Hi nejulie what do you think of this for location and hotel accommodation?
http://www.millenniumhotels.co.uk/copthornenewcastle/index.html

Cheers

The Copthorne is in a great location there's a weatherspoons almost next door great for cheap food and drink!!! I've only been in the hotel for parties and meals so can't really comment on the rooms but I am sure they would quite nice

Off down to Newcastle for a few days from Sunday, going for a bit of Crimbo shopping so will visit the Metro Centre however can anybody recommend any other areas that might have some small traditional shops or perhaps an arcade? what is the main shopping street(s) in the city?

Are there any areas for a nice evening out? not tooooo stag night more a couple type of area

Thanks
Graham

We prefer the main town shops of Newcastle to the Metro Centre which is like any other shopping mall in the UK although a lot bigger than some.
We are going to Newcastle tomorrow and will be wandering down Northumberland street which is the main shopping street then down to Grainger street which has a couple of small arcades off it.I think the oldest one is called Windows arcade.
In Eldon Square which is a shopping mall but Eldon gardens near the bus station have some nice shops.
Outside Eldon Gardens is Percy Street which have smaller shops and a huge new Debhanhams and good pubs for lunch.The gate is a lasrge building with a variety of eating places from Wetherspoons to Mexican.
If you are a fan of Chinese food there is a whole street of restaurants in Stowell street nearby.
Grey street is lovely and has some nice restaurants although we tend to eat in traditional pubs during the day of which there are plenty.
If you get the chance take the Metro to the coast to either Tynemouth or Whitley Bay although they are very quiet at this time of the year.
We never go at night time but try and avoid the Bigg Market as its a haven for stag and hens from all over the country and you may feel you have landed on the set of Geordie Shore.

Thanks Jay Trip for your advice, we used to go to Whitley Bay many years ago to a caravan park there, I wonder if it is still there

Yes the caravan park is still there but the whole resort is very quiet now.Many shops closed which i suppose is a sign of the times.
We will be trying somewhere different to eat tomorrow so if its good I will let you know.

Thanks again for you advice, we are just heading down now