Gateshead, United Kingdom

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Gateshead, United Kingdom

Region: Gateshead


Geographic Coordinates: 54.950000, -1.600000
Temperature Range: -10.0°C to 30.0°C (14°F to 86°F)
Climate: Cold and rainy in winter, mild and rainy in summer.
Population: 120046
Language: English

Gateshead is a town located in the North East of England on the south bank of the River Tyne. It is part of the metropolitan borough of Gateshead, Which also includes nearby areas such as Birtley and Blaydon. The town has a long history dating back to Roman times and was once known for its coal mining industry. One of Gateshead’s most famous landmarks is the Angel of the North, A 66-foot-tall sculpture created by artist Antony Gormley.

The sculpture stands on a hill overlooking the A1 road and has become one of Britain’s most well-known works of public art since its installation in 1998. The Sage Gateshead is another popular attraction in Gateshead, An award-winning music venue that opened in 2004. Designed by architect Norman Foster, It features three performance spaces including a concert hall with seating for up to 1, 700 people. The venue hosts a wide range of musical acts from classical to contemporary and has become an important cultural hub for both locals and visitors alike.

For those interested in history and heritage, St Mary’s Heritage Centre is housed within a medieval church that dates back to Norman times. Visitors can learn about local history through interactive exhibits and displays. Nature lovers will enjoy Saltwell Park which provides over 55 acres to explore including ornamental gardens, Woodland walks and even its own boating lake. Opened in 1876 as one Britain’s first public parks it boasts many features such as sculptures donated by local industrialists along with play areas for children making it perfect for families looking for outdoor activities.

Foodies will not be disappointed either as there are plenty great places across Gateshead serving hearty British cuisine like fish & chips or Sunday roasts through modern restaurants offering international cuisine like Italian pizza or Indian curries. Gateshead offers something for everyone from iconic landmarks like Angel Of The North & cultural venues like Sage Gateshead to natural beauty like Saltwell Park & local history at St Mary’s Heritage Centre. It is a vibrant town with plenty of reasons to visit and explore this fascinating part of the North East of England.



Important Landmarks

  1. The Angel of the North
  2. Sage Gateshead
  3. BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art
  4. Gateshead Millennium Bridge
  5. Saltwell Park
  6. St Mary’s Heritage Centre
  7. Shipley Art Gallery
  8. Team Valley Retail Park
  9. Metrocentre Shopping Centre
  10. Gibside Estate

Primary Industries

  1. Manufacturing: Gateshead has a long history of manufacturing, with companies producing everything from cars to steel products.
  2. Retail: The town center is home to many high street retailers, including department stores and supermarkets.
  3. Health Care: There are several hospitals and healthcare providers in the area.
  4. Education: There are several schools, colleges, and universities in the area.
  5. Technology: Gateshead is home to several technology companies that specialize in software development, web design, and IT services.
  6. Creative Industries: The town has a thriving creative sector that includes film production studios, art galleries, music venues and theaters.
  7. Construction: There is a significant amount of construction work taking place in the area as new housing developments are built to meet demand.
  8. Tourism: The town attracts visitors from all over the world who come to see its historic landmarks such as the Angel of the North sculpture or visit attractions like Metrocentre shopping mall or Sage music venue complex.

Noteable History

  1. The Norman Conquest in 1066 placed Gateshead under the rule of William the Conqueror.
  2. St Mary’s Church, founded in the 12th century, is one of Gateshead’s oldest buildings and still stands today.
  3. In 1781, a bridge over River Tyne was constructed, linking Gateshead with Newcastle and boosting economic growth in both towns.
  4. During the Industrial Revolution, heavy industry such as shipbuilding, coal mining and ironworking flourished in Gateshead.
  5. Sir Joseph Swan (1828-1914), an industrialist born in Gateshead, invented an early form of electric light bulb and was a pioneer in electrical engineering.
  6. Saltwell Park was established by wealthy glass manufacturer William Wailes (1808-1881) who donated land for public use as a park and botanical garden.
  7. Team Valley Trading Estate was created in 1936 and has become one of Europe’s largest industrial estates that attracts many businesses to invest there over time.
  8. Notable people from Gateshead include musician Sting (born Gordon Sumner), footballer Paul Gascoigne, comedian Sarah Millican and author David Almond among others.

Museums and Things To See

  1. The Angel of the North is a well-known sculpture and landmark located in Gateshead.
  2. The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art is a modern museum that showcases rotating exhibits.
  3. Sage Gateshead serves as both a concert hall and music education center, boasting stunning architecture.
  4. Shipley Art Gallery is a historic art gallery featuring both local and international works of art.
  5. Saltwell Park is a beautiful park that includes Victorian gardens, boating lake, and play areas for children to enjoy.
  6. St Mary’s Heritage Centre was once an old church converted into an exhibition space showcasing the history of Gateshead.
  7. The Gateshead Millennium Bridge is an iconic bridge connecting Newcastle to Gateshead across the River Tyne.
  8. Tanfield Railway holds the title of England’s oldest railway still operating, offering steam train rides through picturesque countryside for visitors to enjoy.
  9. The Sage Roof Garden offers panoramic views over Newcastle and Gateshead from its rooftop location on top of The Sage building.
  10. The Lowry Trail takes visitors on a 3-mile walking trail through locations significant to artist L.S Lowry who lived in the area for 28 years.


Sports Teams

  1. Gateshead Football Club was founded in 1889 and played in various leagues before joining the Football League in 1930. They were relegated to non-league football in 1960 and have had a mixed record since then.
  2. Gateshead Thunder Rugby League Club was founded in 1998 and played in various leagues before joining the National League One (now Championship) in 2009. Unfortunately, due to financial difficulties, the club was dissolved in 2018.
  3. Gateshead Phoenix Basketball Club was established in 2006 and plays in the English Basketball League Division Two North, having achieved some success at regional level.
  4. Gateshead Harriers Athletics Club is one of the oldest athletics clubs in England, having been founded over a century ago, and has produced several Olympians over the years.
  5. Gateshead Fell Cricket Club was established over a century ago and plays at Eastwood Gardens while competing at both local and regional levels.
  6. Birtley Town Football Club is based just outside of Gateshead, having been founded over a century ago; they currently play their home games at Birtley Sports Complex as members of Northern League Division Two.
  7. Blaydon Rugby Union Football Club is based just west of Gateshead; they were also founded over a century ago but currently compete at National League Three North level after being promoted from Durham/Northumberland One last season.


Cultural Events

  1. Gateshead International Jazz Festival is a three-day event that takes place in March and features jazz musicians from around the world.
  2. Gateshead Beer and Music Festival is an exciting weekend festival held every June, where visitors can enjoy live music, food, and over 100 real ales.
  3. The Great North Run is the world’s largest half marathon that starts in Newcastle upon Tyne and ends in South Shields, passing through Gateshead.
  4. SummerTyne Americana Festival is a weekend festival held at Sage Gateshead in July to celebrate American roots music.
  5. Enchanted Parks takes place annually during winter when Saltwell Park transforms into an illuminated wonderland with light installations, performances, and interactive experiences for visitors to enjoy.
  6. The Late Shows happen every May as an after-hours cultural event where museums, galleries, and other cultural venues open their doors for free to the public.
  7. Juice Festival is an arts festival aimed at young people aged 10-25 years old held during October half-term week with workshops, performances, exhibitions and more on offer.
  8. Gateshead International Festival of Theatre (GIFT) showcases innovative contemporary theatre from around the world every even-numbered year during May/June.
  9. Northern Chords Festival offers classical music performed by internationally renowned artists at various venues across Tyneside usually taking place over five days during late May or early June.
  10. Winter Market at Saltwell Park runs throughout December offering festive food & drink alongside artisan gifts & crafts stalls within Saltwell Towers’ courtyard area for visitors to explore.

Cuisine

  • The Staith House – a gastropub serving locally sourced seafood and meat dishes.
  • Riley’s Fish Shack – a beachside seafood shack serving fresh fish and shellfish.
  • Dabbawal – an Indian street food restaurant with a modern twist.
  • Blackfriars Restaurant – a historic restaurant serving traditional British cuisine in a medieval setting.
  • The Central Bar Kitchen – a contemporary British restaurant with an extensive gin menu.
  • Sachins – an award-winning Indian fine dining restaurant.
  • River Beat Restaurant & Bar – a riverside eatery offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
  • Träkol – A Scandinavian-inspired smokehouse that serves up grilled meats and fish.
  • The Jolly Fisherman Inn- A classic pub that serves up hearty pub grub, including fish and chips.
  • The Ship Inn- A cosy English inn that offers traditional pub fare like pies, burgers, steaks etc., along with real ale from local breweries.

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Saltwell Park is a beautiful Victorian park with stunning ornamental gardens, a boating lake, and even a maze to explore.
    2. Derwent Walk Country Park boasts an impressive 11-mile long trail that’s perfect for walking or cycling alongside the River Derwent.
    3. Team Valley Retail World is an outdoor shopping center that’s home to many popular retail stores and restaurants.
    4. Watergate Forest Park is an expansive park that offers visitors the chance to walk along scenic trails, observe wildlife habitats, and enjoy picnic areas.
    5. Gateshead International Stadium is a top-notch sports complex that features athletics tracks, football pitches, and indoor facilities for various sports.
    6. Dunston Staiths are historic wooden walkways overlooking the River Tyne which offer some of the most breathtaking views in the area.
    7. Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art showcases modern exhibits from both local and international artists in its art gallery.
    8. The Angel of the North stands tall at 20 meters high as one of England’s iconic landmarks located in Gateshead made entirely out of steel.
    9. Tyne Riverside Country Park offers visitors riverside views on both sides of Tyne river with walking trails and bird watching spots among other attractions.
    10. Sage Gateshead is a music venue that hosts world-class musicians throughout the year providing unforgettable concert experiences for visitors.

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