Must-Visit Attractions in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK

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Shop, Architectural Landmark

The place to go for pubs, clubs and restaurants, the Quayside is now also a modernised hub of arts, music and culture in the city. Check out the Quayside market on Sundays and the area’s party atmosphere on Saturday nights.

Building, Historical Landmark
Not that new anymore, this Medieval structure is what gives Newcastle its name. First built by the son of William the Conqueror, the castle is now open to visitors from 10am to 5pm. Take the kids down at the weekend to make the most of the educational offerings.

Cathedral, Church
The most northern Cathedral in the country, St Nicholas dates back to the same Norman period as the Newcastle Castle. St Nicholas is the patron saint of boats and sailors, which suits Newcastle with its huge river and numerous docks.

Bridge

Over 7,000 tonnes of steel went into this 389m (1,276ft) bridge. One of the city’s most iconic structures, the bridge is often decorated throughout the year to celebrate key events.

Museum
Originally built for transportation of coal, the 3,900m (12,795ft) Victoria Tunnel is open to tour groups interested in the history of the once-forgotten tunnel. The tour includes sonic and visual effects to create an immersive experience.

Theatre
Winner of the UK Theatre Awards’ Most Welcoming North East Theatre four years in a row, the Theatre Royal is located on Grey Street in the city centre. It is said that Newcastle’s Theatre Royal is Sir Ian McKellen’s favourite theatre.

Museum
The Centre for Life (formerly the Life Science Centre) is a part of the larger International Centre for Life complex. The patron of the site is none other than co-discoverer of DNA, Dr James Watson.

Memorial

Atop a 40m (131ft) column looms a statue of Charles Grey, the UK Prime Minister from 1830-1834. There is a viewing platform at the top, offering guests an excellent look at the beautiful cityscape.

Museum, Art Gallery
The National Centre for Children’s Books is the place to go for families interested in children’s authors and illustrators. With exhibits, readings and interactive experiences, it’s the perfect day out for young bookworms.

Art Gallery
An art gallery that’s dedicated to championing talented artists from the North East, the North East Art Collective showcases art in every style and medium from the region.

Natural Feature
Just (16km) 10 miles from Newcastle, at the mouth of the Tyne, is the seaside town of Whitley Bay. As well as the beach, attractions include the Blue Reef Aquarium, the Stephenson Railway Museum and Hadrian’s Wall.

Park

A wooded valley that’s teeming with wildlife, including the endangered red squirrel, kingfisher and a wide array of local birds. The park is a strong example of 19th-century landscape design, offering visitors an excellent space to escape the urban sights and experience some of the area’s nature.

Building, Museum
One of the biggest free museums in the North East, the Discovery Museum is keeping the history of science and industry in the region alive today.

Museum
Formerly known as the Hancock Museum, the Great North Museum showcases collections primarily from the Natural History Society of Northumbria and Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Market, European
Once the largest covered market in Europe, the Grainger Market is now a Grade I-listed building that houses a bustling, modern trading experience nearly two centuries after it first opened.

Library

Claiming to be “so much more than a library” is bold, but the Literary & Philosophical Society has many roles. They have an events programme, a music library and 160,000 books.

Historical Landmark, Building
The ancestral home of the first President of the United States, Washington Old Hall is now operated by the National Trust. Visitors can explore the inside of the Old Hall or the orchard of heritage apple trees in the gardens.

Bridge
The oldest and most striking of Newcastle’s bridges, High Level Bridge is just slightly upriver from the Tyne Bridge. Today, the High Level still serves pedestrian, road and rail traffic – and it’s viewed as the most important historical work of engineering in Newcastle.

Theatre
Based in the Quayside area, Live Theatre brings an excellent schedule of performances to the city, including live comedy, new plays and other interesting events.

Art Gallery, Shopping Mall

Originally an Edwardian shopping arcade, the Central Arcade has served many different purposes in its history, from newsroom to art gallery.

Cinema
One of the top independent cinemas in the country, Tyneside Cinema offers its guests a whole host of interesting titles to sink their cinephile teeth into. With specialised seasons running throughout the year as well as some of Hollywood’s biggest titles, this is a must-visit for film fans.

Museum
Taking what you expect of a museum and turning it on its head, Beamish is a living, breathing experience. Giving its guests the opportunity to experience an authentic taste of what life would have been like in a Victorian village, as well as in the 1940s and 1950s, it’s an excellent way of learning about some of the local history.

Stadium
Home to one of the best-known football teams in the country, St James’ Park is a local treasure in Newcastle. As one of the biggest stadiums in the country, it’s an excellent destination, even on non-match days, with an excellent tour available for visitors.

Architectural Landmark

A beacon of the North, the synonymous sculpture has become a local treasure – located just outside Newcastle in Gateshead. Originally built in 1998 by artist Antony Gormley, the towering Angel of the North has been a landmark for the region ever since.
Additional reporting by Nicholas Grantham