Going to Newcastle
 

I'm leaving for a business trip to Newcastle upon tyne. I'll have a free weekend to do some sightseeing. Would you recommend that I go to Edinburgh or to London? What sights do you suggest I must see? THis is my first time to go to the UK. Thanks.

Lia

Edinburgh is nearer than London, and the train journey gives good views of the Northumberland coast. Otherwise, York is on the rail route to London and is well worth seeing. Unless you have any specific things you want to do or see in London, I'd suggest Edinburgh or York would be better for a weekend.

There are many choices. If city sightseeing is what you want I'd do either Edinburgh, York or London.

Edinburgh would be my first choice but all would be wonderful.

But another option is to rent a car for a couple of days and wander around Northumberland and maybe into the borders of Scotland. You could see Hadrians Wall, Bamburgh Castle, Alnwick Castle, Lindesfarne Island and a lot of other things.

So if you want country and castles w/ a car do Northumberland, if a city tour do Edin., York or London.

I would strongly second the suggestion to stay in the Newcastle area. And I would add Durham as an important one of the lot of other things Janis mentioned. While renting a car is a good idea, you could easily fill a weekend in the area using public transportation. Durham by train, Segedunum and Arbeia Roman sites by local Newcastle transport, etc.

My only contribution here is, be prepared for the oddity of the Angel. You will be told that it's the can't- miss tourist monument in the area. Personally, I could miss it with a clear conscience.
http://www.ejr.ndo.co.uk/angel.html

Durham for sure, or, the other way (car needed) visit Bamburgh (one of the best castle views in Britain) and the Holy Isle, accessed only at low tide, up on the N. Northumberland coast near the Scottish border. Wonderful touring country. Stop at Alnwick Castle if you have any Harry Potter-ites in your circle; it serves as Hogwarts for many exterior shots.