Things to do in Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Welcome to Newcastle-upon-Tyne
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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Newcastle Castle
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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.
People Also Ask
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.
...MoreNewcastle’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.
...MoreTwo 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.
...MoreNewcastle’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.
...MoreCatch 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.
...MoreNewcastle-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.
...MoreNewcastle-upon-Tyne information
Number of Attractions | 1 |
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Number of Tours | 61 |
Number of Reviews | 884 |
Currency | GBP |
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