Understand
Newcastle is a lively and diverse city, known for its nightlife, art, music and sports. Compact, attractive and friendly, it is one of England's core cities and is a centre of culture, architecture and business. Newcastle is a starting point for tours of the Northumberland coast and Hadrian's Wall. The town is also home to the Geordie culture, with a rich heritage of folk music and dance and its own dialect.
History
Newcastle was founded around 2,000 years ago as a Roman fort called Pons Aelius along Hadrian's Wall, a ruin of which still exists at Segedunum, a short walk from Wallsend Metro station. The city developed into an important port and was at the centre of the Industrial Revolution during the 18th and 19th centuries. As heavy industry declined, Newcastle's fortunes took a dip. The city has now re-invented itself as a cultural centre and Science City, and is possibly one of the trendiest places in the UK.
Climate
| Climate | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Daily highs °C | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 15 | 17 | 20 | 20 | 17 | 13 | 9 | 7 |
| Nightly lows °C | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Precipitation mm | 56 | 39 | 51 | 52 | 50 | 55 | 45 | 61 | 58 | 57 | 62 | 59 |
| See the 5 day forecast for Newcastle at the Met Office |
Tourist information
There are two tourist information centres (http://www.newcastle.gov....) +44 0191 277 8000 mailto:[email protected] in Newcastle city centre. There is also a tourist information kiosk near the check-in hall at Newcastle Airport.
| The Guildhall Quayside Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3AF Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 9am - 4pm | 8-9 Central Arcade Grainger Street Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5BQ Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 9am - 5.30pm |