead Stadium, which offers direct access to Newcastle Train Station, Newcastle Airport, Sunderland, Tynemouth and South Shields. The only train station in Gateshead is the nearby Dunston Railway Station. However, if you are travelling by rail, your best bet is to arrive into Newcastle Station as it sits on the East Coast Main Line between Edinburgh and London King’s Cross. If you’re travelling from further afield, Newcastle Airport is your closest international airport. You can transfer from arrivals to Gateshead via the airport’s Metro station, take your pick from any number of trusted Gateshead taxi providers or book an Uber.
Metrocentre
