TALK OF THE TOON

Newcastle is bursting with artistic spirit, folky pub sessions, and well-preserved history

- Amelia Neath

Geordies have mastered the proper “night on the toon”. Stags, hens, and groups of friends have ample opportunity to dance until dawn at Newcastle's rowdy rooftop bars and dimly lit pubs. And places such as Tup Tup Palace and World HQ have cemented Newcastle as one of the best party cities in the UK.

This flair for having a good time doesn’t stop at the sticky door of a nightclub, however. It can be found throughout the city in the most unexpected places. Best of all, Newcastle’s residents are eager to share the city’s history and culture. Head to one of the many galleries to view work by local artists, or drop into a folk music session on a Monday night.

Everything that makes a good weekend away can be found tucked in this pocket of the North East, with its down-to-earth restaurants, extraordinary landmarks and stubbornly creative atmosphere. Next time you are in the city for a night out, or taking a trip to St James’ Park, stay a while longer for the friendly fellowship Newcastle has to offer.

Sitting on the Gateshead side of the Tyne River is the bubble-shaped Glasshouse, adding a dash of ultra-modernity to the area’s skyline. Here, you can catch performances by the renowned Royal Northern Sinfonia, as well as other orchestral greats in its world-class concert halls. For a singalong on a smaller scale, Newcastle’s Cathedral often turns its nave into a concert hall for music by candlelight.

You might find yourself sipping a drink along with local folk musicians in the afternoon. Make your way to The Cluny or The Cumberland Arms in Ouseburn for these pub sessions, or over to the Bridge Hotel, where the second-oldest folk club in Britain runs its gathering every Monday. Grey Street is home to Georgian buildings as well as independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants (Getty)