Shop Till You Drop On Tyneside

NewcastleGateshead, the new name for the twoon Sundays in the city's most happening quarter,
cities which form the core of Tyneside, is analongside the river with its famous bridge, the
exciting and popular destination for a wide rangeBaltic gallery and the sparkling new Sage building.
of visitors. Although the conurbation boastsA little way outside of the city centre, but easily
excellent modern art and music scenes, along withaccessible by Metro, there's the popular weekly
beautiful scenery on the nearby coast, perhapsArmstrong Bridge arts and crafts market which is
the most celebrated aspects are its football,held on a pedestrianised bridge over the
nightlife and shopping.picturesque Jesmond Dene and since 1963 has
High-end fashionistas are well served by severalhosted scores of local independent traders selling
stylish stores around Princess Square in the cityall kinds of artworks, pottery and wooden crafts,
centre. Strand, Cruise and its smallerknitwear and jewellery. It's a charming way to
menswear-only branch, Cruise 2, are said to bespend a Sunday and the best place to pick up a
favourites among the well-heeled lads ofunique gift for someone who has everything.
Newcastle United FC and of course the WAG set.Gateshead is home to the MetroCentre, the
Reiss, just across the street, is the place forbiggest shopping centre in Europe, including over
classically cut formal wear while more300 shops, an indoor theme park, cinema and
'street'-oriented, edgy modern fashion can bebowling alley and over 50 restaurants. Open until
found at Union and Envy around the towering9pm weekdays, or 10 in the run-up to Christmas,
landmark of Grey's Monument.crowds flock here to get all their Christmas
The alternative clothing market is also wellshopping done under one roof - there genuinely is
catered for with a cluster of skate shops stockingsomething for everyone. Alternatively, another
extreme sports gear and American-influencedgood way to get out of the chilly North-Eastern
fashion around Market Street. There are severalweather is Eldon Square, located right in
more outré stores around Old EldonNewcastle city centre with over 150 stores,
Square, along with cool independent record stores,including the flagship Fenwick department store
the best of which are Newcastle institutions Petwith five floors of fashion, homeware, toys,
Sounds and Steel Wheels. Many of the studentscosmetics and an excellent food hall.
at Newcastle's two universities source originalFor visitors who prefer to stay and sample
vintage clothing from Period Clothing, Nitro andNewcastle's famous bars and clubs, theatre and
Attica to perfect the slightly down-at-heel, 'shabbyrestaurants, or who simply want to shop till they
chic' look.drop and then chill out in luxurious comfort of an
Small, independent clothes designers, along withevening, there are plenty of relaxing and stylish
jewellery and other crafts, are out in force at thehotels in Newcastle and Gateshead which makes it
recently established Quayside market which runseasy to buy a little more time.