Newcastle

Newcastle's full name is Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, the Tyne being the major river which runs through the city. The city was founded by the Romans, funnily enough. Emperor Hadrian obviously thought it was as good a place as any to build a fortress to protect his famous wall which runs along the north of England.

People from Newcastle are officially called Novcastrians but as that's a name which doesn't exactly roll off the tongue they are more commonly known as Geordies. And Geordie is the local dialect too, considered by most visitors to be very difficult to understand. By me too. The vowel sounds are often completely different. For example, the 'a' in cat is pronounced 'e' as in bed, so have becomes hev and the 'er' in sister is often pronounced 'a' like cat so sister becomes sista. Many words are different too. 'Howay' means come on, divn't means don't, hyem is home and wyeaye is yes. In any case, you need to hear it and use it to fully appreciate it!

Don't be surprised if you see lots of people walking around the city wearing black and white striped football shirts. The Geordies are football mad and their team, Newcastle United, has some of the best supporters in England. The fans are known as the Toon Army and will happily talk to you about the teams fortunes over a bottle of the local beer, Newcastle Brown Ale, otherwise known as Newky Brown. This brew might be one of the contributing factors to Newcastle's continued recognition as one of Britain's best places to go for a night out. The city is literally packed with bars, restaurants and clubs to cater for all tastes. Go to the Quayside district, Bigg Market or the Central Station area for the best venues.

Many famous people call Newcastle home. Did you know that the internationally famous 'rubber-faced' comedian Rowan Atkinson is from here. Maybe you know him better as the inimitable Mr Bean. Gordon Sumner is from here too. Who? Ok, now he's known as Sting - but he wasn't born with that name! Another musician is the guitarist with Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler. Not to mention the numerous international footballers.

Finally, if you do come here head for the river. The bridges are a wonderful sight and you'll see the world's first ever road \ rail bridge designed by Robert Stevenson back in 1849 - it's a true local landmark.