Things to do in Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Activities, attractions and tours

A modern stadium with a glass dome, a river, and a bridge with a sign for the Rugby World Cup 2015.
A modern glass dome building with a waterfront view.
A modern indoor space with large windows, green seating areas, and a staircase.
A cityscape with a prominent green-lit bridge, historic buildings, and a tall church spire.
A street with shops, including a clinic and a restaurant with red signage.

Things to do

Enjoy local legends surrounding the UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to Harry Potter and Marvel's Avengers.

Guided Walking Tour of Durham & its Infamous Characters

€13
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Guided Walking Tour of Durham & its Infamous Characters
Countryside in Edinburgh

Hadrian's Wall, Roman Britain & Borders from Edinburgh

€122
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Hadrian's Wall, Roman Britain & Borders from Edinburgh
Jedburgh, Scottish Borders: Bairnkine Farm Tour with Lucy

Jedburgh, Scottish Borders: Bairnkine Farm Tour with Lucy

€28
per adult
Jedburgh, Scottish Borders: Bairnkine Farm Tour with Lucy
Gruesome Tour of Hexham

Gruesome Tour of Hexham

€14
per adult
Gruesome Tour of Hexham
1.5 Hour Explore Newcastle Walking Tour

1.5 Hour Explore Newcastle Walking Tour

€28
per adult
1.5 Hour Explore Newcastle Walking Tour
3 Hour Walking Tour through Newcastle upon Tyne

3 Hour Walking Tour through Newcastle upon Tyne

€35
per adult
3 Hour Walking Tour through Newcastle upon Tyne
Best of Newcastle Highlights Walking Tour

Best of Newcastle Highlights Walking Tour

€23
per adult
Best of Newcastle Highlights Walking Tour
Dark Durham Tour

Dark Durham Tour

€19
per adult
Dark Durham Tour
Durham Full City Tour

Durham Full City Tour

€27
per adult
Durham Full City Tour
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Top places to visit

1. St. James' Park

St. James’ Park is a famous soccer stadium in far northern England. Home to the black-and-white stripes of Newcastle United Football Club, the arena has a seating capacity of 52,400. Cheer on the local side among fervent fans as they challenge their rivals in the Premier League.
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A stadium with a modern design, surrounded by greenery and urban infrastructure.

2. Quayside

Quayside is a lively area around the River Tyne that is full of restaurants, bars and clubs. The site, which divides the communes of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Gateshead, is a cultural hub with several artistic complexes. Amble along the riverbanks for views of the sun descending over the glorious bridges and structures of this northern English city.
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A river with a modern bridge, a lit street lamp, and a building with a curved facade.

3. Northumberland National Park

Northumberland National Park is an area of magnificent rolling green pastures, deep valleys, dense forests and clean rivers. It covers some 405 square miles (1,049 square kilometers) between the North Pennines and the Scottish border. The stunning countryside of Northumberland National Park invites you to explore at your own pace by bike, foot and horseback. Visit ancient ruins, discover pretty market towns and enjoy superb stargazing.
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A stone wall meandering through a grassy landscape with rolling hills in the background.

4. The Glasshouse

Gaze up at the sparkling rolling rooftop of Sage Gateshead that has made it one of the most recognizable parts of the town’s skyline. Overlooking the River Tyne, the site hosts musical concerts and has welcomed famous acts from across many genres. Attend a performance to hear the excellent acoustics in this extraordinary building.
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A large indoor auditorium with tiered seating and a stage.

5. Northumbria University

Though not established as a university until 1992, Northumbria University has long roots in Newcastle, reflected in its eclectic campus made up of a mixture of hyper-modern and Victorian buildings. Formerly a polytechnic, Northumbria University is the child of three Yorkshire colleges that have been educating students since the 19th century. Stroll through its city center campuses for a taste of the academic life that thrives here. Spend an afternoon mixing with students in the area’s many eclectic bars and restaurants.
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A modern building with a circular design, surrounded by trees and a clear sky.

What to do in Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Stay near popular Newcastle-upon-Tyne attractions

A stadium with a modern design, surrounded by greenery and urban infrastructure.

St. James' Park

8.8/10 (735 reviews)
St. James' Park has been Newcastle United's spiritual home since 1892, with passionate fans creating an electric atmosphere. Stadium tours let you access player dressing rooms and walk pitchside.
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Where to stay in Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Find the best Newcastle-upon-Tyne areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Learn more about Newcastle-upon-Tyne
A riverside walkway with a bridge, a sign for Rugby World Cup 2015, and a restaurant with outdoor seating.

Quayside

If you're spending some time in Quayside, Quayside and Trinity Maritime Centre are top sights worth seeing.

A historic building with ornate architecture, including a clock tower and decorative elements.

Grainger Town

While visiting Grainger Town, you might make a stop by sights like Bigg Market and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Theatre Royal.

A bridge silhouetted against a sunset sky.
Photo by Rachel M
Open Photo by Rachel M

Ouseburn

If you're spending some time in Ouseburn, Seven Stories and Victoria Tunnel are top sights worth seeing.

A historic building with a stone facade, large arched windows, and a pointed roof.
Photo by somaliayaswan
Open Photo by somaliayaswan

Sunderland City Centre

Well liked for its restaurants and museums, Sunderland City Centre is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Sunderland Empire and Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, and jump on the metro at Park Lane Station to get around the city.

A sunset over a beach with a lighthouse in the distance.

Seaburn

Seaside views and restaurants are notable features of Seaburn. You might consider stopping by Whitburn Sands while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, grassy dunes, a pier extending into the sea, and wind turbines in the distance.

Durham

A modern indoor space with large windows, a central staircase, and seating areas.

Gateshead

A stone wall, rolling hills, and a sunset over a green landscape.

Hexham

A park with a curved pathway, a small bridge over a stream, and trees.

Wallsend

A rocky shoreline with large boulders and a pebbly foreground.

South Shields

A green steel bridge over a river with a lock system, surrounded by grassy areas and a cityscape in the background.

Sunderland

A sunset over a calm river with silhouettes of trees and a distant mountain range.

Corbridge

A row of colorful beach huts with a stormy sky in the background.

Whitley Bay

Frequently asked questions

Is Newcastle-upon-Tyne worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Newcastle-upon-Tyne is visit Beamish Open Air Museum. Check this major sight off your itinerary, then discover more of the area's dining and festivals.
How do I spend a day in Newcastle-upon-Tyne?
Beamish Open Air Museum and Castle Keep are two good places to begin your holiday adventures. Be sure to check out the retail and dining options in Newcastle-upon-Tyne while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Newcastle-upon-Tyne?
Beamish Open Air Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Newcastle-upon-Tyne?
Three days in Newcastle-upon-Tyne is plenty of time to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. Newcastle-upon-Tyne Theatre Royal, Castle Keep and Chinatown are among the top-rated sights. Like to see more? Stick around a little longer to visit nearby hotspots like Durham.
Is Newcastle-upon-Tyne a walkable city?
That depends on what you want to do and see in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Several attractions, including Newcastle-upon-Tyne Theatre Royal and Castle Keep, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Newcastle-upon-Tyne's best neighbourhoods, Newcastle City Centre is 0.64 kilometres away from downtown, while Jesmond is 2 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Newcastle-upon-Tyne with kids?
Deciding what to do in Newcastle-upon-Tyne with kids has never been simpler. Whether you have teenagers or little ones, there's a range of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Newcastle-upon-Tyne for adults?
Utilita Arena Newcastle and The Marsden Grotto are just a few of the things to do in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Newcastle-upon-Tyne?
In Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Newcastle-upon-Tyne St. Nicholas' Cathedral is an unmissable spot for anyone planning to see the city without taking their wallet out. Also, check out the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a simple way to discover the best free things to do in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

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