🏛️ The Heart of Newcastle: Grainger Town
The centre of Newcastle is known as Grainger Town, named after Richard Grainger, the visionary developer responsible for its creation in the 19th century. Grainger collaborated with the renowned architect John Dobson, and together they transformed the city centre from timber structures to grand stone buildings. Their architectural style, known as ‘Tyneside Classical’, is celebrated for its elegance and grandeur. Grey Street, one of their most iconic creations, is so stately and gracious that BBC Radio 4 listeners voted it Britain’s best street!

🗿 Hang Out with Earl Grey
At the northern end of Grey Street stands Grey’s Monument, a towering tribute to Earl Grey, the Prime Minister who championed the Great Reform Bill of 1832. The monument, designed by John Baily (who later created Nelson’s Column in London), rises 41 metres (133 feet) above the ground. Earl Grey faces south, overlooking the River Tyne, and on special occasions, visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the viewing platform for panoramic views of the city.

🔍 Did you know?

  • A time capsule containing coins and medals was buried beneath the monument in 1838.

  • The area around the monument is a vibrant hub for street performers (buskers), demonstrations, and people-watching.

  • Nearby, you’ll find a mix of high-street shops, designer boutiques, and charming cafes with outdoor seating.

🎭 Theatre Royal
Just a stone’s throw away is the Theatre Royal, a stunning Grade I listed building. This historic venue is rumoured to be haunted by the ‘Grey Lady’, adding a touch of mystery to its grandeur.

🏙️ Explore Grainger Town
Grainger Town is more than just Grey Street—it’s a sprawling area that includes Grainger Street, Blackett Street, and the historic Grainger Market. Richard Grainger’s vision began with the demolition of an old mansion, paving the way for the city’s transformation.

🍽️ Eldon Grill
On the corner of Grey Street and Blackett Street, you’ll find the Eldon Grill, built in 1893. This historic building was once a popular meeting place for the LGBTQ+ community in its time. Today, it stands as a reminder of Newcastle’s vibrant social history.

🛍️ Shopping and Culture

  • Grainger Market: A bustling indoor market offering everything from fresh produce to artisanal goods.

  • Monument Mall: A modern shopping centre located near Grey’s Monument.

  • Brunswick Methodist Chapel: A Grade II listed building showcasing beautiful architecture.

  • Eldon Square: A contemporary shopping mall, and Old Eldon Square, originally a residential square designed by John Dobson. Pack a picnic and enjoy the green space on a sunny day!

🏰 Historic Gems

  • Bessie Surtees House: Located on the Quayside, this Jacobean-style building is where John Scott, the 1st Earl of Eldon, eloped with his beloved Bessie Surtees. It now houses the English Heritage offices and features an exhibition open to the public.

🚶 Pedestrian-Friendly Streets
To preserve its charm, Grainger Town has restricted vehicle access, allowing only buses in certain areas. This makes it a delightful place for residents and visitors to explore on foot.

🚂 Getting to Newcastle
Newcastle is a city that’s easy to reach, with excellent rail connections. The East Coast Main Line provides direct trains from London and other major cities, making it a convenient destination for a weekend getaway.

🏨 Stay in Style: Grey’s Hotel
For the ultimate city-centre experience, book a stay at Grey’s Hotel, located just steps from Grey’s Monument. This 4-star, Grade II listed hotel seamlessly blends historic charm with modern amenities, making it the perfect base for exploring Newcastle.

🌟 Why Visit Newcastle?
Newcastle is a city that offers something for everyone—history, culture, shopping, and vibrant street life. Whether you’re climbing Grey’s Monument, exploring Grainger Town’s historic streets, or enjoying a show at the Theatre Royal, you’re sure to fall in love with this dynamic city.

The centre of Newcastle is known as Grainger Town, after Richard Grainger, who was responsible for building it. His main architect was John Dobson and together they transformed the city centre from timber to stone. The architectural style they used to design their buildings, known as ‘Tyneside Classical’, formed streets so stately and gracious that Radio 4 listeners were moved to vote Grey Street Britain’s best street.

Hang out with Earl Grey

At the north end of Grey Street is Grey’s Monument, raised to commemorate the passing of the Great Reform Bill of 1832, for which Earl Grey was responsible. He faces south, towards the River Tyne and stands 41 metres (133 feet) above the ground. If you want to find out what he can see, take advantage of the occasional opening of the monument, when you can climb the spiral staircase and access the viewing platform. The monument was completed in 1838, with a time capsule containing coins and medals buried underneath. It was designed by John Baily, who later created Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, London. The area around the monument is very lively and a good place to people-watch. You can see buskers perform, and the occasional demonstration has been held here. All kinds of shops can be found, both high street and designer, and you can conduct your people-watching from the many cafes and restaurants, some of them with tables outside. Just a couple of steps away is the Theatre Royal, a beautiful Grade 1 listed building – and reputedly haunted by the ‘Grey Lady’!

Explore Grainger Town

There is more to Grainger Town than Grey Street, though. It covers a good sized area and includes Grainger Street and Blackett Street. Grainger bought an old mansion and its grounds, demolished it and began the development of the city centre. In 1893 the Eldon Grill, on the corner of Grey Street and Blackett Street, was built. It was apparently a gay meeting place of the time. Again there’s a good variety of shops in the area, and be sure not to miss the historic Grainger Market off Grainger Street.

The Eldon Grill was named after John Scott, 1st Earl of Eldon, who was the son of a wealthy coal mine owning family. Although later becoming very conservative and mistrustful of change, he, in his younger days, eloped to get married. The house of his prospective wife, Bessie Surtees, can be seen in Sandhill, on the Quayside, and is a fine example of Jacobean architecture. It is the offices of English Heritage, who have an exhibition there which you can view.

Within sight of the Eldon Grill is the modern Monument Mall, and, by way of contrast, just to its left is the Brunswick Methodist Chapel, a Grade 2 listed building. Nearby is Eldon Square, a shopping mall, and Old Eldon Square, which was originally a large residential square designed by John Dobson. If it’s fine, why not take a picnic there?

Only buses are allowed in an area which used to be very congested with traffic, leaving it free for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.

Newcastle is a fascinating city, with something for everyone. It is in easy reach by train from most other places, especially London from where the east coast line connects directly with Newcastle. So come and enjoy it!

Newcastle City Centre Hotels

The closest hotel in relation to the city centre is Grey’s Hotel located just along for Grey’s monument. This 4 star hotel, which is a grade II listed building, on this prestigious street blends beautiful the historic building and modern facilities.