Top North East England Art & Culture

Go deeper into Newcastle’s rich history than on many other tours when you join this guided walk—although you’ll still stroll less than 2.5 miles (4 kilometers). Learn about the city’s history from the Iron Age to the present, alongside colorful characters such as Bessie Surtees. See bridges, monuments, religious buildings, a historic market, the old town wall and, of course, the castle, with plenty of photo opps too.

Explore Newcastle on foot to discover small details that you might otherwise miss if traveling in a traditional tour vehicle. Get your bearings in the sprawling city with ease and get the inside scoop on local culture and history, as you travel between top city attractions—such as Pink Land, Chinatown, the historic Town Wall, and Grey’s Monument—without having to navigate.

Make the most of your stay in Newcastle by prebooking entry to the city’s Castle. Save time by sorting your ticket in advance, and travel independently to the two remaining buildings: the 12th-century Castle Keep and neighboring 13th-century Black Gate gatehouse. Explore the passageways and exhibits to chart the history and inhabitants of what became the ‘New Castle,' and learn about its relationship with the city that took its name.

Immerse yourself in Newcastle’s rich past and handsome architecture on a walking tour around its historical highlights. As you stroll, learn about the city’s Roman, Norman, and mercantile history. Admire Grey’s Monument, Grey Street, the Castle Keep, the Tyne River, and hear about the Victorian entrepreneurs who made Newcastle an Industrial Revolution powerhouse, and discover churches, hidden stairways, and a medieval monastery.

If you’re interested in learning about Newcastle’s history, but you want to avoid the hours of research time, then this whistle-stop guided tour is the perfect way to expand your knowledge. Hear commentary about medieval landmarks, the Great Fire of 1854, the industrial revolution, and events that contributed to the city’s identity. Important landmarks on the route include the Blackfriars Medieval Friary, Newcastle Central Station, Grainger Town, and plenty more surprises.

If you’re a fan of the hit TV series Vera, no visit to Newcastle would be complete without a tour of the series’ filming locations. Follow in the footsteps of detective Stanhope on a tour that transports you between locations in Newcastle, Gateshead, North Shields, and Whitley Bay in a hassle-free coach.

Forget hours of independent research and explore Newcastle-upon-Tyne in an easier and more rewarding way: on a small-group guided walk. Follow a time-efficient route that reveals all the must-sees; admiring everything from the handsome Georgian architecture of Grainger Town to the China Garden, Castle Keep, and Quayside. As you walk and talk, learn history and personal insights into Newcastle’s past and present culture you’d likely miss if exploring alone.

Immerse in one of the Roman Empire’s last frontiers when you join this fascinating walking tour led by a “Roman” guide, along the Cawfields stretch of the Roman wall. Learn about the rise and fall of this UNESCO World Heritage–listed engineering wonder, why Northumberland has so many castles, and soak up glorious views of moorland, coastline and medieval villages. Numbers are capped at just 12 for an intimate and memorable experience.

This tour is one of a kind - it is not a ghost tour. It takes you on a true crimes journey of Newcastle and explores some of the gruesome dark times in the city's history (all brought to life by your local expert). Your tour also takes you past some of the best-known places in the city but diverts to take you through some of the most hidden streets full of wonderful stories to tell!

If you’re a fan of the British TV crime drama “Vera,” there’s now a way to check off the key filming locations around the Northumbria countryside. This day-long tour puts the spotlight on the county’s coastal beauty while giving you all the trivia and gossip related to “Vera.” Sites such as Amble, Alnmouth, Bamburgh, and Warkworth feature on the itinerary along with a visit to Hadrian’s Wall.

Opt for a sightseeing tour of Newcastle with a difference on a silent disco tour that leads you through the city streets wearing hi-tech headsets that blast pop music. A large group adds atmosphere as you boogie past attractions such as Grainger Market and Eldon Leisure Centre.

Get the background history on Housesteads Roman Fort as you walk around Hadrian’s Wall, using a self-guided GPS tour. You’ll download a cellphone App, then set off to get all the info on the impressive Roman remains, where civilians and soldiers once lived. The tour is independent, meaning you have the flexibility to explore at your own pace; just note that entry fees are at your own expense.

2000 years ago this was a frontier, a place where two cultures collided. Your guide can happily weave a narrative from both the Roman perspective and the native perspective, providing both viewpoints. The Romans always intended to conquer Britain. Julius Caesar wrote about the riches of the British Isles... and also of giants and monsters. While Caesar made initial contact with the peoples of Britain, a full scale invasion would take another 90 years. Political turmoil in Rome was the catalyst for the new emperor, Claudius to bring his forces to the shores of Britain, changing the country forever. Transport is not included, contact us for taxi details if needed.

The industrial Newcastle of old has turned into a vibrant metropolis that’s still deeply proud of its history. On this private walking tour, delve deeper into Newcastle and Gateshead—south of the Tyne—and their heritage with a guide for insight you’d miss out on if exploring alone. Pass St. James’ Park football stadium and Grey’s Monument; and admire the futuristic Sage, Baltic, and bridges overlooking the legendary Tyne River.

Exploring Northumberland’s Hadrian’s Wall without a guide risks you missing out on the UNESCO-listed site’s hidden details and role in the region’s history. Delve deeper into the wall’s purpose and past, and view the surrounding Northumberland National Park on this guided walk, all with a historically costumed guide who’ll share facts, secrets, and stories that many visitors never get to hear.

Better understand the history and culture of Newcastle on this walking tour along the river that has long been an intractable feature of the city. As you walk along the River Tyne, your guide recounts tales of the people associated with the locations along the way and answers any questions you may have. This is a great introduction to the city and how it has changed over the years.

The villages of Seahouses, Beadnell and Bamburgh can, at first glance, just seem like lovely small villages. But that hides some fascinating history. For Bamburgh, dominated by the Castle, the village might seem insignificant. Not at all. At first glance, Seahouses are just fishing. But that is so wrong, with a rich agricultural, industrial and seafaring history to be seen, if you know where to look. Beadnell is perhaps the most exciting tour. Lovely, quiet, small today. But with a history which is hidden in plain sight which involves monastic communities, industry, and powerful figures in history whose influence is still felt in the village today. Bamburgh, the ancient capital city of Northumbria, is so full of history, both ancient, and more recent. A place of conflict, a place of war, and a place of the first welfare state in the modern world. Amazing place. We love sharing our local area. Come and join us and share our excitement at being here in one or more of our amazing tours.

See the best of Berwick upon Tweed on a private cycling tour that lets you access parts of the town that traditional tour vehicles can’t reach. Pedal at a gentle pace that’s tailored to your private group, and enjoy the undivided attention of your guide. Plus, you’ll get personalized recommendations to last the rest of your trip.

Visit World Heritage–listed Hadrian’s Wall during a 3-hour walking tour of Arbeia and Segedunum (aka Wallsend), two of the Roman forts at the east end of the wall. Both settlements are excellent reconstructions, and with a guide on hand you’ll gain specialized insight. This tour is ideal for history buffs who want to learn more about the frontier of the Roman Empire, all within close proximity to urban Newcastle.

The route across the sands at low tide is atmospheric, evoking the time of Saxon Kings and Celtic Priests. We are likely to see and hear Grey seals as they bask on the sands. You will hear stories dating back to Roman times and can begin to imagine early pilgrims making the crossing to pay their respects to St Aidan and St Cuthbert. Holy Island is a special place and the best way to approach it is across the sands - walking barefoot if you want to get the most from your experience!

Hadrian’s Wall, the UNESCO world heritage site is the frontier of the Roman Empire. The frontier extended for 80 roman miles and covers many landscapes. Segedunum was the first fort on the wall, so why not visit it first? The fort is home to fantastic reconstructions of the Roman way of life - such as a section of the wall which can be viewed and walked along and a museum that brings the Roman world to life. You will be able to step into the Roman world and learn about this fantastic, ruthless but creative culture that conquered much of the known world. The fort was home to the mixed cavalry and infantry unit of troops from France- the fourth cohort of Lingones. It was their job to defend the river and to ensure that the frontiers wild Britons were policed. Your guide will explain and share the stories that the fort has and give you an insight into Roman life at the Northern frontier of the Empire. The tour can be booked at 10:00 am or 2 pm.

Learn to draw in the great outdoors, with this art and exploration experience in the Breamish Valley. With an artist and a guide, you’ll enjoy a riverside walk, stopping to stand still and observe the surrounding landscape before you draw it. All the materials you need are provided, along with an extra perk of a picnic lunch, prepared with Northumberland produce.

Zone in one Newcastle’s unique art and architecture during a private walking tour that lets you go where cars can’t. You’ll navigate the city with ease and at a pace set by you rather than a large group, as you discover top Newcastle attractions such as Newcastle Cathedral, BALTIC art gallery, and Laing Art Gallery.

Discover the best of Newcastle’s urban and natural attractions on a cycling tour that combines the northern metropolis’ best city sights and parks. You set the pedalling pace in your private group, as you benefit from the undivided attention of your guide and stop to take breaks and photographs whenever it suits you.