Newcastle guide
Looking for things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne? Need a bite to eat or a place to stay? Read on.
The Jewel of the North East
Our home city is well worth a visit. Here's why.
They don't call Newcastle "the jewel of the North East" for nothing. It's a great place to spend a few days – or to use as a base to explore Northumberland.
History. Culture. Heaps of food and drink. A world-class football stadium. Newcastle will keep you – and the kids – engaged and raring to go.
Need to hire a car for your trip to Newcastle? Browse our rental carsor call our friendly, knowledgeable team on (0191) 4888 700.
Places to visit in Newcastle
Arts and culture
Culture vultures will feel well at home in Newcastle.
Whether you're after a box office smash or something more experimental, you'll find something worth seeing in Newcastle. The city is alive with venues, galleries and museums.
At Quayside, you can visit Sage Gateshead – or "The Slug" as it's known locally. This international music centre puts on all kinds of concerts for more than two million punters each year.
A short walk away is the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art – a converted flour mill that now shows free art exhibitions. There's also a glass lift that takes you up to commanding views of the city.
Theatregoers are spoiled for choice, with dramas and musicals shown at Live Theatre, Northern Stage, Theatre Royal and Tyne Theatre. The city also has a fringe venue in the form of Alphabetti Theatre.
Finally, those with a taste for experimentation can head to Ouseburn. This boho enclave is home to small, vibrant venues like the Cumberland Arms and Cobalt Studios.
St James's Park
The city is obsessed with football – and SJP is right at the heart of it.
Whether you're a dyed-in-the-wool Magpie, passionate about the beautiful game or just a curious visitor, why not stop by St James's Park stadium?
Right in the heart of Newcastle, St James's Park is a jewel in the city's skyline – and has been for over a century.
Visitors can take a stadium tour, where they'll learn about the club's proud history, take a seat in the dressing room and even walk through the players' tunnel.
You can also get a glimpse into match day, visiting the spot where the manager gives his post-match press conference and the players are interviewed.
History
From the grandeur of Newcastle Cathedral to the dinosaurs and mummies at the Great North Museum, Newcastle is a historical treasure trove.
Beamish Museum is an open-air attraction that brings the 19th- and 20th-century history of the North East to life. Although it's a little outside the city centre, you can get there by a dedicated bus service (or book a rental car).
Want to go underground? Take a trip to Victoria Tunnel. In the bowels of the city, this 19th-century tunnel has been a coal way and an air-raid shelter – and at one point passes under Hadrian's Wall.
More things to do in Newcastle
Things to do in Newcastle with children
Coming to Newcastle with the kids? Luckily, the city offers a host of family-friendly attractions.
The Discovery Museum tells the story of Newcastle from Roman times to the present across three floors. It boasts interactive activities including a science maze, TARDIS room and flight simulator. (Not bad for free entry.)
Or how about the National Centre for Children's Books, a museum that offers exhibitions, storytelling and playtime?
We're just scratching the surface – if you're in Newcastle with children, there's no shortage of fun activities to enjoy.
Free things to do in Newcastle
On a budget? We've got you covered.
You don't need to spend a fortune to make the most of Newcastle. Attractions with free entry include:
- Quayside
- The Discovery Museum
- Newcastle Cathedral
- Jesmond Dene
- Tyne Bridge
- The Biscuit Factory
- The Great North Museum
- Laing Art Gallery
Places to eat in Newcastle
Newcastle restaurants
Newcastle has been called "the jewel of the North East", a centre of culture, sport – and food.
The city is home to a plethora of restaurants providing food for all tastes. Whether you want a high-end meal or a quick bite to eat, there's something for everyone.
And, of course, Newcastle has its own cuisine. Everyone should try Newcastle Brown Ale, stottie cake and pease pudding at least once.
Five of the best Newcastle restaurants
Simla
39 Side, NE1 3JE
Slap bang in the Quayside area of the city, Simla is a restaurant serving a mixture of classic Indian dishes and specials. As well as great food, Simla offers friendly service and a cosy atmosphere.
Chuchos
Outlets in Byker and Jesmond
Chuchos sandwich bar is a great spot for a quick but flavour-filled bite. It offers tacos, burritos and more, topped with authentic sauces. And with sandwiches starting from £3, you can't go wrong.
The Broad Chare
25 Broad Chare, NE1 3DQ
In its own words, the Broad Chare is a proper pub that offers proper beer, proper food, proper people and a proper garden. It's a traditional gastropub with food that well deserves its Michelin Bib Gourmand. It provides both hearty pub lunches and generous bar snacks, alongside a range of beers (we recommend its house ale "Writer's Block"!)
King Neptune
Parkside, 34 Stowell St, NE1 4XQ
In the west of the city is Newcastle's Chinatown – an area that teems with great cuisine. There are many great spots to choose from, but we recommend King Neptune – and not only because it's the longest-running Chinese restaurant in the area. Whether you're after toothsome seafood, Peking-style ribs or chicken in Szechuan sauce, King Neptune is the place for you.
Pani's Cafe
61-65 High Bridge, NE1 6BX
Fans of traditional Italian food will want to pay Pani's Cafe a visit. It advertises itself as "Italian with a Sardinian twist". Expect authentic cuisine with fast service at a reasonable price.
Places to stay in Newcastle
Apartments, B&Bs and hotels in Newcastle
Planning a trip to the Toon but not sure where to stay? You've got options.
Newcastle is rich in hotels, B&Bs and Airbnbs. Whether you're there for a day trip or a longer stay, with children or without, you'll be well catered for.
Hotels and B&Bs
Like all big cities, Newcastle has a plethora of hotels and B&Bs.
There are the usual chains, offering budget and mid-range options. But there are also a host of independent offerings. You should be able to find a homely hotel or B&B without too much trouble.
If you want to treat yourself, you could try Jesmond Dene House – a grand house overlooking the wooded valley of Jesmond Dene. Despite its leafy period look, it's just a stone's throw from the city centre.
Airbnbs
Looking for a home away from home? Airbnbs are your best bet.
Newcastle is full of rooms, guest suites and full flats to rent.
If you're looking for a budget option, a room on Airbnb can be cheaper than a hotel. Or if you're looking at a higher price bracket, you can have a whole property to yourself.
Airbnbs can also be a good choice if you want local knowledge straight from the Geordie's mouth.
Take a look – new places are popping up all the time. You could find a real gem.
Camping and caravans
Want to sleep under the stars? There's countryside galore outside of the city.
If you want to pitch a tent or park up your camper van for the night, you might have to look outside Newcastle itself.
"Pitch on the Wall" is an hour's drive from Newcastle city centre – right next to Hadrian's Wall.
Need to hire a car in Newcastle?
Newcastle is a great destination for food, sport and culture. Do you need a car to explore the area? We're based just 15 minutes from the beating heart of the city.
- Affordable rates
- Extensive fleet
- Loads of local knowledge
Book onlinetoday – or call (0191) 4888 700to speak to one of our local experts.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book a ticket for a football match at St James' Park?
You can book online or call 0844 372 1892. High-profile games sell out fast so consider booking in advance.
Where are the nearest public toilets in Newcastle?
There are free public toilets at many locations, including the Centre for Life, Eldon Square, Newcastle City Library and Laing Art Gallery, Sage Gateshead, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Tesco Extra Trinity Square and Gateshead Central Library.
More details can be found on the Great British Public Toilet Map website.
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