ITINERARY
FOR:
Travel Trade
MARKET:
Netherlands
AUDIENCE:
Energetic Matured
DURATION:
3 days
THEME:
Modern North
Constantly changing, constantly refreshing, the North’s towns and cities have a way of reinventing
themselves. Aside from an endlessly fascinating heritage, the North offers visitors a bold and rich
contemporary experience. It’s in the regeneration of waterfronts, the architecture and changing
skylines of its cities. You can sample it in the restaurants, shopping experiences and find it in the
diverse arts across the region. A warm welcome awaits you in the North where museums and
galleries, shopping and eating out can be enjoyed in some of the most exciting and surprising town
and city locations.
Day 1
Arrive in the centre of Newcastle from Newcastle Airport
Explore world-class cultural venues on Newcastle’s Quayside and take artistic
photos of the seven bridges spanning the River Tyne. The banks of the River Tyne
and the thriving Quayside area form the city’s most fashionable district, packed
with top cultural venues. The river views alone are simply stunning, graced by no
less than seven iconic bridges.
On the Gateshead side is the curvaceous and shimmering Sage Gateshead. One of
the world’s premier music venues, it is home to the Royal Northern Sinfonia and
hosts fantastic concerts throughout the year (don’t forget to check what’s on).
Also here is the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, housed in a towering former
flourmill and free to explore. This is also the perfect place for lunch or maybe a
cocktail with a view at SIX, its rooftop restaurant and bar.
Cross the River Tyne on foot via the unique Gateshead Millennium Bridge, linking
Newcastle and Gateshead. Nicknamed the ‘Winking Eye’, it’s the world's first and
only tilting bridge.
Newcastle is world-famous for its Brown Ale, but many more craft breweries have
emerged in the region, offering a wide range of authentic local ales. Settle down for
a pint, brewed on-site in The Bridge Tavern’s own micro-brewery – if you are
feeling hungry, there’s plenty of tasty local dishes on the menu.
Why not sample the region’s famous smoked kippers at the small but perfectly
formed Quay Ingredient coffee house?
Day 2
Train to Leeds (1hr 29mins from Newcastle Station)
Head to Leeds Art Gallery. This collection of 20th century British art is regarded as
the best outside London. Marvel at internationally important masterpieces
displayed alongside impressive pieces by lesser-known artists. When you’ve
explored the galleries and exhibitions, take time out in the stunning Victorian Tiled
Hall Café before heading to the adjacent Henry Moore Institute. This globally
recognised centre for the study of sculpture is named after Leeds College of Art’s
most famous graduate and forms part of the respected Yorkshire Sculpture
Triangle.
Both buildings are located on the Headrow in Leeds city centre and entrance is free.
Marvel at the collection of beautifully restored Victorian shopping arcades in Leeds’
Victorian Quarter and browse the luxury shops within. Synonymous with style and
fashion since Harvey Nichols opened their first store outside London, many designer
stores have since followed.
Train to Manchester (1hr 24mins) overnight in Manchester
Head into Manchester city centre to sample some culinary delights in fashionable
Spinningfields, which offers a wealth of choice for foodies and unique cocktails.
Day 3
The Northern Quarter in Manchester’s city centre is a uniquely ‘Mancunian’
neighbourhood: alternative, bohemian and creative. Home to countless
independent bars, cafés and restaurants, head there for a great breakfast, and to
browse its boutiques and vintage stores.
Afflecks is the area’s most famous shopping emporium, with four floors dedicated
to independent designers and traders. You can pick up unique handmade gifts at
The Manchester Craft and Design Centre, housed in the beautifully restored
former Fish and Poultry Market.
Manchester’s Whitworth Gallery is the must-see, home to one of England’s most
internationally renowned collections of modern art. A beacon of art for the city the
spacious, well-lit rooms contain 55,000 artworks, including paintings, textiles,
watercolours, prints, drawings and sculpture. Admire new work from some of the
world’s leading contemporary artists, alongside fascinating exhibitions from the
gallery’s historic collection.
Built in 1889 as the first English art gallery in a park, The Whitworth has been
transformed and extended into its parkland home. It now features an art garden by
the renowned award-winning garden designer Sarah Price, a landscape gallery and
a beautiful linear café where you can enjoy a refreshing cup of English tea.
You will find The Whitworth Gallery just south of The University of Manchester’s
Oxford Road campus.
And if you really don’t want to leave in the evening, head back to the Northern
Quarter as it’s one of the best places in the city for a night out. Taste local British
ingredients at TNQ restaurant and bar before heading to Apotheca to sample its
range of quirky and inventive cocktails.
Depart Manchester Airport