Newcastle has gone through something of a shift in the previous ten years and it’s these days the main centre for travel and leisure as well as business in the north east of England. Millions of pounds of investment have revitalized the city centre turning it into an appealing place to live as well as work and helped to create a huge number of new job opportunities. There are many reasons to go to Newcastle and it has been identified as the UK’s favourite city break for 4 consecutive years in The Guardian/Observer travel awards. In fact Newcastle possesses so many excellent attractions it can be tough to know how to start but why don’t we start with sport. It is well known the north east is a hotbed of sporting zeal and seeing that Newcastle United are back in the Premier league there are certain to be a huge number of football supporters from round the nation doing the trip to St James’s Park. The Great North Run is an additional event which attracts tens of thousands of runners and spectators to the city every year and also helps to raise millions of pounds for charity. The shopping amenities in Newcastle are second to none with a myriad of top names found in the city centre and its shopping arcades. The MetroCentre is the largest shopping centre in Europe and it’s all too easy to spend a weekend there going through the many designer retailers it offers. With the Newcastle Quayside Market starting in July 2010 as well as the already established Grainger market, Jesmond market and the Farmers & Country marketplace you’re hard pressed not to grab a bargain somewhere. Newcastle is famous across the country for its nightlife and has something to offer all people to ensure a great night out. The Quayside and the Bigg market bring in a lively, young crowd and for the somewhat more mature there are dozens of traditional pubs, theatres along with high quality dining establishments. No trip to Newcastle could be complete without trying at least one bottle of the legendary Newcastle Brown Ale which has been made in the city for more than 80 years. When you are looking for accommodations you’ll find an excellent range of hotels in Newcastle from which to choose. From B&B’s to five star hotels there is accommodation to match each and every pocket and I can personally recommend the Rosebery Hotel in Jesmond as a wonderful place to stay.