Best things to do in Newcastle
Northeast England’s major metropolis, the dynamic and distinctive city of Newcastle upon Tyne has it all: a beautiful blend of history and heritage, pulsating nightlife, plus plenty of green walks and idyllic riverside settings.
Viewpoints and panoramas
Grey's Monument: Puff your way up the 164 steps to the top for sensational views of the city and beyond.
ABOVE Bar: Located on the roof of The Vermont Hotel, ABOVE offers a 360-degree backdrop – perfect with a glass of wine to hand.
The best districts
Quayside: Permanently thronged with people, this area along the river is packed with restaurants, bars and public art installations. It's especially beautiful at night when the bridges are lit up.
Ouseburn: Once a derelict backwater, Ouseburn is now home to a thriving art community of potters, artists, printmakers and musicians.
Parks and gardens
Jesmond Dene: Jump on a metro or bus to this peaceful wooded valley where tall ash trees tower over mossy stone bridges, and a babbling brook leads to a thrashing waterfall.
Leazes Park: The city's oldest park, located near St James’s Park football stadium, offers a tranquil escape (when there isn't a match on) with its lake and lush greenery.
Historical monuments
Tyne Bridge: The river is spanned by seven bridges in close proximity – including the clever (and very tilting) Millennium Bridge – although the most prominent is the Tyne Bridge of 1928, symbol of the city.
St Nicholas Cathedral: Known for its striking lantern tower, this 14th-century cathedral is a cornerstone of Newcastle’s architectural landscape.
Day trips in the area
Hadrian's Wall: Don a pair of boots and march the length of the greatest Roman monument in England, one that once marked the frontier of the Roman Empire.
Durham: This fabulous city is worth a visit alone for its cathedral which soars over the River Wear, and is reckoned by many to be the finest Norman building in Europe.
Angel of the North: Standing sentinel over the A1, this startling steel colossus by Antony Gormley is both a poignant eulogy for the days of industry and a symbol of resurgence.
Tynemouth: Pretty coastal town with a priory, castle and some exquisite beaches – the perfect escape from the city on a sunny day.
Activities for families in Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne is blessed with an abundance of family-friendly activities that are guaranteed to keep both kids and adults entertained.
Interactive museums: The marvellous Seven Stories is dedicated to children's literature and encourages kids to immerse themselves in the magic of storytelling through interactive exhibits and creative play areas. The Great North Museum has an engaging mishmash of natural history exhibits – there’s a knobbly T-Rex skeleton, some stuffed animals and an aquarium and a planetarium.
Parks and farms: A brilliantly run community farm, Ouseburn is a wonderful spot for families to reconnect with nature, offering kids the chance to learn about pigs, sheep, cows and more.
Free things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne
Budget-conscious travellers to Newcastle won’t need to look far to find things to see and do that don’t cost a penny – the art galleries in particular are a terrific source of free entertainment.
Free galleries and museums: The city is jam-packed with brilliant free galleries and museums. Start with the BALTIC Centre which, designed to be a huge visual “art factory”, is second only in scale to London’s Tate Modern. Then make a beeline for the Discovery Museum where you can enjoy tales from animatronic characters along the way.
Markets: Held on Sundays along the River Tyne, the Quayside Market is a great opportunity to browse local crafts, artworks and food – although you may end up spending more than you intended.
Free guided tours: Keep an eye out for free (sometimes tip-based) walking tours offered by various organisations, which cover everything from historical insights and architectural highlights to food and football.
Nature and outdoor activities in Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne holidays are not complete without some kind of outdoor activity, and with the city being so close to a national park and the coast, it’s not difficult to find some fresh air and make the most of some wonderful landscapes.
Hiking: The wide-skied landscapes of Northumberland National Park, a great triangular chunk of land between Hadrian’s Wall and the coastal plain, provide superb walking for hiking enthusiasts.
Cycling: The city rates several easy cycling routes that highlight its riverfront and more rural areas. For those seeking more vigorous fare, the demanding C2C (Coast-to-Coast) route runs 225km from Whitehaven to Sunderland.
Water sports: The River Tyne (and if you’re feeling really brave, the nearby North Sea) provide ample opportunities for water sports, including kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding.
Wildlife watching: A rocky archipelago lying a few kilometres offshore, the Farne Islands offer one of Europe’s most thrilling wildlife experiences, home to hundreds of thousands of migrating seabirds, notably puffins, guillemots, terns, eider ducks and kittiwakes.