Situated in the heart of Newcastle City Centre, with entrances in many locations, this indoor shopping centre houses an array of varied shops, restaurants and cafes.
The shopping centre is open 7 days a week, with late night shopping on a Thursday, meaning it closes at 8pm. Opening and closing times change around Christmas, so it’s always worth checking for details.
The main entrances are on Northumberland Street, and near Grey’s Monument, both places which are well served by the Metro line, and which are pedestrian walkways. There are also numerous other entrances; it’s a case of if you want to be out of the shopping centre, have a look, there is probably an exit close by. At the moment, Eldon Square is going through a series of development stages, which will be completed in 2009, but this does not appear to be causing disruption to the actual shopping centre. The first phase of this development is underway, with a new bus station replacing the old, underground and frankly quite dingy one; good news for anyone travelling to Eldon Square on public transport.
I usually enter by one of the main entrances, which are easily accessed and lead directly to the shops. As expected there are walkways, and you are flanked on either side by shops, including large franchises, and smaller more individual shops. In total there are, I believe, about 150 shops, covering the whole spectrum of needs, from Chemists to newsagents, fashion, jewellery and sports shops. There are also large department stores including some of the biggest, Marks and Spencer, John Lewis and Fenwicks. These are situated quite close together near the Northumberland street entrance so if you want to shop and go, then there is no need to go any further than one of these three, as they will usually be able to cater for most shopping needs.
As you walk round the shopping centre, it doesn’t feel dark and cramped; on the contrary, although it does get very busy, the walkways are wide, and even if you feel yourself lost, there are plenty of large static maps, telling you where you are, so you can find where you want to go next, as well as 2 large Information desks, with staff ready to help. Anyone wanting to sit down and rest can take advantage of the numerous cafes, and if it’s sunny, there is a large area near the monument just outside the shopping centre, where you can sit at a table, have a drink and soak in the sun.
The upper and lower levels are well accessed via lifts and escalators, so pushchairs won’t cause a problem, and neither will wheelchair users. For anyone with temporary or permanent mobility problems, a free shopmobility service is provided, with motorised or manual wheelchairs.
A useful service which is provided free of charge is a free child wristband scheme, whereby children are given a wristband with details on the underside; if they are lost and subsequently found by a member of staff, parents can be contacted. I know this wouldn’t replace the panic felt by parents if a child was lost but it is a feel safe measure. Full details can be received in the shopping centre.
There are good transport links to the shopping centre. It has its own integral bus concourse, and there are two Metro stations close by. If you find yourself at the bottom end of Newcastle, then one of the electric buses is the best route up the road.
There are also more than 10000 on and off road parking spaces in the city centre, but watch out for parking costs. It’s cheaper not to park in the Eldon Square car park, because although it’s convenient, it’s also very expensive.
For a pleasant shopping experience, where all your shopping needs can be met under one roof, it’s worth trying out.
ahhh don't tempt me with shopping!! but good review x
Wearsidelass 18.06.2007 16:52
I do like this shopping centre - in fact, on my last visit there last year - I got a lovely leather coat from Cleopatra's which I believe is now closed. Julia
carly_pussycat 11.06.2007 15:37
It doesn't really sound very out of the ordinary but I guess it might be worth a look if you're close to there anyway
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Advantages: Great place to meet up with people or to chill out mid-shop! Disadvantages: It's not Greek? Other than that, nothing else springs to mind....
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