The Best Things to Do in Newcastle for Free

Bustling Newcastle upon Tyne offers plenty to keep you entertained on a budget
Bustling Newcastle upon Tyne offers plenty to keep you entertained on a budget | © CAMimage / Alamy
Judy Cogan

City breaks can be expensive, but Newcastle is one of the best cities in England to explore on a budget. Stroll across the Seven Bridges and explore Grainger Market on your next trip to the Toon.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

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Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Travel up the North East coast, and you’ll find the university city of Newcastle overlooking the North Sea. While it can be tricky to travel on a shoestring in many UK cities, Newcastle bucks this trend. It has plenty of free activities, including museums, markets, parks and even a petting farm. Here are Culture Trip’s pick of the top free things to do in this great northern city.

Stroll across the Seven Bridges

PR0GKA The Millennium Bridge, Tyne Bridge and Sage Gateshead Arts Centre, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England, United Kingdom, Europe

Newcastle is a compact, walkable city and – lucky for you – walking is free. The best way to explore on foot is by criss-crossing the Seven Bridges — Gateshead Millennium Bridge, Tyne Bridge, Swing Bridge, High Level Bridge, Queen Elizabeth II Metro Bridge, King Edward VII Bridge and Redheugh Bridge. Enjoy picturesque views across the River Tyne while the architectural history of the city unfurls before your eyes from the ultra-modern to Grade II-listed structures.

Ponder contemporary art in the Biscuit Factory

If you’re expecting a deluge of digestives, forget it. This is the largest independent commercial art, craft and design gallery in the UK. It was established in 2002 in – you guessed it – a former Victorian biscuit factory. The original beams and brick walls are intact, and the gallery hosts 250 artists at any one time with a headline exhibition. The in-house cafe, the Factory Kitchen, isn’t free, but it does have a rooftop terrace and an excellent brunch menu.

Walk the Walk of Fame

R2CP5T Bronze plaque honouring Newcastle and Gateshead inspiring people of past 60 years, Ant & Dec, Quayside. Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, UK

The Newcastle Walk of Fame, also known as the Local Heroes Trail, celebrates the most inspiring people in the city with prestigious bronze plaques along the Quayside. From film stars and musicians to politicians and sporting greats, you will find plaques for Alan Shearer, Ant & Dec and Sir Bobby Robson, as well as suffragette and socialist Connie Lewcock. It first opened in March 2014, and new names have been added each year.

Find peace at Jesmond Dene

G6G3M5 Autumn colours at Jesmond Dene, Newcastle upon Tyne.

One of the most beautiful green spaces in northeast England, Jesmond Dene is a peaceful retreat from the hubbub of Newcastle city centre. This narrow wooded valley is lively with wildlife and has a unique mix of native and exotic trees. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely stroll and a picnic by the stream. There’s a monthly arts and crafts fair on Armstrong Bridge; a free-entry petting zoo; and it’s home to the ruins of the medieval St Mary’s Chapel.

Head to the Great North Museum: Hancock

EN63GH Facade Of The Great North Museum Hancock Barras Bridge Newcastle Upon Tyne UK

It’s here you’ll learn all about the natural history, archaeology and geology of Newcastle, plus the connection the area has to different world cultures, from Africa to North America. Highlights inside this free-to-enter museum, established in 1884, include the Hadrian’s Wall gallery, with a detailed history of the World Heritage Site, and a space dedicated to the ancient Egyptians, including two real mummies. The Mouse House will keep under fives happy.

Take the kids to Ouseburn Farm

This green oasis has been a charity and community city farm since 1976, when a group of parents bought a plot of land to give their children access to nature and a place to grow their own food and take care of animals. Today, it has a farmyard teeming with animals and lush gardens. Spare some pounds for food to feed the animals and stop by the kitchen afterwards for a well-deserved cuppa.

Check out the Discovery Museum

In Blandford House, a building dating to 1899, the Discovery Museum is a free-to-enter science, tech and local history centre. In the lobby, you’ll come face to face with Turbinia, once the fastest ship in the world. There is a diverse range of temporary and mainstay exhibitions for kids and grown-ups, including Destination Tyneside, the only permanent dedicated gallery in the UK telling the story of migration. There’s a science maze, Play+Invent space and a lovely cafe overlooking Turbinia.

Browse Grainger Market

A deserved winner of Britain’s Favourite Market 2020, this historic indoor market opened in 1835 as the first supermarket in Newcastle. Today, 100 local traders sell everything from cheese, meats and veg to vintage clothes and house plants all year around. It’s also home to a thriving street food scene, with tasty bites including steamed dumplings, Chinese burgers and mac ‘n’ cheese, plus some seriously good coffee.

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Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

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Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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