Situated on the River Tyne, Newcastle is the largest and friendliest city in the North East of England. The residents of Newcastle, famous for their friendly and hospitable nature, are known around the whole of the UK as “Geordies.” No one is exactly sure how this nickname was derived as it has been around foe a very long time, but residents of the city where it with pride. Another thing that makes “Geordies” stand out is their remarkable flowing accent, something that many of the southern population of the UK find difficult to understand. It is not unusual if a local news item appears on national TV, for subtitles to be added so that everyone in the UK can understand what is being reported.

What stands out in Newcastle city center more than anything else, is the number outstanding bridges spanning the wide River Tyne and reaching the city of Gateshead on the other side? The largest and most spectacular is the” High Level Bridge, designed by the famous engineer Robert Stephenson which was the first two tier road and rail bridge in the World. In more recent times an equally spectacular tilting bridge was constructed to celebrate the beginning of the 21st century. Apply titled the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, it links the renovated quaysides of both Newcastle and Gateshead, which have become major shopping, cultural and entertainment centers for both cities The areas around the quayside have become the major shopping region for the city, where major department stores view with locally owned boutiques and privately owned businesses. Restaurants and bars are open around the clock in some cases, catering for the wide and varied culinary tastes of the Geordies as well as visitors to the city. Newcastle’s architecture shows buildings that were built form one thousand years ago displaying the history of this ancient city. However if you were to ask the average Geordie what the most revered spot in all of Newcastle they would probably answer, St James Park, home of the much loved but highly underachieving football club, Newcastle United. Newcastle is the only major city in England that boasts only one top flight football club. However the “magpies” have had little success in the last twenty years. This does not deter their loyal fans from turning up at every home game in their tens of thousands, in their undying belief that better times are just around the corner.

Visitors to the city should take the time to travel around the countryside surrounding Newcastle to take a picnic in the many bays on the Northern coastline and visit the nearby seaside town of Whitley Bay. Historical attractions in the Tyne and Weir regions include the Denton Hall Turret part of Hadrian’s Wall built by the Romans.

Renting a car can be an economical way to travel around Newcastle and the Tyne and Weir region. Car Hire in Newcastle usually comes as a ‘fully inclusive’ package which includes unlimited mileage, collision damage waiver, passenger indemnity insurance and cover for third party, fire and theft - and usually insurance excess. To rent a car anywhere in the United Kingdom, you must show a full driver's licence and a credit card in the driver’s name. Cars are usually rented to customers between the ages of 21 to 70 years. Hiring a car is a great idea if you want to use Newcastle as your base for a three day minimum travel experience around Tyneside.