The famous thoroughfare in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 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 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 West End 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 provides a variety of shops and restaurants to explore. And, if you are a motorbike fanatic, the bikes shops on Westgate Road are the place to go!