Spanning the Tyne: Bridges and Quayside in Newcastle

Newcastle Quay, looking towards Sage Gateshead and Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

As a visitor to the north-east, I’m not sure I’ll ever understand why, in the space of less than a mile, they need seven bridges linking Newcastle with Gateshead. But they give the city of Newcastle some fantastic character. I walked along the quayside in Newcastle and tried to build up a story of some of these bridges.

High Level Bridge is the oldest bridge over the Tyne. Opened in 1849, it was designed by railway engineer Robert Stephenson.

Some serious bolts and screws hold High Level Bridge together. That’s proper Victorian engineering for you. Engineers would probably use Velcro these days.

Looking towards the Tyne Bridge from a porthole on High Level Bridge.

The nearer bridge is the Swing Bridge that can open for river traffic. The Tyne Bridge is the next in view, and in the distance you can just make out Gateshead Millennium Bridge. This picture is taken from High Level Bridge.

A couple admire the view of Tyne Bridge. Interesting pub fact: the design of Tyne Bridge is a modified version of Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Expired flowers attached to a railing at Quayside with Tyne Bridge in the background.

The view towards Gateshead Millenium Bridge and Tyne Bridge.

A seagull soars over the Sage Gateshead building in Newcastle quay.

Detail of Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

Gateshead Millennium Bridge towards the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. The bridge is open to pedestrians and cyclists.

A nightime shot of Tyne Bridge reflected in the Tyne.

Obligatory artistic photo of Gateshead Millennium Bridge lit up at night. It’s so iconic that you can guess what it is even when blurred.

This is photo story 15/52. More details about this project.

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