Gateshead Millennium Bridge

It can be quite emotional for most Geordies as you cross over the river Tyne and soak in the breathtaking view of the bridges linking Newcastle to Gateshead-​definitely a sense of home pride even from an honorary Geordie like me.
The Millennium Bridge is a lovely pedestrian link across the river with seating along the middle and a popular spot for those much needed iconic photos. At night it lights up in an array of different colours making the setting for a peaceful or romantic walk along the quayside.
The bridge enables easy access to the cultural delights across the river like the Sage and the Baltic. Also if you fancy a drink outside the Pitcher and Piano you may see the bridge lift as it allows boats to pass through. Not one thing in particular makes this bridge spectacular but the setting and backdrop cannot be faulted!

I love to watch it during the night because of its reflection in the water with its colored lights, it’s like a full eye.

Very nice bridge but it’s a bit scary when it moves. At certain times throughout the day the bridge tilts like a blinking eye which is a spectacular event.

Prevented the tall ships coming back to Newcastle because it is too low for the larger ships to sail up river to the accessible parts of the quayside.
Gets two stars because at least it adds another pedestrian bridge and it is vaguely interesting to watch it open and close, once.

Die Brückenkonstruktion ist spekatkulär und es lohnt sich, den Moment abzupassen, an dem sie aufgeht, um höhere Schiffe durchzulassen. Die ganze Ecke, vor Jahren noch heruntergekommenes Hafenghetto, ist deutlich aufgewertet und belebter hier wurde viel investiert.

After seeing this bridge I know now why Geordies say «why aye»; because WHY anyone would want to build this EYE is beyond me.

When I first saw it was at night time and from a distance it looked like a multi-​coloured arch connecting the banks of the Tyne river. When I approached it became clear that it is one of those contemporary designed bridges popular with the name ‘Millennium’. I have seen such previously in Dublin on the banks of the Liffey river but have never seen it been folded in order a ship to pass.
I came back on the following day to have a closer look at the bridge and to my delight a signal warned the walkers that the bridge is going to be closed because of a vessel.
I stayed in the crispy cold morning to see the event.
I followed the movement of the walking part upwards with a bit of excitement, my finger pressed the button of my camera at least ten times because I wanted to record every minute of it.
The most bizarre moment was when I looked at the ship and read a big board on it saying ‘UK Border Agency’ (for those who are wondering what it is — it is the institution foreigners have to contact in order to make work visa arrangement for the UK) — so that is where my documents were sent a few months ago!
One of the locals told me that they call the bridge ‘the eye of Tyne’, a name I think matches it well.