Travel Europe

Edinburgh Castle
Summer Holiday 2007


Edinburgh City
View from the Edinburgh Castle

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Abstract: Newcastle upon Tyne (usually called Newcastle) is a city in Tyne and Wear, England. It is located along the north bank of the River Tyne and was formerly the county town of Northumberland. It started life around 2,000 years ago as a Roman fort (Pons Aelius) along Hadrian's Wall, the border between Roman controlled Britain and the unconquered wilds of Scotland. The ruins of one of the forts marking the end of the wall can be seen at Segedunum (A short walk from Wallsend Metro station). It developed into an important port and during the 19 century was an industrial centre built on the strength of the local coal and ship building industry. The city is now known as a Cultural centre and Science City.

Recommended places to visit around the city are: The River Tyne - is a short walk from the station, and has a pedestrian path on the near side reminiscent of the Queen's Walk in London. There are also city walks along the river, running from May to November. Information can be found at the Tourist Information Centre, near the Monument Metro station. The Tyne Bridge - a good example of a compression arch suspended-deck bridge famous the world over. The Gateshead Millennium Bridge - (cost £22million), acclaimed worldwide for its physical and aesthetic beauty. The bridge not only looks stunning but also uses precision engineering to tilt – like the opening of an eye. Remains of the the Castle Keep - and the surrounding castle garth, the "new castle" of the city's name. Parts of it were built in the 13th century. The remains of the Roman fort at Segedunum - a short walk away from the Wallsend Metro stations. In fact many of the signs at the metro station have been translated into Latin, including the aptly named Vomitorium. Central Arcade - a beautifully preserved traditional shopping arcade, which houses the Tourist Information Bureau and Windows of the Arcade, one of Newcastle's oldest music shops. St Nicholas Cathedral - is worth visiting during opening hours. Walk around Newcastle's China Town - centred on Stowell Street in the city centre, it contains many Chinese, Korean and Japanese restaurants and shops, and has its own Chinese arch.

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Abstract: Durham (pronounced as "daaram") is a small city located south of Newcastle and about 30 minutes or 32km by car. Apart from it being well remembered in my life, it is well-known for its Norman Cathedral and Castle, and is home to Durham University. The name "Durham" comes from Old English "dun-holm", meaning "hill-island". It was given this name due to its steep, hilly embankments. Therefore it was a perfect place for the castle defences. The present Durham Cathedral was built from 1093, and still contains the remains of St Cuthbert as well as The Venerable Bede. It is regarded by many - such as travel writer Bill Bryson -- as the finest cathedral in the world.

Facing the cathedral across Palace Green is Durham Castle, originally built by the Normans from 1071, on William the Conqueror's return from campaigning in Scotland. Some of the present structure is more recent, notably Anthony Salvin's Victorian restorations. The two buildings are jointly designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site- one of the original seven in the United Kingdom. The University of Durham was founded in 1832 , which has several buildings on the peninsula and on Elvet Hill on the other side of the river.

Most of the interesting places are all centered in the castle area itself and easily reachable by foot. For example Durham Market Place, Market Square, the River Wear. The River Wear flows north through the city, enclosing the centre on three sides to create Durham's "peninsula". Durham is a hilly city, claiming to be built upon the symbolic seven hills. Upon the most central and prominent position high above the Wear, the cathedral dominates the skyline.

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