A guide to living in Gateshead
Stretching from the banks of the River Tyne to the northern border of County Durham, Gateshead really does offer homeowners the best of both worlds.
Not only is it a lively place in its own right, with world famous cultural venues and a winning mix of historical and natural landmarks, but it also offers fantastic access to the North East’s renowned cities, coast and countryside.
There are a million reasons to visit Gateshead and even more to live there. And, whether you’re looking to work, rest or play here, the area has plenty to offer.
What is Gateshead like to live in?
If we had to sum that up in one word it might possibly be: easy. It’s easy to live in Gateshead because it has excellent road and Metro links, making Durham, Sunderland and Newcastle easy to commute to.
And it has great shops - whether in neighbourhoods like Low Fell or at the Metrocentre – a vast shopping mall housing an unrivalled mix of big name brands, designer labels, high street favourites and niche independents.
It’s well equipped with everything else that makes life just a little easier, too, such as spacious Victorian parks with play areas and entertainment for children.
Saltwell Park’s historical and peaceful grounds are a favourite with people of all ages – and it’s not surprising.
At the heart of the borough, this award-winning park attracts over two million visitors each year to its beautiful ornamental and woodland gardens, educational centre, Saltwell Towers visitor centre, boating lake, bowling greens and play areas.
And, if you really want to lose yourself, there’s always its maze.
Enjoying yourself couldn’t be easier either. If theatre’s your thing, then head to the Little Theatre. Believed to be the only theatre in the UK to actually have been built during the Second World War, it runs a continuous programme of performances to great reviews.
Perhaps you’re a music fan? If so, then look no further than SAGE Gateshead – the undulating glass caterpillar on the south bank of the Tyne.
This state of the art, purpose-built music venue boasts the best acoustics to be experienced anywhere in the world.
It brings a diverse collection of international music to the North East, as well as offering performance, learning and participation opportunities.
In fact, the Gateshead Quayside is home to two of the region’s most iconic art and entertainment venues.
Because, just next door to SAGE, in an repurposed flour mill, is the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, which displays an ever-changing calendar of art exhibitions and events, showcasing everything from blockbuster exhibitions from well-known artists, to innovative collections from artists in the local community.
And, if sport is more your thing, Gateshead International Stadium regularly hosts many national and international events, including sporting events such as athletics and rugby, as well as concerts, fairs and festivals.
The stadium also has public access to many ultra-modern facilities, including a gym, café, football pitches and an indoor athletics training hall.
However, where Gateshead really raises its game is in its landscape. It offers everything the urbanite would crave yet it is also blessed with countryside in abundance - from fields to mature planting and from parks to untamed areas of natural beauty.
Which are the best Gateshead areas to live in?
One of the great advantages of Gateshead is that, for a relatively small borough, it is certainly punching when it comes to residential areas.
And one that has stood the test of time is the village of Ryton, just to the west of the town and on the banks of the river.
Ever since the introduction of the railways enabled wealthy Victorians to escape the city for clean country air, Ryton has blossomed ... and it’s not surprising, because it really does have it all.
The railway has gone but an excellent road network puts Gateshead and Newcastle in very easy commuting distance.
The market towns of Corbridge and Hexham to the west are also an easy drive away and the Metrocentre is virtually on its doorstep – as is the main arterial A1 dual carriageway.
And yet, when you stand on the wide, open stretch of riverbank on the natural northern border of Ryton, which has remained unspoilt for centuries and where belted Galloway cattle are free to graze, time simply slips away.
Ryton is possibly the most desirable of the villages which thread their way along the beautiful Tyne Valley and so it is not surprising that it offers the variety of shops, services, restaurants and so forth you might expect to find in an historic and thriving village.
With its charming villages, its superb location and its wonderful mix of culture, nature, busy streets and tranquil parkland, Gateshead really does have plenty to offer.
And, of course, it also has a very famous resident, perched on a hill with his outstretched wings embracing the borough and all who live and work in it.
So, if you move to Gateshead, you really will find yourself in the company of angels.
Find out more information on our Willow’s Edge development in Gateshead, or our other developments in the North East on our website.