The famous thoroughfare, known as Westgate, was where the west gate of the city’s medieval walls was once situated and stretches of the wall are still visible. It runs along the course of Hadrian’s Wall. In its heyday, Westgate was a street of wealthy merchants’ houses standing in orchards and gardens. As Newcastle transformed into an industrial city, activity centred around Westgate Road, West Road and the surrounding streets. It’s a major road starting in the city centre and forms part of the A186 leading to the A1, the longest numbered road in the UK connecting London with Edinburgh.
In recent times, the area has provided a gritty backdrop for film and television productions, including Byker Grove, Catherine Cookson and Spender.
Although this area is in need of investment and improvement, the array of different nationalities provide a variety of shops and restaurants to explore. And, if you’re a motor bike fanatic, the bike shops on Westgate Road are the place to go!