Haymarket

The Haymarket, as suggested by its name, is a historic area of Newcastle. This is illustrated by the presence of the many old characterful pubs in the area. Although modernised, it still retains an old time air, with the first, second and sometimes third storeys of buildings north of Percy Street and in Percy Street itself being highly decorated in various styles from the past. Opposite these buildings in the Haymarket is the Haymarket bus station, which serves the North east coast and Northumberland. Nearby is the Haymarket Metro Station, which is the deepest station in Newcastle. Beside this is the South African war memorial, which was built in 1910. Beyond the metro station you will see St Thomas the Martyr Church (dedicated to Thomas Becket, who was martyred in Canterbury Cathedral) completed in 1830. Across the road is the Hancock museum, a large imposing building with a fascinating collection of items connected with natural history. It also holds fantastic exhibitions, fascinating for adults and children alike.

Walk south from the Haymarket and you arrive at Eldon Square bus station which serves Gateshead and places south, Sunderland, for example, and also Cumbria to the west.

Gallowgate and Chinatown

South from the Haymarket and opposite Eldon Square is Gallowgate, behind Percy Street. Here you’ll find Gallowgate Bus Station where coaches arrive from all over the country. You will also see St James’s Park, home of Newcastle United. Nearby is Chinatown, where in Stowell Street you can eat delicious Chinese food.

Why visit here?

As you can tell, the Haymarket is a very diverse area, with something for everyone. Students from the two universities spend time in the pubs here, along with locals and visitors. The pubs do get busy at the weekends, but if you don’t like things too lively stop by at one of them at lunchtime for a drink and a snack. Close by, you can stroll in the open spaces of Exhibition Park or around Newcastle Civic Centre, opened in 1968 by His Majesty King Olav of Norway. It is considered to be a modern classic, is grade ll listed and is an incredibly impressive building.

Visit the Haymarket and you won’t be disappointed!