Best Places to Visit in Newcastle upon Tyne (United Kingdom)

Are you searching for the Best Places to Visit in Newcastle upon Tyne? Are you thinking of a trip to Europe and wondering what to explore in Newcastle upon Tyne? We’ve got you covered. Newcastle upon Tyne is often just referred to as “Newcastle.” It is, both from the economic as well as a cultural perspective, very often the unofficial capital of the northeast region of England.

This city of industry is situated upon the River Tyne, with its center containing several notable Victorian structures and streets and three major shopping malls. It is also renowned for its many fascinating places of entertainment and museums, such as the prestigious Theatre Royal, City Hall, and well-known venues for theatre, festivals, events, and rock and pop shows.

A former major coal port, The harbor is now a bustling ferry terminal serving passengers and cruise ships traveling to Europe and boats within the city. The city was founded in Roman the past. Newcastle – then called Pons Aelius – was a fort on the Hadrian’s Wall. The city was referred to as “Monk Chester” throughout the Saxon period due to its numerous religious buildings.

The city’s current name to the William of Conqueror, who was, just like Hadrian before, understood the city’s strategic significance. The year 1080 was when he handed his son the command to construct a “New Castle” on the site of the ancient Roman fort and the construction of St. Nicholas’ Cathedral. The two churches are among the city’s most sought-after tourist destinations.

One of the most popular ways to spend time in Newcastle is to complete at least a portion of the 84-mile-long Hadrian’s Wall Path that runs through the city’s central area. It’s easy to access from here and runs alongside Hadrian’s Wall through the most picturesque countryside in England.

For more fun ideas for sightseeing, check out our most popular tourist attractions and activities at Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

The Tyne Bridge

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The Tyne Bridge is one of the best places to visit in Newcastle upon Tyne. The construction of the 1928 through-arch bridge in Tynes was the city’s tallest building, with the tenth-tallest height at that time. The magnificent structure dates to the 20th century and is an ode to the city’s technological advancements and industrial heritage.

At the center of the bridge, high above the roadway, are five huge Olympic Rings, the largest in the United States and an addition to 2012.

It was constructed with the help of the architects responsible for the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydney Harbour Bridge is a miniature version of the iconic Australian landmark. An interesting fact about this bridge is that it’s compared to a “miniature replica of Sydney Harbour Bridge.”

Tyne Bridge Highlights Tyne Bridge Highlights

  • The famous Tyne Bridge, with its green steel arch, is a highlight of the cityscape of Newcastle. Discover Newcastle and Gateshead via car and cross the bridge.
  • Could you take photos of it from the bottom? The abundance of postcards and other souvenirs featuring it in the city is proof of the significance of its culture.
  • Its roadway deck is at an altitude of 84 feet (26 meters) above the river. The entire length is 531 feet (162 meters).
  • See the bridge illuminated in the dark. Be aware of vessels as they traverse beneath the huge arched bridge made of steel.
  • Admire breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the bridges surrounding it from the elevated perch.
  • Bicycles, drivers, and pedestrians are permitted to use the bridge.
  • It is also possible to enjoy the daily tilting of the adjacent Gateshead Millennium Bridge, which is a stunning view in and of itself.
  • Find out interesting facts regarding the structure and its significance for the city. In a lavish celebration in 1928, the bridge was dedicated to Queen Mary, and King George V and Queen Mary gave it to the city’s people.

Victoria Tunnel

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The Victoria Tunnel which extends from the Town Moor to the Tyne River, is a top-rated stop on heritage tours and is one of the most popular tourist places in Newcastle as a whole. The new entrance of the Tunnel is located in Ouseburn, close to the Hotel Du Vin.

In 1842, the Victoria Tunnel was constructed to move coal from Leazes Main Colliery to the riverside staithes (jetties), which was to load it onto ships. Many Newcastle residents were protected within its tunnels, safe from bombs, during 1939 when it was transformed into an air-raid protection shelter.

Wear a helmet and take a trip underground with the friendly tour guides of the Victoria Tunnel for a fascinating guided tour. You can hear the sound of an air strike and follow your directions down to the bottom to learn about the Tunnel’s long history as a transport route for coal. Be alert for any approaching coal trucks! All year long, visitors can participate in guided tours through the Tunnel, which features stunning audio and visual effects.

Take a Look: Things to do in Birmingham

Victoria Tunnel Highlights

Start your journey of discovery in one of the most striking spots to see in Newcastle, The Victoria Tunnel. Victoria Tunnel

Go back to the past, back to a Victorian wagonway, and see how it was constructed and keep an eye on the coal-filled wagons that travel towards the Tyne.

Read the account of the death of William Coulson with determination. Please keep your eyes at a high level while you listen to the sounds of the wagons as they travel down the Tunnel.

Watch out for the air-raid alert and the sounds of planes hovering over the horizon, launching attacks, and remembering those that experienced the horrendous period in Newcastle’s past in World War Two.

Check out the rough wood reproduction of seats and mattresses that evoke the same type of seats used by terrified people during air attacks.

Visit the crucifix that commemorates WWII veterans. See whether you can identify one of their names on the list of honors.

Discover the most famous attractions of Newcastle and the unique opportunity to visit the underground and see Hadrian’s Roman Wall.

Discover the secrets of the paranormal at Victoria Tunnel that involved reports of ghostly sightings by earlier travelers. It also earned the tunnel plenty of attention.

Sage Gateshead

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This concert hall on the riverside with a contemporary design is one of Europe’s top venues. Experience its fantastic acoustics: stunning auditoriums and international performances. Please look at the stunning landscape of Sage Gateshead, which has made it one of the most famous spots on the city’s skyline. It is situated over the River Tyne.

The site is a venue for musical performances and has hosted well-known artists. Take a show to enjoy the superb acoustics surrounding this magnificent structure. Marvel at the fascinating design of the undulating stainless steel and glass structure.

Take in a concert by the well-known Royal Northern Sinfonia or one of the other orchestras that perform at the location. The different genres are jazz, electronic pop, dance, and indie. For a modest cost, you can take a guided tour around the building to discover its avant-garde style and Quayside past.

Sage One, the main Sage One auditorium, seats 1,640, and the more intimate 10-sided Sage Two hall has 400 seats. Look around at the Northern Rock Foundation Hall, a smaller venue for performances.
Explore the building and take in the stunning design and spectacular views of Quayside, the river, and the bridges.

You can dine in the Brasserie or grab refreshments and snacks at Sir Michael Straker Cafe. Sir Michael Starker Cafe. There are drinks available at any of the five bars. Find out about the cutting-edge methods employed to improve sound quality. Three main areas are insulated, while the wall surfaces are treated with breathable concrete.

Learn more about the history and design of the facility. It was opened at the close of 2004 following several years of planning. Check out its practice areas as well as conference spaces. It also houses the Music Education Centre, which has 26 rooms. Some artists who have played at the site are James Brown, Van Morrison, Sting, and Mumford and Sons.

Access the building is accessible. It is open from dawn to evening, with a few exceptions on days of performances. Find out more information at the welcome desk during working hours.

Sage Gateshead is west of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge on the southern bank of the River Tyne. It is located in the middle of the town, near St. Mary’s Heritage Centre and the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. You can park your car at the parking lot on site, which is pay-per-hour.

Millennium Bridge

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It is possible to cross over the River Tyne via the spectacular Gateshead Millennium Bridge on foot (or on a bicycle) is among the most enjoyable things to do for tourists visiting the Newcastle region. The bridge was opened in 2001. unique footbridge with a curving design spans over 126 meters over the River, linking Newcastle’s newly revitalized Quayside region with the fashionable art and culture district in Gateshead along the River’s south side.

The bridge’s design – which has earned it the title “Winking Eye Bridge” – permits the bridge to tilt in a way to let boats traverse it. The 4.5-minute task is quite impressive and is frequent enough to witness it live on your Newcastle excursion (see our official website for the timetables for “tilt” timings). Make sure you go to the bridge at night if you’re staying in Newcastle, and the bridge lights up to create a stunning effect.

The address is S Shore Road, Gateshead.

St. James’ Park

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St. James’ Park is one of the best places to visit in Newcastle upon Tyne. Take part in a thrilling soccer match in one of the UK’s most extensive and storied stadiums. You can see it perched on top of a hill in the city’s center.

St. James Park is a renowned soccer stadium in northern England. It is the home of the black and white stripe from Newcastle United Football Club. It can accommodate 52,400. Support the Newcastle United team amid a crowd of supporters while they play against their opponents in the Premier League.

The most crucial match of the season is typically against the local rivals Sunderland. You can check online for game times and dates for kick-off. Take photos of the famous stadium while you arrive in the bustling crowds. Look out that the stadium is adorned with statues of Sir Bobby Robson, who managed the team from 1999 until 2004. Pay attention to the chants and chattering of the fans. You can also purchase the appropriate shirt to match.

Drink a glass of wine at one of the local bars after the game, and the mood changes. The stadium was first utilized for soccer games in 1880. It had undergone numerous stadium modifications and improvements since its first began.

Find out the details and statistics about Newcastle United, a club that is one of the most popular in the United States. They are affectionately referred to as Magpies because of their colors. Some other groups also use the stadium for sporting performances and games.

The cost of tickets varies dependent on the seats. The majority of games are played during weekends. However, occasionally, midweek games can be played at night. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, open Monday through Saturday from mid-morning to late afternoon.

ake a tour of the stadium to view players’ dugouts and dressing rooms and get to meet the Newcastle United player. Saint. James’ Park lies north of the Monument region in central Newcastle. Start at St. James Metro Station. St. James metro stop near the stadium, or take a walk to the north for approximately 10 minutes to Newcastle Central Station.

The nearby attractions comprise Newcastle University, Leazes Park, and St. Andrews Church. When parking and traffic can be chaotic on match days, use public transport to make it easier.

Quayside

Explore an exciting tilting bridge that is futuristic, explore art centers, and enjoy drinks in this contemporary area in the city’s heart. Quayside is a thriving zone within Quayside, which the River Tyne surrounds, full of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

The area separates the two communes between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Gateshead, as well as a place of culture with various artistic complexes. Walk along the riverbanks to enjoy stunning views of the sun setting over the spectacular bridges and buildings of the Northern English city.

Gateshead Millennium brings many people to the area. It is part of an effective restoration plan. It is tilted once or twice daily so small vessels can traverse beneath. Please take photos of the bridge at night as it glistens in an elegant blue glow.

Snap pictures of the vessels in the River Tyne with a backdrop of the city’s oldest and most modern buildings. The contrast between ancient and contemporary is evident in an old-fashioned 1930s Baltic Flour Mills beside the sparkling and sweeping design of the Sage Gateshead. It is a substantial modern concert hall with the latest technology and acoustics.

The flour mill that was once used hosts The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. Bring your children to participate in various family-friendly activities, such as Explorer Guides and Family Quest. The gallery is home to a collection of contemporary regional art and internationally recognized works that stimulate reflection. Take a look around at the exhibits that are on display in the museum.

In the evening, stay in the area to check out the numerous bars and nightclubs. Chat with locals over a few drinks to glimpse Newcastle-upon-Tyne’s nightlife. The site is free to visit. It’s always open.
Quayside encompasses the banks of the River Tyne at the point between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Gateshead meet.

The main street that runs across the northern bank is also known as Quayside. You can visit the most crowded part of the city center, which comprises Gateshead Millennium Bridge and the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art.

Life Science Centre

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Take a ride into the sky and then beyond at Life Science Centre. Your kids will learn lots about the fascinating world of science and create the experiments themselves! Sound good?

The Life Science Centre adventurous adventurers at all stages of life are invited to play with hands-on activities and have fun with various interactive activities. Have a question? Talk to one of the helpful Science Explainers. You’ll recognize them with the Life-branded blue Polo shirt.

You can also visit the largest planetarium in North East. It’s a family favorite and a great way to learn about understanding distant stars and planets. Learning is, in actuality, at the center of everything they accomplish: through research-based experiments and the Play Zone for children under seven, the brain will be oversized!

Live experiments and educational exhibits
The North’s largest planetarium
A particular area is just for children less than seven years old.

Newcastle castle

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Newcastle castle is one of the best places to visit in Newcastle upon Tyne. The Norman fortress served as a base to invade Scotland and also as a stopping point for armies on their way to engage in battle. Inmates and traitors were incarcerated and tortured, and executed inside the castle.

The castle of Newcastle isn’t as new. In 1168, Henry II commissioned the old wooden castle to be rebuilt using more substantial stone. The old castle remains more than 9000 years after. It was the one that gave Newcastle its name. You can be able to see it proudly soaring at Grey Street. It’s among the most sought-after destinations to visit in Newcastle.

The castle may appear small, but it’s more like a Tardis, with tiny passageways, winding staircases, chambers, dungeons, and prison pits. The court is ideal for kids, particularly at weekends when performers dressed in medieval attire tell grim tales of savage crimes within the castle.

Make sure you climb up to the highest point of the keep for 360-degree panoramic views of Newcastle along with the Tyne. You’ll see most of Newcastle’s iconic landmarks from there.

Newcastle Cathedral

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The structure was built during the 14th and 15th centuries. Newcastle Cathedral – officially known as The Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas The church is not particularly large. It was only elevated from the status of a parish church to cathedral status in 1882. The most notable characteristic, however, is its lantern tower. It is nearly 197 feet tall. The structure was completed in 1435. Its top is the beautiful crenelled Scottish Crown. Floodlights illuminate the spire at night to create an impressive effect.

The interior features include:

  • The canopied Font and the pulpit (dating back to 1500).
  • An organ (1676).
  • A variety of beautiful statues from the 15th through 20th centuries.

There is a lovely café situated on the premises. Outside is the Queen statue Victoria, located in St. Nicholas Square, which was the work of Sir Alfred Gilbert (1900). The entry to the cathedral is free, which makes it among the top activities for kids to do in Newcastle.

Address: St. Nicholas Square, Newcastle upon Tyne

Northumbria University

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Northumbria University is one of the best places to visit in Newcastle upon Tyne. The sparkling silver campus in central Newcastle is among the U.K.’s modern universities. Students have voted Newcastle as the best city in the nation for students.

While it wasn’t officially founded as an institution until 1992, Northumbria University has long roots in Newcastle. This is evident in its diverse campus and an array of modern and Victorian buildings. It was once a polytechnic. Northumbria University is the child of three Yorkshire colleges that have provided education to students since the beginning of the nineteenth century.

Explore its city-center campuses to get a glimpse of the academic culture that flourishes in this city. Have a fun afternoon interacting with fellow students at one of the diverse eateries and bars.

Begin your trip with a visit to City Campus East. This super-modern building opened in 2007 and is famous for its emission of carbon dioxide and its low environmental impact. Explore two law schools, the Newcastle Law School and Newcastle Business School.

Enjoy a cup of coffee in the courtyard. At the same time, the ultra-hip students of the design school that is adjacent between classes carry draftsmanship paper and project papers tucked between their arms.

The pedestrian bridge connects two campuses, crossing over the city’s central road. Admire the contemporary design of the departments at City Campus West and step into the University Library and Sport Central. This brand-new sports facility is open to the public.

Enjoy the intricate brickwork of The Sutherland Building, once the Medical School of Durham University and a naval warehouse throughout World War II.

Check out the contemporary and innovative artwork on display at the University of Oslo, Gallery North art gallery. On the outside, you must look out for the famous Piller Man, a massive bronze sculpture among the largest ever made in Norway.

Northumbria University is in the middle of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, located north of the historic district. It is just a short walk of 18 minutes or a 10-minute bus ride from the city’s central train station. It is a 15-minute walk away from Newcastle Castle.

Shuttle buses connect the main campus with the additional campus at Coach Lane in about 25 minutes. The walk takes approximately one hour. The campus is always open for visitors, although the building is often closed to students, particularly during the evening.

Conclusion

All destinations are awesome! According to my opinion, Northumbria University is the best to start. I hope you have enjoyed our list of Best Places to Visit in Newcastle upon Tyne.

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Henry
Henry

Hi! I'm Henry. I'm a best-selling travel writer who has been teaching people how to travel on a budget for sixteen years. 

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