Things to Do in Newcastle

1. Visit the Historic Tyne Bridges: Newcastle is known for its famous Tyne bridges and strolling on the bridge is one of the best things to do in Newcastle. The high-level bridge is the oldest one which is almost 165 feet high and was built in the year 1849 and was opened by Queen Victoria. Another old bridge in Newcastle is the Swing Bridge, opened in 1876, and designed by Sir W.G Armstrong. Among all the bridges the Tyne Bridge is the most popular and was opened by King George V in 1928. 

2. Explore Newcastle's Castle: One of the top things to do in Newcastle is to explore this iconic castle which was built in 1172. Also known as one of the finest medieval stone castle dungeons in the UK, this castle has amazing views from the top and has many artifacts and historical displays about the inhabitants of the castle over the ages.  You can explore many old massages and medieval chambers located in the castle along with learning some fascinating history. You can also head over to the train line, the black gate built in 1247, and learn about funny stories. 

Address: The Black Gate, Castle Garth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1RQ, United Kingdom

Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

3. Pray at Newcastle Cathedral: Also known as The Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas, the Newcastle Cathedral was built in the 14th and 15th centuries. One of the most amazing features is the lantern tower which is 197 feet and was built in 1435. The Cathedral has impressive interiors with canopied font and lectern from 1500, you can also look at many stunning statues from the 15th to the 20th centuries. Travelers can also witness the statue of Queen Victoria located outside the Cathedral apart from praying inside the Cathedral. 

Address: St. Nicholas Sq, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1PF, United Kingdom

Timings: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

 4. Shop at Eldon Square: One of the best Newcastle things to do is to go shopping at this huge shopping complex around Eldon Square. You can see many passageways filled with little shops, arcades, designer boutiques, and some beautiful cafes. One can also find a Chinese district near Stowell street which is famous for its delicious restaurants, along with many antique shops where you can purchase many souvenirs to take back home. The Old medieval town walls and Monk street are beautifully restored and are currently home to many craft workshops and restaurants.

 Address: Percy St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7JB, United Kingdom

5. Admiring the Laing Art Gallery: A haven for art lovers, one of the top things to do in Newcastle is to admire the beautiful collection of art, painting, and sculptors in the Laing Art gallery. Built in 1901, the art gallery has work from 20th-century British artists, and from other established artists like John Martin and Gaugin. You can also explore many sculptures by Henry Moore and many beautiful artifacts such as 18th-century glassware, silver, and ceramics. Travelers can also enjoy many exhibitions hosted by the gallery throughout the year and also go on a guided tour to learn more about the history of art. 

Address: New Bridge St W, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8AG, United Kingdom

Timings: Mon-Sat - 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

6. Explore Chare: Chare is one of the oldest parts of Newcastle and is home to many architectural sights and many amazing restaurants. You can explore many medieval alleyways, lanes, stepped pathways, and also breakneck stairs. One of the best things to do in Newcastle is to visit the All Saints Church in Chare which was built in the 18th century in a stunning neoclassical style. You can look at the beautiful mahogany woodwork in the church which is known as the largest brass in England. Chare is also home to many shopping centers and some beautiful architectural buildings such as the Trinity House and the Custom-house.

7. Relax at Newcastle City Baths: One of the top activities to do in Newcastle is to just relax at the Turkish bath house and pamper yourself. This is a unisex bath that has amazing relaxation rooms, wooden booths, and also heated chambers. You can enjoy the Turkish hammam and the steam room to have an authentic experience. You can also indulge in the swimming pool upstairs where you can relax. The city baths also have a luxury spa with many signature treatments such as facial and full body massages. You can also enjoy a foot massage and just have a relaxing day. 

Address: Northumberland Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8SG, United Kingdom

Timings: 6:30 AM - 9:30 PM

8. Visit the Earl Grey Monument: One of the most popular spots in Newcastle is this stunning Earl Grey monument which is almost 135 feet. The monument is dedicated to Earl Grey and his role as the prime minister. All of us are about the tea named after him but he is also known for revolutionizing Britain's electoral system and is also the architect of the Reform Bill. One of the best activities to do in Newcastle is to climb the 164 steps of the monument and enjoy the most amazing view across the city. 

9. Observe Victoria Tunnel: One of the best Newcastle things to do is go on a victoria tunnel experience and observe the 19th-century wagon way which stretches from Town Moor to the Tyne river. You can go on a guided tour and learn about its construction and learn how coal was originally transported. The tunnel was also used as an air raid shelter during world war 2 to protect the citizens. You can witness the wooden replica beds and benches, the citizens slept during the bombing raids. 

Address: 150 Grainger St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5AF, United Kingdom

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1. Visit the Great North Museum: One of the top things to do in Newcastle with kids is to head to the Great North Museum and explore the amazing artefacts. There is a designated interactive study zone for kids called "under fives" where they can learn more about space in an interactive manner. You can explore this beautiful Victorian building which has many exhibits and artefacts from Egypt, Greece, and also Romans. The Museum is also home to a digital planetarium which is an amazing place for kids to learn more about the planets. You can also look at the remains of the original Roman fort including artefacts from the bathhouse. 

Address: Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4PT, United Kingdom

Timings:
Mon-Sat - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sun: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

2. Explore the Life Science Centre: Visit the Life Science Centre with your little ones and enjoy the thrilling planetarium and amazing zones. One of the most fun things to do in Newcastle for kids is the space zone of the Life Science Centre where the kids can launch a rocket and climb inside a model of the international space station. They can enjoy one of the biggest planetariums in north England and watch amazing shows. There are other interactive zones such as the experiment zone where the kids become scientists for the day and carry out many experiments. You can also take them to the Brain zone and play memory games with them.

Address: Life Science Centre International Centre for Life Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4EP, United Kingdom

Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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1. Visit Jesmond Dene: Visit this amazing dell located in the northeast of the city which is also linked to Armstrong park. One of the best things to do in Newcastle is to explore this narrow valley of flowers that connects the river Ouseburn. You can also go on a nature walk and enjoy looking at some of the exotic trees and wildlife such as kingfisher and red squirrel among many others. Once you explore the place, you can also head over to the beautiful cafes and enjoy a lovely dinner.

2. Watch a movie at the Tyneside cinema: If you and your loved one love watching the cinema, one of the best activities to do in Newcastle is to watch a movie here. Built-in 1937, this is Newcastle's first new theatre and is currently the UK's only purpose-built newsreel theatre.  You can also get a free behind the scene guided tour where you can learn more about the history of cinema and the basic workings of a theatre.

3. Kielder Observatory: Known as one of the most romantic date ideas, you can take your loved one to the Kielder observatory and spend a magical evening under the stars. One of the most remarkable public astronomical observatories, you can stargaze under one of the darkest skies in the world and look at phenomena like the Milky way and Jupiter. This is also ranked as the best place in the UK to look at stars.

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1. Explore the Quayside: Probably one of the best things to do in Newcastle is to just stroll around and admire the beautiful buildings and shops, for which the best place is the Quayside. You can look at many historic buildings such as the Guildhall and the Merchants and also look at the 16th and 17th-century merchant houses. Look at the bridges and visit a traditional pub like The Broad chare to have an amazing meal. 

2. Visit Fort Scratchley: Built in the 1880s, Fort Scratchley was actually opened to ward off the threat of a Russian attack. One of the best things to do in Newcastle is to visit this historic fort where you can hear the two-pound cannons fired every day at 1 PM. You can explore the 600 meters of tunnels in the fort where the gunpowder was issued to the soldiers in a canvas bag. One of the best parts is that admission to this fort is absolutely free.

3. Enjoy looking at contemporary art: Head over to the largest commercial art and design gallery in the UK which used to be a former Victorian biscuit factory. Established in the year 2002, the gallery showcases work from over 250 artists and hosts many exhibitions throughout the year. You can also enjoy looking at the original beams and brick walls that were designed for the Victorian biscuit factory and also head over to the in-house cafe which used to be the factory kitchen. 

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1. Go Karting: Newcastle has an amazing 450 meters multilevel track with nine sharp bends. One of the most adventurous activities to do in Newcastle, you can experience this 32-second adrenaline rush and enjoy this thrilling activity. You will be given safety equipment such as helmets and overalls and will also be guided by a professional expert before your activity.

2. Rafting: If you love watersports, one of the best things to do in Newcastle is to go rafting in the North Sea and battle through the waves. You can raft at many beaches in Newcastle and try out this thrilling activity. You would need to reach 30 minutes before your activity as the instructor will help you prepare and guide you through your adventure.

3. Quad biking: Head over to ride a fully automatic 150cc quad bike which is designed to go over every type of ground even on the worst wet mud to dry our earth. You can start off with test drives and once you get the grip, you can have a lot of fun with many twists and turns. You will be provided with all the safety equipment and a professional expert will provide you with all the instructions before your activity.

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1. Visit the Angel of the North up on the hill: One of the most popular sculptors in Newcastle, the angel of the north is 54m wide and 20m high and is also the largest angel sculpture in the world. Built-in 1998, the angel of the north receives around 150,000 visitors every year and is known to be taller than four double-decker buses. 

2. Stroll around Kielder Forest Park: One of the best things to do near Newcastle is to visit England's largest forest. Home to many activities such as mountain biking and stargazing, you can spend an entire day here and admire the famous red squirrel reserve. The forest also has England's largest mountain bike trail where you can have a thrilling experience and also an amazing place to see wildlife. 

3.  Explore the Island of Lindisfarne: One of the must things to do near Newcastle is to go on a walk on the island of Lindisfarne and enjoy the three-mile pilgrim route. Lindisfarne is known for its medieval religious heritage and also the beautiful 16th-century castle. You can explore the island and enjoy activities like bird watching, walking, and fishing among many others.

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