Best Things to Do and See in Newcastle

In the North East of England, there lies a bustling city called Newcastle upon Tyne. It is a popular tourist attraction for both visitors and residents because to its fascinating history, stunning architecture, and vibrant nightlife. There are many sights and activities to enjoy in Newcastle, including touring the famous River Tyne bridges, the Angel of the North, and the St. James’ Park stadium, the home of Newcastle United Football Club.

The ancient Newcastle Castle, a mediaeval fortress that dates back to the 12th century, is one of the must-see locations in Newcastle. It provides breath-taking city vistas and hosts frequent events and exhibitions all year long. The Discovery Museum, where visitors may explore exhibits ranging from steam engines to ship models and learn about Newcastle’s industrial past, is another well-liked destination.

Newcastle is recognized for having a vibrant nightlife with a wide variety of bars, clubs, and eateries. The city has a robust music industry and frequently holds concerts and festivals like the Great North Run and NewcastleGateshead Winter Festival.

Newcastle’s proximity to the coast, where stunning beaches and seaside villages are only a short drive away, is another perk for visitors. Additionally, Newcastle’s city core is home to a range of high street shops, independent boutiques, and marketplaces for individuals who enjoy shopping.

Overall, a trip to Newcastle upon Tyne is a great way to take in the history, culture, and entertainment that Northern England has to offer. In this guide, we will explore the must-see tourist attractions in Newcastle, when you come to visit this beautiful and historical city.

  1. The Angel of the North

Near Newcastle, Gateshead neighborhood is home to the spectacular sculpture known as The Angel of the North. It was finished in 1998 and sculpted by British sculptor Antony Gormley. The steel Angel has a height of 20 meters and a wingspan of 54 meters. The sculpture, which serves as a representation of endurance, strength, and optimism, has become a well-known landmark in the North East of England.

It is understandable why The Angel of the North has grown to be a well-liked tourist destination because it is an astounding sight. It is perched atop a hill overlooking the A1 freeway, and when people approach, it seems as though its wings are encircling them. One of the most important public artworks of the 20th century, the sculpture has come to represent the North East of England.

The Angel of the North is noteworthy in terms of culture and history in addition to its aesthetic appeal. It captures both the spirit of the locals and the region’s industrial past. It now plays a crucial role in the North East’s identity and acts as a potent reminder of the area’s tenacity and tenacity.

2. Go Visit Newcastle Castle

In the center of Newcastle upon Tyne, England’s largest city, stands Newcastle Castle, a historic fortification. The castle, which was built in the 12th century, has a long history of aiding in the defense of the area against invaders.

The Black Gate and the Castle Keep are the two principal structures in the castle. The Keep is a stone tower from the 12th century that is over 30 meters tall and provides a beautiful perspective of the surroundings. The 13th-century Black Gate is a fortified gatehouse that served to keep intruders out of the castle.

Newcastle Castle offers guided tours so that guests can explore the building and learn about its fascinating past. The castle’s interior exhibits provide visitors a look into its past, including its time spent as a jail and its association with the illustrious Scottish hero William Wallace.

Newcastle Castle is a well-liked tourist destination that gives tourists a look at the city’s illustrious past and distinctive architecture. Anyone visiting Newcastle upon Tyne must make a trip here because of its strategic location, stunning architecture, and historical significance.

3. Go Watch a game at St James’ Park

Newcastle is home to the renowned football stadium St James’ Park. The stadium, which serves as Newcastle United Football Club’s home field, is regarded as one of the most recognizable and significant stadiums in English football history. The stadium is the eighth-largest in the English Premier League and can accommodate more than 52,000 spectators.

The stadium, which debuted in 1880, has undergone numerous updates and reconstructions throughout time to meet contemporary safety and comfort standards. The stadium’s powerful atmosphere was further enhanced by the erection of a new stand during the most recent refurbishment, which was finished in 2000.

Newcastle’s St James’ Park is a well-liked tourist destination in addition to being a football arena. A guided tour of the stadium is available and includes stops at the locker rooms, the dugout and the tunnel leading to the field of play. Access to the Newcastle United museum, which chronicles the team’s famous past and accomplishments, is also included in the trip.

The stadium’s location in the center of Newcastle’s city center, surrounded by a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops, is another noteworthy aspect. With panoramic views of the city and the famous Tyne Bridge, the view from the stadium’s top is breath-taking.

In conclusion, St James’ Park is a place that both tourists and football lovers should visit. The stadium offers a one-of-a-kind and remarkable experience due to its impressive size, rich history, and location.

If you would like to buy a ticket to go watch Newcastle United play football, click here or on the Ticketmaster image below to select from one of our preferred suppliers. 

  1. Hop on Hop Off Bus Tours in Newcastle

Hop on, Hop Off The city’s famous sights, rich cultural history, and vibrant atmosphere can all be explored at your own speed on Newcastle bus tours. The tours are conducted on an open-top double-decker bus, which offers a panoramic perspective of the city’s breath-taking landscapes.

The tour includes some of Newcastle’s most well-known sights, including the iconic Angel of the North, the ancient Castle Keep, and the lovely Quayside. Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the city’s distinctive history and culture by stopping at a number of museums, galleries, and parks that are included in the tour.

It is a great value for the money because the buses run at regular intervals and customers are free to board and exit the vehicle as much as they wish within a 24-hour period. The tour also includes a professional guide who offers insightful commentary on the history and culture of the city, enhancing the experience’s educational value.

In conclusion, Newcastle’s Hop on Hop off Bus Tours are a fantastic opportunity to discover the city’s rich culture and history. The tour delivers a fun and educational experience because to its adaptability and thorough coverage of the city’s highlights.

If you would like to book a ticket on a hop on hop off bus tour in Newcastle, click here or on either the Big Bus Tours or CitySightseeing banners below to select from one of our preferred suppliers.

  1. Visit the Quayside

Newcastle upon Tyne is home to the well-known neighborhood known as Quayside. This region has a thriving nightlife, beautiful scenery, and a fascinating history. The Gateshead Millennium Bridge and the Tyne Bridge are two of Quayside’s most recognizable bridges. Quayside is located along the River Tyne.

The lively neighborhood of Quayside is home to several pubs, eateries, and cafes. Both locals and visitors flock there to take in the picturesque vistas and the vibrant atmosphere. Numerous cultural landmarks, such the Newcastle Castle and the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, are also located in the region.

Apart from the leisure and cultural options, Quayside is a significant commercial center with a large number of establishments and offices situated there. It is well-connected to other areas of Newcastle and beyond via public transport, with frequent bus and train connections.

Overall, Newcastle upon Tyne’s Quayside is a must-visit location because it has something to offer everyone.

6. Visit China Town in Newcastle

Newcastle’s Chinatown is a thriving, culturally diverse neighborhood in the center of the city. It is home to a wide variety of stores, eateries, and companies that provide a distinctive and genuine Chinese experience.

The region is renowned for its brilliant and colorful decorations, which line the streets and include Chinese dragons and lanterns. Both visitors and residents like visiting this well-liked location to take in the great Chinese cuisine, discover the classic architecture, and take in the bustling environment.

Numerous authentic Chinese eateries in the region serve a variety of foods, from sizzling Sichuan food to dim sum. Fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices, as well as traditional Chinese teas and snacks, are available in a wide variety of authentic ingredients and goods at Chinese supermarkets.

The Chinese New Year celebrations, which bring thousands of tourists to the region, are just one of the many cultural events and festivals that take place throughout the year in Chinatown.

In conclusion, anyone interested in Chinese culture, cuisine, or traditions must visit Newcastle’s Chinatown.

  1. Newcastle’s Nightlife

Newcastle is a thriving city well known for its exciting and varied nightlife. It is well known as one of the top party spots in the UK and draws tourists from all over the world. The city is home to a wide range of bars, pubs, and nightclubs that may accommodate varied preferences and price ranges.

The Diamond Strip is the place to go if you want a crazy night out. Some of the most well-known nightclubs in the city, such as Tup Tup Palace and House of Smith, are located there, allowing you to dance the night away to the hottest music. With a variety of clubs and pubs that provide inexpensive beverages and a vibrant ambiance, The Bigg Market is also a well-liked place for those wishing to party.

If you want a more laid-back night out, go to the Quayside neighborhood where you may sip on a beverage and admire the breath-taking views of the Tyne Bridge and the River Tyne. For a classy evening out, the region is also home to a tonne of hip cocktail bars and jazz clubs.

Overall, Newcastle’s nightlife scene is vibrant and dynamic and offers something for every taste. You are likely to find something to fit your style in this dynamic city, whether you’re looking for a crazy night out or a more relaxed evening.

  1. The Great North Museum: Hancock

The Great North Museum: Hancock, a fascinating attraction in Newcastle upon Tyne offering an insight into the natural history of the area. The museum, which bears the name William Hancock in honor of the Victorian naturalist, houses a sizable collection of objects that illustrate the variety of the local flora and wildlife.

The galleries of the museum feature a variety of subjects, including as archaeology, geology, biology, and history. Visitors can visit exhibits that include everything from live reptiles and raptors to fossils. The planetarium at the museum offers an immersive experience that allows guests to explore the cosmos and discover the wonders of the universe.

The Turbinia, the first ship propelled by a steam turbine in history, is one of the museum’s most notable highlights. The museum has this ancient ship on exhibit, giving guests the chance to learn about developments in marine engineering and the contribution of steam power to the industrial revolution.

Anyone interested in science, nature, or history should visit the Great North Museum: Hancock because of its wide collection and engaging exhibitions.

  1. Grey’s Monument

A well-known landmark in Newcastle upon Tyne, is called Grey’s Monument. The monument, which is more than 40 meters tall, was built in 1838 to honor Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey and a former British prime minister.

The sandstone monument has an Earl Grey figure at the top, which is seated on a pedestal covered with numerous reliefs showing episodes from Grey’s life and political career. Four smaller statues that symbolize significant historical people from Grey’s era, such as Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, encircle the monument’s base.

In addition to paying homage to Earl Grey, Grey’s Monument also acts as a reminder of Newcastle’s rich historical and cultural past. It is a well-liked gathering place and is frequently used for public events and protests. Visitors can ascend the twisting stairway of the monument to reach the top and take in the spectacular cityscape.

Overall, Grey’s Monument is a testimony to one of Newcastle’s most illustrious historical individuals’ ongoing legacy and a well-known representation of the city’s rich cultural heritage.

  1. Festivals in Newcastle

Newcastle, a thriving city in the United Kingdom, is well-known for its bustling festival scene, which represents a rich fusion of art, music, and culture. These activities give the city a vibrant pulse and entice both residents and visitors.

The Newcastle International Film Festival is a renowned film event that draws filmmakers from all over the world to present their works. It provides a stage for up-and-coming talent and delights moviegoers.

The streets are alive with the lovely sounds of jazz and blues thanks to the Newcastle International Jazz & Blues Festival. Locals love the Ouseburn Festival, a vibrant arts and music celebration that embodies the city’s creative scene.

The Newcastle Mela Festival, a dynamic exhibition of music, dancing, and cuisine from diverse nations, highlights cultural diversity. The Newcastle Science Festival attracts those with an interest in science by providing engaging exhibits and lectures on recent findings.

The Newcastle Comedy Festival offers a mix of both up-and-coming and seasoned comedians who will make you laugh. Not to be overlooked is the Newcastle International Beer Festival, a haven for beer connoisseurs that highlights local specialty brewers.

These events in Newcastle promote a sense of neighborhood and highlight the diversity of the city’s arts and cultures. They provide an invitation to revel in, understand, and value the rich tapestry that makes Newcastle a really distinctive and vibrant place.