The green steel arch of Tyne Bridge has become an icon of the Newcastle skyline. Dating back to the first quarter of the 20th century, the tall structure is a symbol of this city’s industrial past and technological present. Drive across the bridge to see the sights of Newcastle and Gateshead.
Capture photos of the bridge from street level. Note how it features in many postcards and souvenirs throughout the city, which reflects its cultural significance among locals. The bridge span is 531 feet (162 metres) and the road deck is 84 feet (26 metres) above the water.
See the bridge at night with its electric glow. Watch ships pass beneath the bridge and its large steel arch. Appreciate the views of the city and other bridges from the vantage point of the structure. The bridge is open to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Admire the neighboring Gateshead Millennium Bridge and watch it tilt once or twice per day.
Hear tales about the bridge’s role in the city’s history. King George V and Queen Mary opened it in a grand ceremony in 1928. The architects who created the Sydney Harbour Bridge designed this one as a smaller model of the Australian original.
Visit some of the attractions of the Quayside region. Enter an old flour mill to see the exhibits at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. It contains displays on modern art by acclaimed local and international artists. Try to figure out the meaning behind these intriguing contemporary works.
Beside this artistic complex is the extraordinary undulating glass structure of Sage Gateshead. Attend a concert and appreciate the fantastic acoustics in this ultramodern building. Admire its futuristic and shiny façade, which contrasts nicely with the old flour mill next door.
Access the bridge by car for free. It remains open at all times. Tyne Bridge is on the western end of the Quayside area in central Newcastle. It connects the city to Gateshead and is just west of the iconic Gateshead Millennium Bridge. Join more than 50,000 runners crossing the Tyne Bridge in September’s half-marathon, the Great North Run.
