19 Must-See Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Newcastle upon Tyne

November 19, 2023 Mustafa Natalwala 2329 Views

Newcastle upon Tyne, or just Newcastle, is a city in the Tyne and Wear county of England. There are a lot of fun things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne for tourists. The city has a rich history, vibrant local culture, a passionate sports culture, and wonderful architecture.

The story of this city dates back to a 2nd-century Roman settlement. One of the best places to visit in Newcastle upon Tyne to learn about the early history of the city is the Segedunum. It is an archaeological site that traces the Roman fort and settlement that once thrived here.

Then during the Middle Ages, Robert Curthouse built a fortress on this spot. This fortress was developed many times over the years. It is still one of the most popular things to see in Newcastle. It was the “New Castle” of the region, replacing an old Roman Fort. The city stands where the New Castle stood upon the banks of river Tyne. That’s how the city got its name.

The city rose to prominence owing to its strategic location on the banks of river Tyne, which opened up to the North Sea. Many of the Newcastle tourist attractions will tell you about the maritime history of the city.

It developed as a major trade port and was the largest shipbuilding and repair hub in the world during the Industrial Revolution. This period also brought a lot of prosperity to the city. Many of the historical Newcastle attractions were built during the Industrial Revolution. It also brought about an architectural renaissance in the city that you will witness during Newcastle sightseeing even today. This is especially apparent in the bridges and river-side parts of the city.

Alongside history, there are quite a few fun activities to do in Newcastle upon Tyne. The most popular among these revolves around the EPL team Newcastle United. The atmosphere is electric when they are playing a home game and their stadium is one of the best places to go in Newcastle to join the local vibe.

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Table of Contents

Top 19 Tourist Places to Visit in Newcastle upon Tyne, England

1. Tyne Bridge

This arch bridge was built in 1928 to connect Newcastle with Gateshead. It was inaugurated by King George V and was the largest single-span bridge in England at the time.

The city has 7 major historical bridges over the river Tyne. These are integral to Newcastle upon Tyne sightseeing as they were integral to the city’s history. The heightened bridges allowed the ships to cross into the harbour.

This fueled the trade and commerce on the Newcastle and IJmuiden route. You can take a walking tour to see and learn about the history of all the bridges. This tour is usually an hour or so long.

2. Newcastle Castle

The history of the castle dates back to 1080. It was the “New” castle built by Robert Curthose. This castle gave the city its name. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Newcastle upon Tyne for its significance.

The castle was developed by several rulers over the ages. As a result, you will see the evolution of defensive architecture over the ages. The castle is also home to some of the most fascinating things to see in Newcastle upon Tyne.

The castle tour will tell you about the city’s political, cultural, and military history. The castle has withstood several battles between England & Scotland. This includes the English Civil War and the Seige of Newcastle. You will need about 2 hours to tour this castle when you visit Newcastle upon Tyne.

3. Newcastle Cathedral

This church was first built in the 11th century during the Norman era. It was the first church in the city. The church was rebuilt, renovated, and extended several times during the 14th, 15th, and 19th centuries.

The church is known for its architecture and interior artwork. The crown at the top of the church is one of the structure’s most prominent features. It is one of the most popular places to see in Newcastle at night as a beacon of light illuminates the crown. You will need about an hour to tour this church.

4. Discovery Museum

This museum focuses on the maritime history of Newcastle and Tyneside. It also focuses on the scientific and engineering innovations in the field over the ages. It is one of the most fun things to do in Newcastle for families.

The museum has amazing interactive exhibits that showcase the life of the mariners in different types of vessels in different periods. It also tells the stories of bold voyagers and incredible discoveries. You will need 2 hours to tour this museum.

5. Great North Museum: Hancock

This museum focuses on natural history and ancient civilizations. The museum showcases wildlife from different regions. It also showcases pre-historic animals. The other part of the museum showcases various important civilizations of history such as Romans, Egyptians, Greeks, and so on. This is again one of the popular Newcastle upon Tyne tourist attractions for families. You will need an hour or so to tour this museum.

6. Laing Art Gallery

This art museum focuses on British as well as international artworks. This includes ceramics, oil paintings, silverware, paintings, and decorative artworks. It is one of the best things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne for art admirers.

You will see the works of renowned international artists such as Paul Gauguin, John Martin, Victor Pasmore, Albert Toft, Burne Jones, and more. The gallery itself is housed in a 20th-century Victorian building. It is known among Newcastle upon Tyne attractions for its Baroque and Art Nouveau styles. You will need about 2 hours to tour the gallery.

7. Grey’s Monument

This monument and the street leading up to it honour the 2nd Earl Grey: Charles Grey. Earl Grey was the British Prime Minister renowned for the Great Reform Act of 1832.

The monument is a 40-meter-tall column and has a statue of Lord Grey on top of it. Take a few minutes from Newcastle upon Tyne travel to admire this monument and remember the contributions of Lord Grey.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Walking Tour of Newcastle to Visit and Learn about the History of Grey’s Monument along with other popular attractions.

8. Gateshead Millennium Bridge

This bridge opened in 2001 and the final design was voted upon by the Gateshead residents. It is a major part of the city’s culture and a fine work of engineering. The arch bridge was built using one of the largest floating cranes in the world.

It is operated by six hydraulic rams. These rams rotate the bridge so the vessels can pass from underneath it. The changing shape of this bridge is one of the most photographed visuals of Newcastle sightseeing. You need 15 to 20 minutes to witness the phenomenon.

9. Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art

This art gallery does not hold a permanent exhibition. It focuses on modern and contemporary artworks by renowned British and International artists. It is also one of the most happening places to go in Newcastle upon Tyne for elite events such as the Turner Prize ceremony. In its time, the gallery has exhibited works of more than 300 artists from 50 nationalities. You should check their website to see the ongoing events when you visit Newcastle, England.

10. Quayside

This riverside promenade stretches along the north bank of the river Tyne. It is one of the most popular Newcastle tourist attractions. Quayside used to be a prominent commercial dock and played a pivotal role in the city’s history.

Now it is a happening place for sightseeing, entertainment, dining, and nightlife. The promenade is lined with shopping venues, restaurants, nightclubs, bars, cafes, and more. It is also the venue for top things to do in Newcastle city entre including cultural events and street markets. You can easily spend an evening roaming around Quayside.

I suggest you should try a Guided Tour of Quayside in Newcastle.

11. Victoria Tunnel

Built during the 1800s, these tunnels were used to transport coals. Then during WWII, the tunnels served as air-raid shelter for the citizens. They are among the most important Newcastle tourist attractions.

The guided tour of the tunnels tells you all about its history from its construction to its various roles. You will also learn about the conditions of the citizens during the war.

It is one of the most interesting activities to do in Newcastle upon Tyne. The tour also takes you underneath several historical sites and you will also get to learn about the foundational construction of these landmarks. You will need about 2 hours for this tour.

12. Segedunum Roman Fort

This archaeological site traces out a Roman Fort that dates back to 122 AD. It was built along the length of Hadrian’s Wall to protect the city from raiders. It is one of the most fascinating historical places to visit in Newcastle, England.

The fort was in use until 400 AD and is estimated to have been manned by over 600 Roman soldiers. You will see the outline of the fort and the town that once existed on this spot.

The museum also shows you various interesting artifacts from the extinct settlement. These are some of the most interesting things to see in Newcastle. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore the archaeological site and the museum when you visit Newcastle, England.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Tour of Segedunum Roman Fort.

13. Life Science Centre

This science centre is home to a variety of exhibits and fun activities in Newcastle for families. The exhibits focus on practical applications of physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology, zoology, and so on.

You can also enjoy the 4D experience of the North Pole and Tropical Islands. The centre also has fun things to do in Newcastle for families with children such as workshops, games, illusions, scientific experiments, planetarium, and more. You can easily spend 2 to 3 hours from Newcastle travel at this place.

14. St. James Park – Newcastle United Stadium

This stadium is home to the famous English Premiere League football club Newcastle United. If you truly want to experience the local culture, watch the proud home-team live in this stadium.

The Newcastle United fanbase is one of the most passionate in EPL. The matchday lights up the atmosphere like it’s a festival. It is one of the best things to do in Newcastle, England.

You can also tour the stadium’s museum to learn about the club’s history, players, managers, and accolades. If lucky, you may even get to meet one of the players of the team and get a jersey signed. You will need 4 to 5 hours if you want to enjoy a game at this stadium during Newcastle sightseeing.

15. Jesmond Dene

This large wooden area is a great place to experience some natural serenity. It is a jungle with a waterfall, streams, a petting zoo, cycling trails and so on. This a place for outdoor activities to do in Newcastle. The woodland area is also populated with birds and small animals. You can easily spend an hour or so exploring the forest.

16. Beamish Open Air Museum

This museum recreates the life of North East England in the 19th and 20th centuries. It is a living museum with operational vehicles and costumed actors enacting day-to-day life events.

This is one of the most fun places to see in Newcastle, England. You will see buses, cabs, cars, houses, shops, streets, steam trains, and other things from the era. It is also one of the few places to go in Newcastle to try authentic coal-fire-cooked cuisine. You will need about 2 hours to explore this place.

17. Rising Sun Country Park

This nature reserve is spread over 400 acres and has numerous facilities for outdoor activities. It has grasslands, wetlands, gardens, lake, picnic spots, wooded areas, cycling trails, pond, and more. It is one of the best Newcastle attractions for recreation. You can easily spend a couple of hours at the park.

18. The Grainger Market

This historic indoor market sells all kinds of things and is also a great place to mingle with the local folks and culture. You will find local produce, food products, street food, textiles, handicrafts, bakery goods, beverages, locally manufactured products and more. You can spend an hour or so exploring the market when you visit Newcastle upon Tyne.

I suggest you should book a Newcastle Food Tasting Tour in advance.

19. The Biscuit Factory

This is the largest independent gallery in the UK for commercial art, craft and design. The gallery exhibits works of contemporary art by British and international artists. You can come here to admire the artwork. People can even purchase some of the artwork on display. You will need about an hour to tour the gallery.

If you are looking for more things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne, check out the sections below. We have compiled a complete list of top attractions and activities in the city.

Things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Discovery Museum
Great North Museum: Hancock
Newcastle Castle
Laing Art Gallery
Newcastle Cathedral
The Seeing Stone
Ever Tower
Victoria Tunnels
Benwell Roman Temple
St. Mary’s Cathedral
Denton Hall Turret
Castle Garth
St. Mary’s Chapel
The Biscuit Factory
Newcastle Keep
The Town Moor
Gibside House
National Glass Centre
St. Mary’s Lighthouse
Finchale Priory
Jarrow Hall
Tynemouth Priory and Castle
Hatton Gallery
WWT Washington Wetlands
Souter Lighthouse
Mehrangarh Fort
Trinity House
Seaton Delaval Hall
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Jesmond Dene
Northumberlandia
Windy Nook Nature Park
Herrington Country Park
Big Waters Nature Reserve
Gosforth Nature Reserve
Thornley Woodlands Centre
Newburn Park
Cullercoat Caves
Clara Vale Nature Reserve
Blaydon Burn Local Nature Reserve
Bowes Valley Nature Reserve
Chadwick Falls
Shibdon Pond Local Nature Reserve

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Life Science Centre
Exhibition Park
St. James Park
Nunsmoor Park
Paddy Freeman’s Park
Gosforth Central Park
Saltwell Park
Barnes Park
Armstrong Park
South Marine Park
Weetsland Country Park
Adventure Valley
Temple Memorial Park
Richardson Dees Park
Blackhill and Consett Park
Ridley Park

Shopping in Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Eldon Square
Gosforth Shopping Centre
Central Arcade
Grey Street
St. James Retail Park
Quayside Sunday Market
Team Valley Retail World
Red Mall
Yellow Mall
Metrocentre
Central Arcade
Denton Park Shopping Centre
Monument Mall
Royal Quay Outlet Centre
Northumberland Street
Kenton Park Shopping Centre
The Gate
Grainger Market

Beaches & Islands in Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Fish Quay Sands
Sandhaven Beach
King Edward’s Bay
Long Sands Beach
Frenchman’s Bay
Cullercoats Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Hiking
Boat Cruise
Cycling

Sightseeing in Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Grey’s Monument
Tyne Bridge
Chinatown
Greenheart Sculpture
Freeman’s Clock
Basil Hume Memorial Garden
Gateshead Millenium Bridge
Penshaw Monument
Angel of the North
Mooring Buoy Art Monument
Lakeshore Railroad
Lifeboat Memorial

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Tower Cafe
Fat Hippo
House of Tides
Dabbawal
Saltwater Fish Company
Kaltur
Trakol
The French Quarter
Blackfriars
The Tanners Arms
Dobson & Parnell
Lola Jeans
Riley’s Fish Shack
Super Natural Cafe
The Broad Chare
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Cook House
The Botanist Bar
Elder & Wolf
Khai Khai
Simla
Peace & Loaf
Horticulture

Where to Stay in Newcastle upon Tyne?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Newcastle upon Tyne. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Newcastle upon Tyne

How to Reach Newcastle upon Tyne, England?

By Air

The city is served by the Newcastle International Airport. It sits about 10 km from the city center. You can get direct flights to reach Newcastle from several cities in Europe. This includes Athens, Belfast, Dublin, Paris, Sofia, Burgas, London, Geneva, Dusseldorf, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and many more.

You can use the Tyne and Wear metro to get to various places in Newcastle city from the airport. It can take you directly to the Monument station in Newcastle city centre. You can also get buses and cabs to get to the city from the airport.

By Road

You can get direct trains to reach Newcastle from several towns and cities within the UK. The train network connects Newcastle upon Tyne with London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, York, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Carlisle, and several other destinations. You can also get buses to visit Newcastle from all over the UK.

If you are planning to reach Newcastle by road, you should head for routes A1 and A69. These two routes intersect on the west end of the city.

By Water

You can get a ferry to reach Newcastle from Amsterdam. These ferries travel daily and connect with the port in North Shields. This port is only 11 km away from Newcastle city centre. You can easily get buses and cabs to get to various places in the city.

Image Reference

Tyne Bridge – Chris Williams / PixaBay
Newcastle Castle – dun_deagh / Flickr
Newcastle Cathedral – bvi4092 / Flickr
Discovery Museum – Neil Turner / Flickr
Great North Museum: Hancock – penyuan / Flickr
Laing Art Gallery – Reading Tom / Flickr
Grey’s Monument – firmatography / Flickr
Gateshead Millennium Bridge – Werner Bayer / Flickr
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art – Nick-D / Wikimedia Commons
Quayside – Reading Tom / Flickr
Victoria Tunnel – Phil Thirkell / Flickr
Segedunum Roman Fort – diamond geezer / Flickr
Life Science Centre – Samuel Mann / Flickr
St. James Park – Newcastle United Stadium – Paul Robertson / Flickr
Jesmond Dene – PaulTurner / Wikimedia Commons
Beamish Open Air Museum – Mike McBey / Flickr
Rising Sun Country Park – Alex McGregor / Geograph.org.uk
The Grainger Market – Roger / Flickr
The Biscuit Factory – Paul Robertson / Flickr