Things to do in Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Things to do in  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

A night on The Toon

Varied and vibrant, celebrated for its nightlife and student population as well as its cultural institutions and stately avenues, Newcastle-upon-Tyne is the largest city in northeastern England. Its residents—known locally as Geordies—are renowned for their earthy warmth, and the city welcomes with its well-rated restaurants, lively bars, and football (soccer) fandom. Stop to take in iconic views of the Tyne Bridge’s arc and the towering Grey’s Monument in Grainger Town before exploring contemporary art exhibitions at the revamped Biscuit Factory, admiring the namesake Newcastle Castle, and partying on Bigg Market—all top things to do in Newcastle.

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Top 8 attractions in Newcastle-upon-Tyne

#1

North York Moors National Park

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The North York Moors have provided creative inspiration for a number of celebrated writers, including Bram Stoker, Sylvia Plath, and the Brontë sisters. Situated on England’s northeastern coast, the stunning landscape is wild and rugged with an untamed beauty that draws visitors from all over the world.More
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#2

Housesteads Roman Fort (Vercovicium)

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High on an escarpment on UNESCO-listed Hadrian’s Wall, Housesteads Fort is one of 16 forts along what was the Roman Empire’s stone-built north-western frontier. The ruins of the AD 123-built camp, and a museum and visitor center take guests back to the days of Roman Britain 2,000 years ago.More
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#3

Alnwick Castle

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Originally built as a Norman defense in the 11th century, imposing Alnwick Castle has been expanded piecemeal over the years, and encompasses medieval, Gothic, and neoclassical elements. The castle—about 85 miles (137 kilometers) from Edinburgh—has caught the eye of location scouts, who picked it to serve as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films and Brancaster Castle inDownton Abbey.More
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#4

Bamburgh Castle

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One of the UK’s most majestic castles, Bamburgh Castle crowns a volcanic crag perched between a Northumbria sandy beach and the village of Bamburgh. Built in the 19th century on the site of an Anglo-Saxon citadel, the landmark lures visitors with stately halls, armor, a keep, and walls with epic coastal views.More
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#5

Northumberland National Park

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Known as the home of Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland National Park in the northwest of England is dominated by incredible, untouched countryside—from the peaks of the Cheviot Hills to the lush heather-covered moorland—and a wealth of typical English towns and villages. Combining the ancient with the modern, there’s plenty to see and do, whether you prefer markets, hikes, or pints at the pub.More
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#6

Newcastle Castle

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Newcastle’s oldest building, Newcastle Castle comprises a 12th-century keep and the 13th-century Black Gate gatehouse. Once part of a huge fortress, the two separate, restored fortifications offer the chance to roam ancient chambers, chart the castle’s and city’s history, and soak in sweeping views of Newcastle’s Quayside.More
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#7

Durham Castle

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Built by the order of William the Conqueror in 1072, Durham Castle has stood the test of time and remains one of England’s most important Norman attractions, as well as a striking example of the elevated “motte-and-bailey” fortress style. While the structure is now home to university residences, history buffs will still enjoy the vast Great Hall, the 17th-century Black Staircase, and the Bishop’s Rooms.More
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#8

Holy Isle (Eilean Molaise)

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A tiny island just off the coast of the Isle of Arran, the Holy Isle (Eilean Molaise) has long been seen as a spiritual destination. The former residence of the 6th-century St. Malaise, and known for its Viking history and runes, the island is today home to the Centre for World Peace and Health, a Buddhist retreat and meditation center.More
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Explore Newcastle-upon-Tyne by interest

Top activities in Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Vera Tour of Newcastle TV Locations
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Vera Tour of Newcastle TV Locations

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34
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$53.61
Guided City Walking Tour of Newcastle

Guided City Walking Tour of Newcastle

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From
$38.30
The Ultimate Cheese & Wine Food Tour

The Ultimate Cheese & Wine Food Tour

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From
$83.47
A Taste Of Newcastle Food Tour

A Taste Of Newcastle Food Tour

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104
From
$89.36
Tailor-made Walking Tour: Discover Newcastle

Tailor-made Walking Tour: Discover Newcastle

From
$287.22
per group
Hadrians Wall tour full day
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Hadrians Wall tour full day

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$121.27
Lightfoot Tours: Historical Tour

Lightfoot Tours: Historical Tour

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$38.30
Newcastle Roman Fort Tour
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Newcastle Roman Fort Tour

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$179.04
Hello Newcastle! Private Walking Tour

Hello Newcastle! Private Walking Tour

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$248.93
per group
Half Day Tour of Newcastle
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Half Day Tour of Newcastle

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$184.14
Hadrian's Wall Day Tour - A guided walk of the Roman Frontier

Hadrian's Wall Day Tour - A guided walk of the Roman Frontier

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From
$331.90
Private Newcastle Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation

Private Newcastle Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation

From
$55.10
Newcastle Airport to Newcastle Hotels Arrival Private Transfer

Newcastle Airport to Newcastle Hotels Arrival Private Transfer

From
$104.20
Newcastle's Art & Architecture Private Walking Tour

Newcastle's Art & Architecture Private Walking Tour

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$287.22
per group
Private Transfer from Newcastle Upon Tyne to Manchester Airport (MAN)

Private Transfer from Newcastle Upon Tyne to Manchester Airport (MAN)

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$386.10
per group
Roman and Anglo-Saxons Tyneside Tour
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Roman and Anglo-Saxons Tyneside Tour

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$184.14
Private Newcastle Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport

Private Newcastle Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport

From
$55.10
Newcastle Airport to Newcastle Round-Trip Private Transfer

Newcastle Airport to Newcastle Round-Trip Private Transfer

From
$208.40
Private Newcastle Pub Tour

Private Newcastle Pub Tour

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$191.48
1-Hour and a Half Walking Guided Tour in Medieval Newcastle

1-Hour and a Half Walking Guided Tour in Medieval Newcastle

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$25.53
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All about Newcastle-upon-Tyne

When to visit

Newcastle isn’t renowned for ample sunshine, but if you’re after good weather, aim for summer—August and September usually have the lowest rainfall and average highs peaking at 66°F (19°C). Summer is also when the city gets most festive, with annual events like Northern Pride and Mouth of the Tyne Festival, an outdoor music celebration. That said, winter sees Newcastle at its most atmospheric, with regular snowfall, toasty pubs, and, as the song goes, "fog on the Tyne."

Getting around

The Newcastle area has ample public transportation offerings, including the underground and overground Tyne and Wear Metro, numerous local bus services, and Shields Ferry service. The Newcastle Coach Station and Newcastle Central Station connect the city to other major urban hubs across the UK. Local taxi services are also available. Central Newcastle is quite accessible on foot and has numerous cycle routes.

Traveler tips

Don’t limit your explorations to Newcastle’s city center. Accessible public transportation makes it easy to explore nearby towns and offerings, including Gateshead, which has a trendy feel and boasts a lively Quayside and is just south of the Tyne from Newcastle; Angel of the North statue; the pretty coastal village of Tynemouth; and Hadrian’s Wall, which marked the northern border of the Roman Empire.

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People Also Ask

What is Newcastle famous for?

Northeast England’s biggest city, Newcastle-upon-Tyne is known for its Georgian architecture—a reflection of its 19th-century industrial wealth—and its 12th-century castle. It’s also famous for its nightlife, friendly “Geordie” locals, and quayside along the River Tyne, which is home to the arched Tyne Bridge, Gateshead Millennium Bridge, and inventive buildings.

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How do I explore Newcastle?

Newcastle’s center is walkable. Most sights are within a 20-minute strolling distance, with popular routes starting at Grey Street and heading south to the castle and Quayside. Book a walking tour for context, tour the center by public bus, or explore wider Newcastle via the Metro light rail system.

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How many days in Newcastle is enough?

Two days is a good minimum. On day one, experience Newcastle’s Georgian streets around Grey Street and Grey’s Monument; admire the Quayside’s bridges and curving Sage Gateshead center; and, later, embrace Newcastle’s electric nightlife. Spend day two exploring the semi-intact castle, Great North Museum, and art galleries like the Baltic.

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What is there to do in Newcastle at night?

Newcastle’s nightlife is legendary. Sip drinks overlooking the Tyne at the Quayside’s bars before partying at the pubs and clubs of the Toon—the city’s nickname. Alternatively, see a cabaret or comedy show, dine at a restaurant, or catch a performance at Theatre Royal or Sage Gateshead culture center.

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Where can you go from Newcastle?

Catch a train to Durham and its UNESCO-listed cathedral and castle, or head west to explore Hadrian’s Wall, built by the Romans in the second century AD. Alternatively, admire Gateshead’s Angel of the North sculpture, or travel north to Northumbria’s unspoiled beaches, Bamburgh Castle, or Lindisfarne, known as Holy Island.

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What is the difference between Newcastle and Newcastle-upon-Tyne?

Newcastle-upon-Tyne is commonly called Newcastle, so mentions of Newcastle usually refer to this city on the Tyne. England also has two lesser-known Newcastles—Staffordshire’s Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Shropshire village of Newcastle. There are also numerous Newcastles worldwide, including in Wales, the US, Australia, and Ireland.

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