My Newcastle by Jill Halfpenny
Fresh from rehearsals for Legally Blonde, The Musical, the Geordie actress picks her favourite spots in Newcastle
Angel of the North
'There was a lot of controversy when the Angel was first
unveiled back in 1998, but I personally love it - it's a stunning
landmark which makes the area instantly recognisable. It's also
spurred me to see more of Anthony Gormley's work, which I've become
a big fan of.'
VISIT NOW: gateshead.gov.uk, antonygormley.com
Popolo
'This Italian bar and restaurant attracts a great crowd. The
staff are always welcoming and the place itself has a cool,
chilled-out atmosphere, with retro décor and cocktails to die
for!'
VISIT NOW: popolo.co.uk, 0191 232 8923
The Biscuit Factory
'This art gallery is the perfect place to mooch around with a
friend. There are lots of different exhibitions on all year round
and everything you see displayed is for sale. There is also the
lovely Byker Vista Café, if you fancy a cuppa...'
VISIT NOW: thebiscuitfactory.com, 0191 261 1103
Saltwell Park
'In Gateshead, just across the river from the city, is Saltwell
Park which I used to love playing in when I was little. It's a
gorgeous Victorian park with loads of space, a boating lake and
play areas - now I take my own son there.'
VISIT NOW: 0191 433 5900
Journal Tyne Theatre
'I've got fond memories of all the theatres in Newcastle but the
Journal Tyne is where I cut my teeth as a kid in shows like Annie
and The Sound of Music. That's where
I got the theatre bug - being on stage in front of a live audience
is like nothing else.'
VISIT NOW: thejournaltynetheatre.co.uk, 0844 493 9999