12 fun facts about Newcastle
Newcastle Upon Tyne is one of many highlights in the North of England. While most in the UK refer to locals as Geordies, nevertheless, the city has played an important part in the history of the UK. It’s technological achievements and past industries have made it an important hub of commerce and culture.
But there are some surprising facts about the city that you may not know. Every city has its fun facts and secrets; Newcastle is no different. To really enjoy the city of Newcastle, you should book your stay with thesqua.re, a global marketplace for serviced apartments that ticks all the boxes for business and leisure travellers.
Below, you can discover more about the city in 12 fun facts:
- There are seven bridges in Newcastle upon Tyne
Yep, that’s right. There are seven bridge in Newcastle that cross the river in the space of half a mile. So you don’t need to worry about getting to Gateshead or other nearby places across the river. These architectural achievements show off the city’s own manufacturing rigour and mean that business and leisure travellers visiting the city can access it easily when they leave their serviced apartments in Newcastle.
- Mr Bean was born here
Rowan Atkinson, one of the UK’s favourite and most gifted comedians, was born in the city. You wouldn’t believe that the cunning Edmund Blackadder or the calamitous Mr.Bean would heir from such a great city.
- Millennium Bridge was the world’s first bridge
The Millennium Bridge as a whole is a wonder to behold but the tilt is something else. Designed that way to allow boats to pass underneath it, the bridge once again shows of the city’s innovative heart.
- It’s the coldest major city in England, but it is also one of the driest cities in the UK
You better wrap up as it gets a wee bit nippy up here. This comes as no surprise given its location but it does mean you’re less likely to get soaked than you are in other cities like London.
- The film Get Carter was filmed here – one of the great British Films
One of Michael Caine’s most iconic films (and very violent for its time), Get Carter showed the colour and texture of Newcastle on the big screen in all its glory. You can bet that locals are glad to be a part of cinema history.
- Newcastle shares its latitude with Copenhagen, Denmark and southern Sweden
A little random fact for you. If you don’t believe us, then check Google Maps or the lines of latitude yourself. We’re not kidding.
- Newcastle Central Station was the first covered train station in the world
Opened by Queen Victoria in 1850, this little fact demonstrates the technological innovations within the city even more. A form of transport that revolutionised the world, and one of its many steps happened here.
- Locals are called Geordies because the city was the only one in the North East that supported George II during the rebellion of 1745
When the Jacobites were busy trying to claim the throne of Britain by kicking out the House of Hanover, Newcastle was one of the few cities in the North East region that shut its doors to the pesky Jacobites. Everyone loves a bit of history.
- St James Park is one of the oldest football stadiums in the UK
Goal!. Newcastle United fans are sitting in one of the oldest stadiums for the beautiful game of football. So if you visit there in future (home or away game) just remember that you’re cheering in a part of history.
- Newcastle Brown Ale is America’s most imported British Ale
Who would’ve thought this! Newcastle’s own special and tasty ale is also popular with Americans. Clearly not everyone in the States likes Budweiser. Haven’t tried their ale yet? Grab a bottle when you’re out and see why it’s so popular.
- A settlement called Pons Aelius, Newcastle was later named after the Roman fort that stood at its centre
Another little slice of history, it’s always fascinating knowing where names come. Etymology is a refined field but it does offer many insights that one can learn much from; even if it is where Newcastle gets its name from.
- The windscreen wiper was invented in Newcastle
A quirky fact to finish the list off with. The windscreen wiper, bane of all evils for some, was created in 1908 by a football fan driving home in a storm. Who’d have thought their flash of creativity would give road users added protection 100 years down the line.