TrainPal Blog

Travel Further, For Less

The 7 essential things to do in Newcastle
inposted LL
The 7 essential things to do in Newcastle
Visit Newcastle: what are the best things to do and see in the city of Geordies?Newcastle upon Tyne is a city in the north-east of England with a population of approximately 270,000. The city is located between Edinburgh in Scotland and London. It is known around the world for its football team and for the special accent of its inhabitants, named the Geordies!The origins of Newcastle date back more than 2,000 years. At the time, the Romans had built an imposing fort there to protect their empire. Years later, the industrial revolution allowed Newcastle to develop actively. The economy was then centred around the steel and coal trade. One of the largest production centres in the world, Newcastle quickly became a rich and attractive city, establishing itself as one of the most important in England.Today, the city has evolved into a modern, artistic and lively metropolis. Its often original architecture and its museums make it a cultural city in which there is a warm atmosphere. It was also named European Capital of Culture in 2008.Are you planning to visit Newcastle upon Tyne and wonder what you can discover in this British city? Here is a selection of 7 essentials to visit during your trip.1. Castle KeepWhat would a visit to Newcastle be without going through the "new castle" to which the city owes its name? The discovery of Newcastle Castle and its keep, which dates back to 1178, is possible every day. You can observe a panoramic view of the whole city.Children's tours are also planned, with re-enactments and costumed guides. Its Norman stone architecture and fun tours make this site an unmissable point of interest in the city. You don't know what to do in Newcastle when you arrive? So don't miss the Castle Keep.2. The banks of the TyneSure, visiting the quays along the River Tyne is a must to visit Newcastle. On Sundays, you will find a market for clothes, antiques and art called Quayside.You can also take a stroll along the quays to discover the modern architecture of this area of ​​Newcastle. Among the highlights of the panorama, there is, of course, the Millenium Bridge. This pedestrian bridge was built in 2000. It is the first in the world to use a side rotation system to let boats through. This spectacle, which lasts about 4 minutes, makes it very popular with travellers, as does its colourful illumination at night.3. DowntownThe heart of Newcastle is bustling with its many shops and restaurants. Neoclassical architecture is very present, especially in Gray Street, often considered one of the most beautiful in England. In the evening, you will discover the hectic atmosphere of a university and cultural city. You will quickly realize this: Newcastle is a festive city!It is also a student city that hosts a very famous university in England, founded in 1834. It is separated into three faculties: medicine, humanities and social sciences and science. Visiting the campus and its period building is very interesting to discover.Book your train to Newcastle4. BALTIC Museum of Contemporary ArtThe BALTIC museum, located on the banks of the Tyne, is considered an emblem of the city’s modern architecture. BALTIC is one of the largest museums of contemporary art in the world.His particularity? There is no permanent gallery. This museum hosts constantly renewed exhibitions, as well as numerous events where influential personalities from the artistic world express themselves. BALTIC is a museum to discover without hesitation if you are looking for what to do in Newcastle. There is also a gourmet restaurant with a breathtaking view of the Tyne River!5. Sage GatesheadYou can't miss this peculiarly shaped building when you visit the banks of the Tyne in Newcastle. It is on the Gateshead side, and you will definitely have to take the Millennium Bridge to get a closer look.Opened in 2004, The Sage is actually a performance hall, which has been ranked among the best in the world. Its curved glass and steel design can be enjoyed from the outside as well as from the inside. Indeed, it allows you to enjoy exceptional acoustic performance. There are three different stages, which allows the Sage to offer hundreds of concerts each year.The biggest stars of the song are regularly there. So, if you don't know what to do in Newcastle to occupy your evenings, you can find out about the concerts planned during your stay. The opportunity to live amazing sound experience.6. The Angel of the NorthAngel of the North is a sculpture created by artist Sir Antony Gormley in 1998. It stands 20m high and is 54m wide. Designed as a kind of totem, this work has become the emblem of the city of Gateshead.It is located on Birtley Hill, above the city centre. Built exclusively of steel, the structure withstands the sometimes complicated weather conditions in England, and it seems that we come to admire it a little for this reason too… It represents the transition from the industrial era to the era of information and marks the evolution of the Newcastle-Gateshead region.7. Things to see and do in NewcastleSt James' Park stadium: Going to a game in Newcastle is the best way to soak up the bustling city.Gateshead: Gateshead town centre is great to explore for half a day.The North Sea: You can get to South Shields by tube and take a stroll by the sea to experience a peaceful country feel, very close to Newcastle.Sunderland: The small town of Sunderland, connected by the Newcastle underground, is best known for its football team but also has a lot of charm.Grainger Market: The Grainger Market is a covered market where you can come to eat, buy fresh products or simply visit the many small shops! A must when visiting Newcastle.
Read more
Transport in the United Kingdom
inposted LL
Transport in the United Kingdom
By travelling in the UK, you will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful British countryside, the bustling big cities and the picturesque villages. The UK is a small country and it is easy to get around by public transport. Be careful however because they are not always punctual because of the congested roads and motorways. Always plan to leave a little early.Inter-city travelDomestic flightsThe plane is an expensive but fast means of transportation. There are a large number of airports including 24 international airports in the United Kingdom. You can reach many destinations with domestic flights. Check the routes offered on FlightMapping, then book through a travel agency or directly with airlines. Low-cost airlines will allow you to travel at a reduced price across the country.TrainsThe national rail network is simple to understand and dense. You can choose to travel first (first class) or second (standard class). Unlike France, the British system is private and divided by region. Delays are frequent.Train journeys are sometimes expensive depending on the season and destination, but discounts are offered regularly. Remember to book online and in advance. If you are under 25 or a full-time student, ask for the 16-25 Railcard discount card: it will save you 33% on the price of your tickets. For regular journeys, ask about subscriptions to save money.Book Train tickets BusThe bus lines are less frequented for long distances and make connections between the main and neighbouring cities. For regular trips, you will save money by taking out a subscription. Coaches are buses that make longer journeys. It may be necessary to reserve in advance.
Read more
National Gallery - Top 10 Free Attractions in London
inposted LL
National Gallery - Top 10 Free Attractions in London
Top 2: National GalleryAdmire a vast collection of Western European paintings from the 13th to the 19th century at the National Gallery. Presiding majestically over Trafalgar Square, this iconic London art gallery houses the works of great masters such as Van Gogh, da Vinci, Botticelli, Constable, Renoir, Titian and Stubbs.The National Gallery exhibits more than 2,000 paintings from western Europe from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, including captivating works created by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Renoir and Van Gogh.The main collection and some small temporary exhibitions are free, while access to larger temporary exhibitions is often chargeable.Price:FREE child ticket | FREE family ticket | FREE senior ticket | FREE adult ticketEntrance to the National Gallery is free.The following charges apply for special exhibitions:Gift Aid * adult: £ 16Gift Aid * senior (60+): £ 14Full price: £ 14.00Senior (60 +) / concession *: £ 12.00National Art Pass (Art Fund) holders: £ 7.00Students / Jobseekers / 12-18s: £ 7.00* This content has been provided by The National Gallery: London National GalleryOpening timeDaily 10 am to 6 pm, and Friday 10 am to 9 pmClosing starts five minutes before the time stated. Free admission to the collection and some special exhibitions. Charges apply for major loan exhibitions.National GalleryAddress: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, LondonPhone: +44 (0)20 7747 2885E-mail: information@ng-london.org.ukPublic transport:Embankment, Charing Cross and Leicester SquareFind Trains
Read more