Things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne
Published on: 02/08/21
Newcastle upon Tyne, set along the banks of the River Tyne, is a city known for its rich industrial heritage, iconic architecture, and vibrant culture. Famous for its striking landmarks like the Tyne Bridge and Newcastle Castle, this dynamic city invites visitors to explore its fascinating history and stunning views. The discovery continues at the Quayside, where contemporary art meets history at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and the Sage Gateshead, a renowned music venue.
A visit to Newcastle isn’t complete without immersing yourself in its lively atmosphere. The bustling Bigg Market and Grainger Town are brimming with traditional pubs, modern restaurants, and a thriving nightlife scene. Shoppers can explore the famous Eldon Square and independent boutiques, while those seeking tranquility can enjoy the serene beauty of Jesmond Dene. Whether uncovering the city's history, indulging in its food scene, or soaking in the friendly Geordie spirit, Newcastle upon Tyne promises a memorable experience for all.
What's included for Things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne
- Great Days Out
- Escape Rooms and VR
- Motorsports
- Combat Zone
- On The Water
- Aerial Adventures
- Culture and Tours
- Wildlife and Sealife
- Adventure and Theme Parks
- Free Things to do and Days Out
- Local Events & Festivals
- Eating Out and Places to Stay
Fun Activities
If you love horses or just fancy a flutter, place your bets down at Newcastle Racecourse. With around 60 jumps and fixtures every year, there’s something going on whatever the weather. Perfect for either a day out or a private party in the evening. Sticking with the animal theme, you can get face to face with some amazing birds of prey at the Riverside Falconry and enjoy the relaxing semi-rural surroundings of Newburn Riverside Park Activity Centre.
As well as the above you also have a hugh list of activities and days out in Newcastle, which include Crazy Golf, Ghost Walks, Paintball and Go Karting, you can find even more activities and days out - Here
Eating Out
The banquet hall at Blackfriars takes its menu cues from the 13th Century friary its located in and serves up ‘modern medieval’ cuisine that includes wood pigeon and rare breeds of pork. Vegetarians needn’t worry, as they also cater for people that don’t eat meat and aim to serve as much seasonal and local produce as possible. For something a bit more modern take a seat at the legendary Fat Hippo, which specialises in burgers, chips and all kinds of other American-dinner-style delights.
Culture Vulture
To really get a sense of Newcastle and Tyneside’s rich maritime history, spend some time at the Discovery Museum, and marvel at the 34-metre ship called Turbinia which takes centre stage (and was once the fastest ship in the world), or even visit Wallsend, which is the end of Hadrian’s Wall. There’s enough to see and do to spend at least a few hours there, and if that’s not enough history for you, visit the Medieval Castle which gave the city it’s name and was recently restored at a cost of almost £2 million. You can also download one of the many self guided walks from Curious About, so that you can make the most of your time exploring Newcastle
After Dark
It’s a fact that Newcastle nightlife is world-renowned – The Rough Guide to Britain even called it the top tourist attraction in the UK! The city was only beaten by London and Berlin in the top 10 of European Nightlife Destinations voted for by Tripadvisor users. Head to the quayside for a huge selection of bars and clubs, or take a trip to ‘The Pink Triangle’ to experience the thriving gay scene. You can also test the theory that the Geordie accent can make anything sound humorous by booking tickets for The Stand Comedy Club for a night out.
Eating Out and Places to Stay in Newcastle upon Tyne
For a memorable stay in Newcastle upon Tyne, Hotels.com offers a wide selection of comfortable accommodations, perfect for exploring the city’s vibrant culture and rich history. Whether you're seeking a modern hotel near the bustling Quayside or a cozy guesthouse in the charming Ouseburn Valley, Hotels.com provides a range of options to suit every traveler’s taste and budget.
With fantastic dining options from trendy restaurants to traditional pubs, along with attractions like the iconic Tyne Bridge, the historic Castle Keep, and the lively nightlife of Jesmond, Newcastle guarantees an unforgettable experience for every visitor!
Something a bit different…
Have you ever wanted to try bungee jumping but couldn’t quite summon up the courage to jump off the scarily high platform? Well, in the Life Science Centre you can get the experience without having to leave the ground, by having a go on 4D Motion Ride. There’s loads of other hands-on exhibits in the institute, with plenty or arcade-style games to keep smaller kids entertained too. We haven’t even mentioned the seven bridges, including the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, sprawling Chinatown or the amazing shopping centre, so we’ll have to save all that for next time!
We hope that you have enjoyed reading our article about Things to do in Newcastle, and hopefully this has given you more than enough food for thought to plan your next trip amongst the Geordies.