ITINERARY
FOR:
Press
MARKET:
Netherlands
AUDIENCE:
Energetic Matured
DURATION:
3 days
THEME:
Modern North
The North, home to the industrial revolution is an exciting undiscovered place. Constantly changing,
constantly reinventing itself and with so much to offer. Victorian architecture mixed with new,
culture steeped in history with a packed programme of events, award winning bars and restaurants,
shopping, waterfront experiences, national parks and spectacular landscapes. There’s plenty to see
in the North of England, so much, that 3 days is simply not enough, you will want to come back.
See how new life has been breathed into this glorious region. Explore the vibrant cities and bustling
towns that have emerged, along with unique shopping, dining and cultural experiences.
Day 1
Arrive Newcastle from Newcastle Airport
Explore world-class cultural venues on NewcastleGateshead’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 of NewcastleGateshead 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 bank is the curvaceous, shimmering Sage Gateshead. One of
the world’s premier music venues, it’s home to The Royal Northern Sinfonia
and hosts fantastic concerts (check what’s on whilst here).
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 a
cocktail with a view at SIX, its rooftop restaurant and bar.
Then cross the River Tyne on foot via the unique Gateshead Millennium
Bridge, which links 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 sprung up 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 microbrewery– if you are feeling hungry, there’s also lots of tasty local produce on
the menu.
Alternatively sample the region’s famous smoked kippers at the Craster
Seafood Restaurant or try some Lindisfarne oysters, a delicacy at eateries
throughout the area.
Overnight Newcastle
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. It includes many awe-inspiring
masterpieces. It is home to one of the most significant collections of 20th
century British art in the country. Marvel at internationally important
masterpieces displayed alongside work by artists who are less well known but
just as exciting. 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. Leeds Art Gallery is set to host British Art Show 8 (9 October 2015 - 10
January 2016).
Marvel at the collection of beautifully restored Victorian shopping arcades in
Leeds’ Victorian Quarter and browse the luxury shops within them.
Synonymous with style and fashion since Harvey Nichols opened their first
store outside London, many designer stores have followed such as Church’s
Shoes and Louis Vuitton.
Did you know? The stained glass roof, which runs the full length of Queen
Victoria Street is a staggering 746.9 square metres and has earned a place in
the Guinness Book of Records as the largest stained glass window in Britain
Train to Manchester (1hr 24mins) overnight in Manchester
Head into Manchester City Centre to try some culinary delights in fashionable
Spinningfields, offering 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. It's home to countless
independent bars, cafés and restaurants – head there for a great breakfast,
browse through its art galleries, boutiques and vintage stores.
Afflecks is the area’s most famous shopping emporium, with four floors
dedicated to independent designers and traders. The Manchester Craft and
Design Centre is where you can pick up unique handmade gifts, housed in the
beautifully restored former Fish and Poultry Market.
Manchester’s Whitworth Gallery is a must-see, home to one of the North 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 reaching into the parks’ trees.
Since reopening with doubled public space and state-of-the-art new facilities,
The Whitworth has received universal acclaim, making it one of the North of
England’s must-visit cultural destinations.
You will find The Whitworth 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 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