Quick Overview:
How could you go wrong with a stag party Weekend in the hometown of Newcastle Brown Ale? The city, in the northeast of England, is actually called Newcastle Upon Tyne but most just call it Newcastle. And that could be anyone in the world given the huge popularity of Newcastle’s namesake brewery. It’s no surprise one of the most popular beers of all hails from a city famous for its nightlife that includes an ample supply of real ale brewers. But don’t be mistaken, Newcastle isn’t just a beer soaked pub-fest - there are many historical and architectural sites to see and creative culinary treasures to discover.
Getting around:
Newcastle is as compact as it is beautiful, so don’t overlook opportunities to walk and bicycle on a stag do. There are bike lanes in Newcastle but beware they are sometimes shared by buses and taxis. The Tyne and Wear Metro has two lines that reach throughout the city and into the suburbs of Newcastle and outlying towns. Quaylink buses run every few minutes from the city centre to the Newcastle/Gateshead quayside.
Must See/Must Do:
• Vampire Rabbit - A gargoyle above an office building entrance next to St. Nicholas church. The rabbit has red pupils, claws and fangs. Its origin and meaning is an unsolved mystery. It’s an oddity that makes good stag do viewing.
• Segedunum - The remains of a Roman fort are located a short walk from the Wallsend Metro.
• Great North Museum - Fossils and mummies accent excellent exhibits that tell the history of the Newcastle area.
• Music - Newcastle has several quality venues for live music shows. The Sage Music Centre, Metro Radio Arena and 02 Academy Newcastle host large acts from across Europe and the globe.
• Sporting Newcastle - The city has professional rugby, basketball, ice hockey and racing. Newcastle United’s football stadium at St. James Park is the fourth largest in the U.K.
History:
Newcastle was settled 2,000 millennia ago and was originally a Roman fort called Pons Aelius. The ruins at Segedunum are the only remains of the original walls. Like many British cities, the Industrial Revolution ushered in development and prosperity (for some) in the 18th and 19th century. But the trend reversed in the 20th century as heavy industry slowed to a crawl. For its second act, Newcastle has re-emerged as a vibrant cultural and science centre.
Nightlife:
Stag and Hen Parties flock to Newcastle along with tourists from across Europe – it’s the pull of the city’s famously friendly social drinking scene. Newcastle is home to several smallish breweries that are making very good real ales. Keep a pub eye peeled for local favorites Mordue, Wylam and Big Lamp. Locals call Newcastle Brown Ale “Broon” or “Dog.” Bigg Market, Central Station, Quayside, Ouseburn and Jesmond are all popular with numerous bars. Any stag party in Newcastle will want to check out City Vaults, a spacious club with three bars, thumping music, big screen televisions for football matches. If that weren’t enough, topless dancers and skimpily dressed bar staff complement the other amenities.
Eating:
Despite its rough and tumble origins, Newcastle has matured and so has its culinary offerings. Talented chefs are spread throughout the city and are steadily putting Newcastle on the foodie map. Italian and Spanish restaurants are a clear favorite in Newcastle based on their numbers. But the usual standard of traditional British, Asian, and other international tastes help round out the selection. For something that embodies Newcastle’s gastro-revolution, try Blackfriar’s Restaurant. Enjoy a menu that features local ingredients and creatively altered traditional recipes in a 13th century monk's refectory. This restaurant is a great way to start a stag party night on the town.