Recently Newcastle has transformed itself into the north east’s foremost tourist location in addition to growing to be the areas business hub. Millions of pounds of investment have revived the city centre turning it into an appealing place to live and work and helped to make 1000s of brand-new jobs. There are numerous good reasons to pay a visit to Newcastle and it’s been voted the United kingdom’s favourite city break for 4 consecutive years in The Guardian/Observer travel awards. Newcastle possesses an array of excellent sight-seeing opportunities for all your family and a weekend defintely won’t be enough to take a look at all of them. It is well recognized that the north east is a hotbed of sporting fanaticism and given that Newcastle United are back in the Premier league there are sure to be 1000s of soccer fans from across the country doing the trip to St James’s Park. The Great North Run which is held each year is yet another occasion that appeals to thousands of participants and spectators and also raises tens of millions for charity. Shopping is an additional big attraction to the city with a huge selection of retailers and boutiques inside the city centre and three major shopping centres inside the city itself. The MetroCentre contains the biggest shopping centre and complex in Europe with many top name brands under one roof. With the Newcastle Quayside Market opening in July 2010 and also the already established Grainger market, Jesmond market and the Farmers & Country marketplace you will be hard pressed not to get a good deal somewhere. Newcastle has probably the greatest choice of night clubs and pubs in england and possesses a reputation throughout the UK as the place to go for a fantastic night out. The Quayside and the Bigg market attract a lively, young crowd and for the somewhat more mature you will discover dozens of traditional pubs, theatres and excellent restaurants. No trip to Newcastle could be complete without trying at least one bottle of the famous Newcastle Brown Ale which has been made in the city for more than eighty years. There is a amazing choice of hotels in Newcastle to select from when you are reserving your lodging for the weekend. From B&B’s to five star hotels there exists accommodation to match each and every pocket and I can personally suggest the Rosebery Hotel in Jesmond as a great place to stay.