|  | | Last Updated: Sunday, 25 August, 2002, 14:31 GMT 15:31 UK |
| Kingston Park
Capacity: 10,000 |
 Kingston Park, original home to Newcastle Gosforth before Sir John Hall bought the club, lies on the northern outskirts of Newcastle, bordering the green fields of Northumbria and a short distance away from Newcastle airport. The ground is based in a 1970s landscaped housing estate, and enjoys good road and local transport links to the city centre (about 15 minutes by car or 20 minutes by Metro). Newcastle's comparative success has forced the club to think of moving further afield in recent years. Instead, they have opted to develop a new South Stand. Where to stand/sitNewcastle have completely re-built Kingston Park in recent years, and now boast one of the finest stadiums in the Zurich Premiership. With good views lines from all parts of the ground - and cover from the elements - you're on a winner wherever you end up. - Pubs to visit:
The Twin Farms (Ponteland Road) is the nearest pub to the ground. It has a good selection of real ales and a fine beer garden. (3 mins) The Badger. If you drive up the Ponteland Road (the A696) past the airport you'll come to the village of Ponteland. Soon after you'll see the homely Badger Pub on the right (a 5-10 minute car journey). If you are coming by train, you can enjoy a pint within the walls of Newcastle Central station in the grand surroundings of the Centurion Bar (Neville Street). Otherwise you could sample the delights of the bustling Bigg Market or the trendy Quayside (both a 5-10 min walk from the station). - Restaurants:
Both the Badger and the Twin Farms offer a variety of meals and if coming by train you could sample the Centurion Brassiere (0191 261 6611. In Ponteland you can visit the Smithy's Bistro (01661 820020), which offers traditional British and French fare. China Town, which is based around Stowell Street in the city centre, is a great find - a 10-minute walk/3 minute Metro ride from the Central Station (get off at St. James) - with restaurants such as Lau's Buffet King (0191 2618868) and Shangri - La (0191 2612289). You'll also find a wealth of Italian and Indian restaurants in the city centre. - What to avoid:
No surprise here - the ground is adjacent to the residential areas of Bank Foot and Kingston Park, so try to park in designated areas. - Directions:
Car: Follow the A1 to the Airport A696 exit. Then take exit sign posted Kingston Park and remain in the left hand lane and go straight over two roundabouts. After going under a metro bridge take the first right - the ground is 300 yards on the left. Park and ride schemes do operate (phone club for details). Rail: From Newcastle Central Station take the Metro to either Kingston Park or Bankfoot stations (you need to be on a train for the Airport). Both stations are within easy walking distance of the ground. Bus: National Express coaches stop at the Gallowgate bus station in the city centre, near to the Haymarket Metro station. - Did you know:
The Falcons were originally part of Sir John Hall's grand plan to form a Newcastle Sporting Club, including football, rugby, basketball and ice hockey, to rival that of Barcelona. - What to do with the other half who hates Rugby
There's no shortage of shopping opportunities in Newcastle which boasts indoors shopping meccas like Eldon Square and Monument Mall. The Laing Art Gallery, with its interesting exhibitions, is well worth a look, as is the Hancock Museum and the ground breaking International Centre for Life. You can also take a stroll along the stunning Quayside area, with its impressive architecture and the world's first rotating bridge, The Gateshead Millennium Bridge. - Prices:
Contact: Club: 0191 2145588/0191 2142800
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