You have decided to venture up north to Newcastle Upon Tyne for a day trip, a very wise decision my friend. You won’t be disappointed. Having lived here and still living here for decades now. Despite being known for it’s nightlife, stag and hen do, there’s more to this city than a cracking night out.
Here’s quick guide on the best things to do in Newcastle in a day and yes, I have thrown in a good brekkie and cafe spot, and fun things to do as well for all ages. Keep in mind, It truly depends on what your interests are and hope this helps.
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Content list:
- What is Newcastle Upon Tyne famous for?
- 15 things to do in Newcastle Upon Tyne
- Different Fun things to do in Newcastle Upon Tyne
- Where to eat in Newcastle?
- Street food in Grainger Market
- Restaurants in Newcastle Upon Tyne
What is Newcastle Upon Tyne famous for?
Arguably Newcastle United for those into Football and they are progressively a good team now. It’s nightlife is very famous and has been for decades, with abundance of bars, pubs and clubs, there is something for everyone. Aside from these two aspects, Newcastle Upon Tyne is a very friendly city, its has this chilled vibe as well with a lot of history. The architectural buildings are amazing here and do always try to look up when you are in the city centre. Let’s not forget it’s famous 7 bridges on the Quayside especially the Tyne Bridge and it’s sister bridge in Australia.
15 Things to do in Newcastle Upon Tyne
1. Explore Newcastle City Centre
Venture around Newcastle Upon Tyne city centre, it’s small enough to roam around for an hour or two. Walk around Eldon Square mall, then around the Monument and head up to Northumberland Street where you can find shops such as TK Maxx, Fenwick, Marks and Spencer, Sports Direct and Primark. There are places to eat and cafes dotted around here which will be on the list below.
If you like to do a guided walking tour:
2. Stroll along Grey Street, grab a drink and food
Voted one of the most prettiest streets in England, it’s a downhill street beautifully lined with architectural and historical buildings, and the Theatre Royal is a magnificent building in itself. You’ll find restaurants with cuisines from around the world and some with outdoor spaces perfect for summer time.
It leads all the way down to the Quayside which is next on the list.
3. Walk along the Quayside
Newcastle Upon Tyne is home to seven bridges and all along the Quayside. Take in the views of the The Glasshouse formerly known as the Sage, and walk across the Millenium bridge, if you are here during the evening, the bridge changes colour as well. You can find a Sunday market here, and other days there are cafes, cake shops, bars, a dog cafe, and a Michelin Restaurant or two. It’s stunning for photography and a relaxed time. Visit the cathedral up the stairs
4. Grab food and walk around Grainger Market
Grainger Market was originally opened in 1835 and it’s one of the largest covered indoor market back them. I must warn you, you can get lost in here and in a very good way. I have lived here for years and still can’t find the pizza stall at first go. Nevertheless, you can find all sorts in here, from street food from around the world, retro games shop, the oldest M&S stall is here too, bakeries, fruits and veg stalls and butchers. (Check out the list at the end for what to have here for food).
You can also take a guided food tour for Grainger Market
5. Visit Tynemouth and the coast
If you have time, take a metro to Tynemouth and walk towards the seaside. Taking the metro should take between 20 to 30 minutes from Monument metro station. Here, you can walk along the coast, visit the Tynemouth market if you are visiting during the weekend, check out the lovely independent cafes or visit the famous Rileys Fish Shack and have fresh grilled seafood on the beach. Visit here for things to do in Tynemouth.
6. Explore Newcastle Castle Keep
Visit the historical castle, it is small but mighty. Located on the bottom of the Bigg Market within the city centre. The medieval remains was built on the site of the even older castle that really gave Newcastle its name. Walk around it and if you are here during spring time, there’s a great cherry blossom tree just outside. Venture inside and take a tour of the history of the castle.
7. Check out the museums:
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
While you are at the Quayside, cross over the Millenium bridge and visit the Baltic. It’s an old flour mill that’s been turn into a contemporary art gallery showcasing the best in art and performance. Great for families as well. The best part is it’s free to enter. Even if you are not interested in the exhibitions, go up to the top floor and you can get amazing views of Newcastle by the Quayside.
The Great North Museum (Hancock Museum)
One for those interested in culture and also great for families, it’s located by Newcastle University and it has an interesting section on space travel and check out it’s planetarium.
Centre for life
This is an interactive museum located nearby Central station. It’s a great space for families and tickets costs around £12 for adults. You can explore and learn about sciences here, and they sometimes have different events so be sure to check out their website.
8. Go back in time at the Beamish Museum
If you have a few days in Newcastle, do visit the Beamish museum, it’s a world famous open air living museum. Technically, it’s within Durham which is also a great day trip to visit. Beamish Museum is a nice day out and so interesting to visit. You get to see how people lived in the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian times. It’s worth a visit and for an adult, tickets costs £27.50 per person and I reckon you’ll be here at least half a day.
9. Explore underground the Victoria Tunnel
This one you probably have to book in advance. You will have a guided tour underground in the tunnels from Town Moor to the River Tyne. This is a unique experience in itself.
10. Climb up Grey’s Monument
Get your walking shoes on. In the heart of the Newcastle City Centre there is a monument called Greys Monument, and during the spring and summer months, you are able to climb up to the top and get a great 360 view of Newcastle. Plan ahead and get tickets online for a fiver. Read more about it here.
11. Take a stadium tour of St James Park or catch a football game
Calling all football fans, you have to visit St James Park Stadium, it’s in the city centre, and by Chinatown. Take a tour of the stadium that includes all the behind-the-scenes info you could want, from sitting in the dressing room to walking through the tunnel. Make sure to book ahead. Or just walk around the stadium if you don’t wish to enter. Or definitely go for a match if you happen to be around when a match is on, the atmosphere is incredible. And visit the Strawberry pub next door, it’s iconic!
12. Take a picture of the Chinatown Gate
It’s a small Chinatown but packed with restaurants and bakeries and supermarkets. There’s also a cat cafe. Take a picture by the Gate at the entrance. Chinatown here is mainly a street, Stowell Street located behind the Gate. Walk to the end of Stowell street, and you can see part of the Hadrians wall.
And if you are interested in exploring more on Hadrians wall, take a look at a guided tour below:
13. Wander around Jesmond Dene
If you love nature, do visit Jesmond Dene. It’s within the neighbourhood of Jesmond and West Jemond and you can either walk there from the city centre (Takes about 30 minutes depending on your stride), drive or take the metro (get off either at Jesmond or West Jesmond) and walk down. It’s a big nature park of sorts, with a small waterfall, trails, and a petting zoo. Also a great picnic spot for warmer weathers.
14. Visit the Angel of the North
Created by Antony Gormley and erected in 1998, this sculpture is technically located in Gateshead, however it is the most iconic monument of the North East! Take a bus ride up or drive here and take great pictures! Oh do bear in mind, there isn’t much else going on here except for the Angel of the North.
15. Pet Animals at Ouseburn Farm
Walking distance from the city centre is the ever popular Ouseburn farm. It’s a charity and community city farm with a lot of farm animals from big to small such as rabbits, pigs, goats, reptiles, and you can help feed some of them too. They have a garden and an orchard that you can explore too. Nearby are great pubs that you can visit for food and drinks. Check out their website on how to get there.
Different Fun things to do in Newcastle Upon Tyne
Here are some fun activities to do within the city centre, from indoor gold to axe throwing:
1. Crazy Golf
Mr Mulligans and Junkyard Golf
Both located in the city centre. Mr Mulligans is more child friend and they also serve food. Junkyard Golf is definitely more for adults, grab a cocktail or two while you go crazy at crazy golf.
2. Axe Throwing
There’s 2 locations for some Axe throwing, Hatchet Harrys and Game of throwing. Throw some axes at a bulleyes and always be careful when you do.
3. Point Blank
Located next to The Gate, get into some laser shooting and of course drinks are available as well.
Where to eat in Newcastle Upon Tyne
There’s so many to choose from. Pubs, cafes, street food, restaurants with cuisines from different parts of the world. Let’s break it down:
Cafe and Brunch/Breakfast spots:
1 Olive and Bean at Grainger
This is a delightful place with outdoor seating. Very popular. They serve sandwiches, soups, breakfast and brunch, salads, and a great selection of cakes and brownies. Drinks include coffee, tea, smoothies and more.
2. Canny Goat
It’s next to The Gate on an alleyway, a new independent coffee shop, great for vegans and excellent coffee
3. Tsujiri
A Japanese chain by Chinatown Stowell Street which serves matcha, Japanese desserts and cakes. They also serve soft serve ice cream.
4. Tiny Tiny
It’s a great establishment with a wonderful section of breakfast and brunch food such as Turkish eggs, avo with sourdough, Huevos Hancharos, Reuben. Very popular and a lovely vibe, Great coffee too.
5. Tyneside Bar Cafe
A lovely cafe with history, it is attached to the Tyneside cinema and been around for many years. It’s just across the street from Northumberland st. Great selection of drinks and food such as sandwiches and burgers.
6. Pumphreys Coffee inside Grainger Market
Not a cafe per se, more like a coffee bar and they have excellent selection of coffee from around the world. Worth a shot or an espresso.
7. Greggs
You must have Greggs at least once when you are in Newcastle Upon Tyne, its literally home ground for Greggs here, and there are cafes located in Eldon Square and on Grainger Street to sit in an have a sausage roll and coffee.
“Street Food” at Grainger market
There’s so many to choose from here, and it’s great when you are in a big group and everyone has different preferences. One of you can have dumplings, another pizza and eat them together at a quiet SPOT.
1. Acropolis
Greek street food at its finest. My partner is Greek and he loves this place. Grab a Gyros or a platter to share. Their portion is huge and they don’t skimp on the meat. They have vegan and veg options too.
2. SnackWallah
An indian street food spot, vegan and very delicious, also very popular. They have wraps, pani puri, chaat, samosa and more.
3. Nan Bei Chinese Dumplings
Delicious homemade dumplings and bao buns. You can watch them make it while you snack on them as well. They tend to have a deal for 5 pounds for 4 dumplings and a bun or 3 buns. Also try their noodles with wantons, it’s like a hug in a bowl.
4. Sogu & Gogi Express
Get your Korean corn dog fix here! That’s enough said – very nice!
5. Slice
Get your thin crusted pizza by the slice here for 3 pounds each and it’s worth it. The queue can be long but it’s fast and worth it.
6. Geordie Banger Co
Don’t miss this spot, their sausage roll is one of the best in town and they are massive. Delicious and their own homemade sausages.
7. Redheads Mac N Cheese
A favourite for both kids and adults alike. They serve mac and cheese and you get choose the topping.
8. Biang Biang noodle
A lovely noodle spot, authentic and homemade noodles. Delicious.
There’s more places to eat inside Grainger, they have a bagel stall, cubanos, Feds Chicken burger, and a delightful Spanish spot.
Most of their prices can range between 3 pounds to 15 pounds. The cheapest is Slice of Pizza for 3 pounds at present.
Restaurants to try in Newcastle Upon Tyne
1. Chilli Padi
A Malaysian restaurant near St James Park. Delicious food from rendang, nasi and mie goreng, authentic. Portions are huge and reasonably priced. They also cater to vegan and vegetarians as well and their food is halal. They have Malaysian drinks and also alcohol is available.
2. El Coto
A Spanish tapas restaurant, an establishment that has been here for decades now and consistently provides great food. A selection of over 30 tapas on their menu and a selection of wine and sangria.
3. Redhouse
A great spot for delicious pie and mash, hits the spot all the time and they area located on the quayside.
4 Rio Brazilian Steakhouse
A proper Brazilian spot located at 2 locations, the original is at Osborne Road in West Jesmond and the second location is at the Quayside. They would come to you with a variety of meats and you should a red and green light system. They will keep coming to you and give you slices till you decide no more meat.
5. Gaucho
If you are looking to splash out a bit more, Gaucho has finally arrived at Newcastle and they serve the finest Argentinian steaks and burgers. The environment alone is amazing.
6. Master Wang
Located opposite Civic Centre and by Northumbria Uni lies an authentic Chinese place and super popular amongst the students and locals alike. They serve handmade biang biang noodles and it’s delicious. Great for a lunch spot.
7. Greek Tavern
Try out a Greek taverna in Newcastle Upon Tyne, they serve delicious Greek food, Gyros, Stifado and more and the portions are huge! They even have Greek Beer, and my partner who is Greek approves if thats’ any help haha.
8. Stix
By Stowell Street, Stix is a Korean and Japanese place and their Korean Fried Chicken is insanely good. Perfectly crunch and big and moist – just delicious. They also serve Ramen, Katsu Curry, Kimchi friend rice and more. Real talk – get their K F C.
Hope this list of things to do in Newcastle Upon Tyne helps you in your next visit!
Courtney xx
Written by Sarah Courtney (@heywhatsupcourtney) 03/04/2024
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