Sights and Happenings in Newcastle, England

<p>With a 2007 population of 271,000, Newcastle is located in northeast England on the north bank of the River Tyne. Newcastle was named for the 1080 castle (still existing) that was built by the son of William the Conqueror, Robert II, and has come through many changes over the centuries. Emerging as a center for wool trade and coal exports, it evolved into one of the world's largest shipbuilding and repairing centers by the 16th century. These industries have now largely disappeared, and Newcastle is now known more for its business and culture.</p><p>Newcastle is a city of beautiful bridges, with the 1928 semicircular iron Tyne Bridge an icon of the city. Another fine bridge is the 1849 High Level Bridge designed by Robert Stevenson. The award-winning Gateshead Millennium Bridge is a modern tilt bridge designed for pedestrians and bicycles.</p><p>The center of the city is in the neoclassical style which was originally built in the 1830s and was recently refurbished. There are also many wonderful parks and open spaces in Newcastle, as it is quite a green city. The Town Moor is a particularly huge and a popular spot, as it goes right up to the home of the Newcastle United Football Club, the mighty St. James Park. Some other buildings of note include St. Nicholas Cathedral which dates from the 14th century and features an unusual lantern spire, and the magnificent Catholic Cathedral Church of St. Mary, built in 1844.</p><p>There are many sites to see and places to enjoy such as the quayside area, which is a cultural mix featuring bars and nightclubs coexisting with modern arts, music and many different cultural experiences. Newcastle also has a great Chinatown which features its own Chinese arch. Newcastle hosts the traveling Hoppings funfair which occurs in the last week of June and is said to be the largest in Europe. </p><p>Alyssa has been an online writer and publisher since 2001. Check out her latest website which is all about how to shop for <a target="_new" href="http://decorativebathtowels.org" rel="nofollow">decorative bath towels</a>, as well as what to look for when buying <a target="_new" href="http://www.decorativebathtowels.org/large-bath-towels.htm" rel="nofollow">large bath towels</a>.</p>