Are you bored of visiting the same places in the North East?
A city near “sweeping, endless beaches” in the region has been crowned among the underrated corners of the UK for a weekend break.
Newcastle featured in one of The Telegraph’s latest travel guides and was described by the experts as “certainly unsung” even though it’s “not exactly unknown”.
The Telegraph commented: “Despite our tendency to neglect them, fleeting weekend breaks within the UK can be among our greatest trips away.
@sonbonexplores HIDDEN GEM IN NEWCASTLE! #newcastleupontyne #newcastlefoodie #newcastletiktok #newcastleupontyneuk #ne1 #tyneandwear #thingstodo #placestovisit #foodtiktok ♬ Strangers - Kenya Grace
“They are often an afterthought, and not planned as far in advance, but can be just as pleasurable as the large, overseas holiday. And it’s rather delightful that, away from the more bustling, popular spots, there are still lesser-known gems to be found.”
See the publisher’s full guide of “lesser-known gems” across the UK for your next adventure here.
All the reasons why Newcastle is one of UK’s underrated corners
“The city is tucked beneath brooding, stone arches, its industrial architecture working as an alluring frame for its winding streets,” explained The Telegraph.
“There’s the Baltic, a brilliant modern art gallery, that is worth a trip in itself, plus the lively collection of great food and even greater pubs in the Ouseburn end of town.”
It added “For the unconvinced, twin a trip to the city with a tram ride out to the coast. The sweeping, endless beaches at Tynemouth and Whitley Bay are remarkable even on the most bracing of days. In summer, they’re bustling but in no way busy. This corner of the North East is, perhaps, the most overlooked of all.”
If you don’t want to hurry home after you visit Newcastle, the publisher recommends spending the night in Jesmond Dene House.
Here you can “experience Newcastle’s Victorian heritage and extensive outer woodlands”.
The Telegraph continued to say: “The Grade-II listed Arts and Crafts building boasts charming views and a fine dining menu, at very competitive prices. A one-night stay starts at £90.”
Someone who visited Jesmond Dene House this year also praised it on Tripadvisor, saying: “My husband and I stopped overnight for a lovely spring stay a couple of weeks ago.
“From the second we walked in we were greeted by Carolina on the desk who wowed us. Good old school customer service! Got help with our bags and a tour of the hotel.
“Fern was ah-mazing!! The male bartender - didn’t catch his name :( - was really attentive.
“Room spotless and so gorgeous. Will definitely be returning to jesmond dene house.”
Recommended reading:
- Travel experts name North East beach with 'acres of golden sand' among most secret
- North East pub with ‘magnificent’ views revealed among UK’s best beer gardens
Elsewhere, the Baltic was equally recommended by visitors on Tripadvisor.
Someone posted: “Where to begin? There was so much to see and think about here.
“We particularly enjoyed seeing the Waiting Gardens of the North installation, which is in a huge, dramatic space, and the paintings by people who are neurodiverse - I wish I had half their talent and creativity.
“The cafe was also excellent and has stunning arrangements of hanging plants from the very high ceiling.
“Great views of the city from the massive windows too. Go if you can!”
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