This most northerly of English cities is now a thriving retail destination which, along with neighbouring Gateshead, forms a major shopping destination for the north-east.
WHERE IS NEWCASTLE?
Newcastle Upon Tyne is in northeast England, within the county of Tyne and Wear, along with other major locations such as Gateshead and Sunderland. The city is based directly above the River Wear, whilst the length of the River Tyne essentially acts as the city’s southern border. Newcastle is amongst the most populated cities in the country, home to around 300,000 people.
In the northwest is the Newcastle airport, just a fifteen-minute drive from the city centre. It is here that the Newcastle station is based, along with the vast retail hub and range of iconic attractions, such as the Newcastle castle and cathedral. There are, of course, a great range of Newcastle apartments dotted across the city centre too.
NEWCASTLE HISTORY
It would be fair to say that Newcastle has come a long way since the first community emerged back in 112AD. The original Roman settlement was called ‘Pons Aelius’ before it was given its current name once the Norman rule had begun in the 11th century.
It was from then on that the area as a whole began to truly to develop. Newcastle’s prominence in the wool trade and ideal quayside location meant that the city became more recognised and established nationally. By 1216, Newcastle had its own mayor, whilst by 1400 it was named a county town. It was Newcastle’s rise to becoming a regional centre that laid down the foundations for the rivalry that still exists with the neighbouring city, Sunderland.
Local industry then continued to be the focal point of the city’s success. For instance, heavy industry thrived in Newcastle in the nineteenth century as the production of ships and steam trains grew and grew. Naturally, this industrial expansion encouraged a population increase, tripling over the space of sixty years.
In the past few decades, heavy industry has stepped aside, pathing the way for a rise in retail and public sectors. Environmental and social awareness seems of more importance nowadays although the city is still deemed as the business hub of the North East.
Be sure to stay in luxury apartments in Newcastle based near the city’s best historical site, the Newcastle Museum, to find out more about the area’s rich history.
NEWCASTLE BUSINESSES
Once a city of industry that claimed its wealth from manufacturing, shipbuilding and coal, modern Newcastle thrives on the retail and the service sectors. The Tyneside city has also become one of the country’s major centres for shopping. This has brought in a level of business that can create demand for the particular sort of accommodation an aparthotel in Newcastle provides.
On a national scale, Newcastle ranks high as one of the UK’s most economically improved cities across. The city’s economy is also amongst the fastest growing across G7 countries.
It is for these reasons that both the city and region has an impressive ability to attract overseas investment. For instance, the likes of Fenwick, Greggs and Santander all have headquarters based in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Workers of businesses such as these who relocate to the city can appreciate both the range of conveniently located serviced accommodation in Newcastle and the extensive transport infrastructure.
Meeting the expectations of a European major city, Newcastle is connected by road, rail, sea and air, meaning that travel in-and-out of the major business hub is as easy as its ever been. Newcastle business park facilities are also of a high standard.
The amount of student accommodation in Newcastle also caters for the city’s status as the UK’s ‘Best University City’. It is educational institutions, such as the University of Newcastle and Northumbria University, that encourages so many overseas students to study in the city, who will ultimately fuel Newcastle’s future workforce. It fares well for local businesses who will have access to a highly educated, skilled workforce in the years to come.
VISIT NEWCASTLE
Even if you decide to stay temporarily in short term lets in Newcastle, you should always give yourself time to explore all that the city has to offer. Between the Intu Eldon Square Newcastle Shopping Centre in the city and the nearby MetroCentre in Gateshead, the area has some of the biggest and best-served shopping centres in the UK.
Amongst the great things to do in Newcastle is the beautiful Beamish Open Air Museum, which showcases life in the area at points in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Other museums worth a visit include the Centre For Life science village and the Discovery Museum. In 2009, the Museum of Antiquities merged with the Great North Museum, creating a wonderful attraction in the city. There’s also Seven Stories, a museum of children’s books.
There’s the Newcastle Theatre Royal too, which is a Grade I listed building that opened in 1837 and has hosted a season of performances from the Royal Shakespeare Company, as well as touring West End musicals. Many other high profile or independent theatres are situated across the city, making Newcastle’s cultural life highly diverse.
There are 92 golf courses within an hour of the city, while those who prefer indoor entertainment will have access to several cinemas, as well as chain and independent bars and restaurants. The nightlife in Newcastle is extremely active and the city has been named as one of the main nightlife destinations in Europe. No matter what your preferences are, you can find several places to visit around the Bigg Market and the Newcastle Quayside areas.
SITU has a large network of serviced apartments in Newcastle city centre giving business travellers convenient accommodation in great locations full of things to see and places to go. It is also, in particular, apartments adapted for self catering in Newcastle that provide all the facilities clients would expect, ensuring that they get the most out of their time in Newcastle.
WHY SERVICED APARTMENTS IN NEWCASTLE?
Serviced apartments in Newcastle come will all the facilities to ensure stays in the North East are as convenient and relaxed as possible. It’s entirely up to you where you base yourself in the city too!
Whether it be near some of the tourist attractions we’ve just talked about, or within a practical distance of any of the brilliant transport infrastructure, you can choose to book stays where it best suits you.
Even if you only find yourself with limited time in this great city, just making that decide to book short stay apartments in Newcastle could make the difference between a good and bad visit!
Do not hesitate to get in contact with SITU today to find out more about how we can find serviced accommodation which works for you and travel needs.
