Only a five minute drive and a ten minute walk away, Newcastle’s bustling city centre has plenty of attractions to suit any discerning visitor.

Exploring needn’t end in Newcastle - Kensington House Aparthotel’s prime location also makes the rest of the North East of England easily accessible.

Here are a few of the local attractions we think you might enjoy:

The Theatre Royal remains one of the most historic, cultural landmarks in the country and continues to dominate the heart of Newcastle's Grainger Town. The Theatre Royal is one of the most famous theatres in the country and in its 170 year history has played host to the biggest names in dance, drama, music and comedy.

The Theatre Royal is the regional home of the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, Opera North and Rambert Dance Company. Performances include the biggest and brightest West End musicals, thought-provoking drama from the world's leading playwrights, contemporary dance from internationally acclaimed choreographers - not to mention the North's favourite pantomime, attracting more than 70,000 people.

visit: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk


The University Gallery, Northumbria University

The University Gallery at Northumbria University presents an annual programme of exhibitions covering all aspects of the visual arts including paintings, prints sculpture and photography by artists of national and international distinction, as well as less established but promising artists.
The University Gallery is also the main contact for Norman Cornish, one of the region's most distinguished artists of the post war years. Exhibitions are open six days a week from Monday to Thursday 10am to 5pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 4pm. Admission is free. The Gallery is closed on Sundays Bank Holidays and during exhibition changes

visit: http://northumbria.ac.uk/universitygallery/

Newcastle Racecourse  - "More than Just a Racecourse"

The High Gosforth Park Estate includes the North East's only Grade 1 racecourse, two 18 hole golf courses, a driving range, American style Mini Golf, Complete Football 5-a-side centre, a nature reserve, garden centre and a public house and is set in 812 acres of beautiful parkland with ample free car parking.

With a range of all-inclusive racing packages available, all tastes and budgets can be accommodated.  An afternoon or evening of racing can be combined with a morning conference or round of golf at the on-site golf course and all facilities can be hired out for private functions.

Offering extensive conference, banqueting and exhibition facilities and the capacity to cater for 750 guests, Newcastle Racecourse is ideally suited for weddings, private functions, Christmas parties, corporate and public events as well as outdoor events including concerts.

For further details contact: Newcastle Racecourse, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5HP

Telephone:   0191 236 2020

Email:          info@newcastle-racecourse.co.uk

Web:           http://www.newcastle-racecourse.co.uk/

Gateshead & Newcastle Quayside

Gateshead Quays is the historic heart of Gateshead. Gateshead Quays was a prosperous settlement in the Roman Times, and during the Industrial Revolution and Victorian Era it became one of the focal points for industries in the North East due to its easily accessible port. Today Gateshead Quays is being converted into a truly unique arts and cultural space, unparalleled to anything else in Europe.

visit: http://www.gateshead-quays.com/

Beamish

Beamish, Britain's favourite open air museum, set in over 300 acres of beautiful countryside, vividly recreates life in the North of England in the early 1800s and 1900s. Winner of both the British Museum of the Year and European Museum of the Year Awards, it demonstrates the recent history of the region in a "living" way and provides entertainment and education for visitors of all ages and interests.

visit: http://www.beamish.org.uk/

Visit North East England

North East England takes in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and the Tees Valley - a melting pot of history and landscapes that has something different to offer at every turn.

Located in North East England, Newcastle (on the north bank of the River Tyne) and Gateshead (on the south bank) have been transformed into a single visitor destination called NewcastleGateshead.

NewcastleGateshead is a mix of the modern and historic, renowned for its excellent shopping and amazing nightlife. But NewcastleGateshead has much more to offer - explore the beautiful architecture including the ancient city walls and castle; enjoy the stunning quayside with its waterfront bars and galleries; and don't miss the fantastic public art such as the Angel of the North.

With a year-long programme of festivals and events there is always something going on. Why not visit NewcastleGateshead for a city break with a difference, or use it as a base for exploring the rest of North East England.

visit: http://www.visitnewcastlegateshead.com/

Angel of the North

The Angel of the North is a new landmark at the entrance to Tyneside. Its wide, open arms greet visitors as they reach Gateshead, whether they come by road or rail. Its silhouette at the head of the Team Valley now rivals that of the famous Tyne Bridge. The site, a former colliery pit head baths, has been re-claimed as a green landscape on the boundary of the Great North Forest.

visit: www.gateshead.gov.uk/angel

Newcastle Arena

The Metro Radio Arena Newcastle is the largest concert and exhibition venue in the North East of England and was recently acquired by SMG Facility Management Worldwide. The Metro Radio Arena´s commitment to the North East as a region, is more than capable of supporting the very best in entertainment in this superb 40,000sq metre site.

visit: www.metroradioarena.co.uk

MetroCentre

Explore and Discover the exciting world of Retail Therapy at MetroCentre, where you can find a whole host of small unique shops in themed areas alongside popular high street names.

visit: http://www.metrocentre-gateshead.co.uk/

Hadrian's Wall

As a visitor to the area you will find that Hadrian's Wall Country marks so much more than just the extent of Roman occupation. The rich and varied land that stretches from the east to west coast embraces cosmopolitan cities, dramatic highlands, rolling countryside and sleepy villages, historic sites and modern architecture. Whether you are looking for riverside walk or inner city art gallery, a fascinating museum or historic castle, a stately home or nature reserve, Hadrian's Wall Country has it all.

visit: www.hadrians-wall.org