It’s around this time of year that everyone’s minds shift to Christmas – or the Holiday season for our American and Canadian readers.
Thoughts of giving gifts, seeing the smiles all around as the whole family gets together for somewhat of an end of season special; it really is one of the biggest events of the year.
But what about the gifts you might ask? Where do I get those? Well, many shoppers may choose to jet off Stateside, perhaps a weekend in Dubai? It might come as a surprise to many of you who call the north east of England home that around 13,000 visitors come from Norway alone to engage in a little retail therapy on the banks of the Tyne, with the centre a major draw for visitors to the region.
So what is it about the site in Gateshead that attracts visitors from all around Europe?
In a word, shops, and lots of them.
From flagship stores like Marks and Spencer, House of Fraser and Debenhams through to small, independent shops, there’s something for everyone in the UK’s second biggest shopping centre – and Europe’s ninth, with over 300 stores selling wares from sporting goods to makeup and of course clothes.
And of course, no-one can shop on an empty stomach, so it only makes sense that the Metrocentre – or intu Metrocentre to give it its full name – has a tonne of options to fill up on shopping fuel, no matter your tastes.
The recently opened Qube II has American, Mexican, Italian options and more to fill even the hungriest of shoppers. If traditional carveries are more your thing, a five-minute walk to MetroOasis sees a Toby Carvery and a Harvester.
And the best thing? The Metrocentre is only a short drive, bus ride or taxi fare away from the centre of Newcastle and even has a dedicated train station on site.
It all means that no matter your reason for staying in Newcastle, you’ll never be far from a brief shopping respite.
Of course if you are visiting the region, you’ll need somewhere to stay. And where better than a fully serviced apartment from Week2Week Apartments?
With all the comfort of a hotel, combined with the privacy and space of your own home, it really is the sensible choice.
Plus there’s ample room for your shopping bags.
