Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Top Things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne
Top Restaurants in Newcastle upon Tyne
What to do and see in Newcastle upon Tyne, England: The Best Things to do
Once a shipbuilding city, Newcastle's flashier claim to fame is nightlife. Throw in a heap of premium restaurants serving foods from all over the world and it's no wonder young partiers choose to blow their hard-earned (or not-so-hard-earned) cash in Newcastle. While these amenities are certainly a draw for the hipsters and culture-seekers, it's the locals that make Newcastle a truly special place to visit. "Geordies," as they are often called, embody the pride, industriousness and resilient spirit of their city.
Restaurants in Newcastle upon Tyne
1. Victoria Tunnel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,894 reviews
Guided tours of the fully preserved 19th century coal waggonway and WW2 air-raid shelter. Pre-booking is essential and tickets can be booked online through our website or by telephone during office hours. Tours every day, check the website for details. Our extensive Covid-19 precautions have been assessed by Visit Britain and we have been awarded "Good to Go" certification.
Reviewed By 597derekp
15/12/18. Victory Pub Christmas Jolly Boys outing at the Victoria Tunnel. A thoroughly enjoyable and educational history tour of this amazing engineering feat of the 1840s. 2 fantastic volunteer guides. Fascinating facts about the tunnel's original use and later use during World War 2 as an air raid shelter for up to 9,000 people. Highly recommended.
2. Jesmond Dene
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,273 reviews
Jesmond Dene is the jewel in the crown of Newcastle's parks and green spaces. The Dene is packed full of historic and natural features and masses of wildlife, flowers and ancient woodland for everyone to enjoy.
Reviewed By Jp_King93
This is a beautiful park, really calming and wonderful for pictures, I really enjoyed my visit and will come back for sure
3. Newcastle Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 870 reviews
Steeped in history this imposing Norman fortress, in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, is a rugged reminder of northern England's turbulent history. This was no baron's stately home. Newcastle Castle is a grim reminder of royal authority where armies gathered and criminals were imprisoned and executed. It is where the story of Newcastle began, the reason the city got its name and has the most commanding views over the city and the River Tyne. Open for the public to explore and enjoy our rich and varied history Newcastle Castle takes the safety of public and staff very seriously. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic we have introduced a number of measures to keep you safe whilst you explore, discover and enjoy.
Reviewed By Keith_Bnufc - England, United Kingdom
Spent about an hour and a half in there last week- interesting, informative, helpful staff and great views from the top. Only complaint was that it isn’t bigger!
4. The Discovery Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,686 reviews
It’s free to get in to Discovery Museum, which is a massive space showcasing the best of Newcastle’s heritage over three floors and extensive galleries crammed with inventions, world-firsts, model ships and interactive activities for curious kids – and adults! Telling the story of Newcastle and its people from Roman times through to the present day Discovery Museum champions the spirit of the north east area. With events on all year.
Reviewed By nikkisuk
The museum is free to visit (although donations are gratefully received). We visited on a sunny Saturday and there was a steady flow of people but not by any means overcrowded. There are three floors of rooms that you can visit covering topics such as life locally, the local regiment, a science maze and on our visit there was an inventors section and the Stephenson Rocket exhibition. My two boys, aged nine and seven, thoroughly enjoyed their day there. Lots of the displays have reading but there is also a great deal of interactive exhibits. There is a cafe there but we took our own lunch and used the tables on the lower ground floor to picnic. There is no real outdoor space, other than the front on the pavement but the building is light and airy so that if it is a sunny day, you don't feel like you're missing out too much. Several car parks locally which are reasonable in price. Easily can spend a good four hours there.
5. St James' Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,435 reviews
Delve into Newcastle United's history all the way back to the late 1800s by joining us on a tour of the iconic St James' Park. Accompanied by a tour guide you will visit areas of the ground reserved for players and officials only, including the Home Dressing Room, Media Suite, Director's Box, and more. Tours last approximately 90 minutes, and run daily at 11.30, 12.30, And 14.30, At a cost of £15 an adult, £12 a concession, and £8 a junior.
Reviewed By Mikelemberg - Mill Valley, United States
Had opportunity to see my first premier league game at st James park. Sat up with the boisterous and loud fans. Super loud, singing and chanting. It is a bit rated R. Great stadium and atmosphere (and Newcastle won the first match of the season).
6. The Quayside
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,155 reviews
Reviewed By stevearchbold - Wallsend, United Kingdom
This may seem a little biased but if your visiting Newcastle you need to check out the Quayside it's only a short downhill walk from the city centre with plenty of taxis to get you back up. Plenty of good bars and restaurants to choose from, a great view of the river side and the bridges and you can walk across the millennium bridge to the sage music centre or the Baltic arts centre plenty to do for young and old
7. Theatre Royal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 977 reviews
Reviewed By NotBoredOutDoors - South Shields, United Kingdom
We went to see the fabulous Beauty and the Beast panto last night at the wonderful Theatre Royal Newcastle and my goodness it was absolutely amazing. We have been going with the kids every year for a good while now and it never dissapoints. It has it all, beautiful singing, dancing, comedy, slapstick and the star of the show Danny Adams is just amazing. One of the main things we love about this panto is how much we all laugh kids and adults alike they have the comedy balance perfect for the whole family. There are still tickets available if you fancy a post Christmas treat. Tickets are also on sale for next year's panto Humpty Dumpty. You can also see Danny and the gang at their amazing cirque du hilarious shows which again are absolutely brilliant. https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/ http://www.cirqueduhilarious.co.uk/tour-dates.html
8. Grey Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,202 reviews
Reviewed By NicolaD914 - Kingston-upon-Hull, United Kingdom
There is some fantastic Georgian architecture on Grey Street looking from Grey’s monument down towards the Quayside or the castle. Some of the buildings are really beautiful housing the Theatre Royal, shops banks and offices. There are lots of places to stop and enjoy something to eat or drink and enjoy the view, and lots of shops. Don’t miss the historical and equally stunning Central Arcade.
9. The Biscuit Factory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 554 reviews
The Biscuit Factory is the UK’s largest independent commercial art, craft & design gallery set in the heart of Newcastle’s cultural quarter. Housed in a former Victorian warehouse, our beautiful gallery spaces are set over two floors and display a range of exciting contemporary fine art, sculpture, original prints and jewellery, quality craftsmanship and design led homewares. The Biscuit Factory hosts four major exhibitions a year, representing the work of around 250 artists each season, so there is always something new to see every time you visit.
Reviewed By CondadoJohn - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Excellent gallery and very good Factory Kitchen. Not the cheapest venue but well worth visiting. After viewing the paintings and craft works, you can sample the Factory Kitchen for coffee or for quiche and baked potato-type food options. There are very interesting views from the upstairs coffee area, and if we ever had any good weather there is an outside patio area that would be fun. You'll get 2 coffees and a cake for about £10.00. Not too busy either. Seems like the sort of place to find retired social worker or retired teachers.
10. Grainger Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 374 reviews
The Grainger Market is a traditional style covered Market of 123 shops, built in 1835 it is Grade I Listed. It has a huge variety of traditional fresh meat/poultry/fish/bakery/fruit + veg/cheese and deli's that rub alongside great street food from all around the world. Quirky specialist shops selling everything from vintage/retro/geeky goods to make and mend haberdashers/wool/crafts/fabrics. From Marks and Spencers Original Penny Bazaar to Robinsons Famous Pet Store and the one and only Scorpio Shoes. We host Saturday Fairs, food and history tours, plus a free entertainment programme for families in the summer school holidays. Its a great place to visit for real customer service and some canny Geordie banter whilst sitting at one of the cafe's and lots of local businesses waiting to welcome you.
Reviewed By ReviewChimp - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Grainger Market was one of my "go to" places whenever a visit to town was required. Not only does it have a range of market stalls such as butchers, fishmongers, greengrocers, and bakers but there's also a plethora of eateries (Turkish, Greek, chinese, British, but amongst the best there is Redhead's Mac n Cheese in my opinion) and other shops selling such things as retro games, records, toys and action figures, a brilliant comic shop, a pet shop, and clothes shops. You name it, Grainger Market probably has a store for it, all under one roof. Unfortunately, lockdown happened, and being one of those people who require "shielding", this pretty much ended my Grainger Market adventures. Life had changed... It was, at the start, impossible to get delivery slots from supermarkets, I had to rely on friends and family dropping off bits and pieces for me. I know that is a true of many people. The feeling of helplessness was unreal. However, I then spotted ads on the usual social media, Grainger Market had some sort of delivery system in place. I'm not sure if this was always available, but this proved to be invaluable. I placed on order, got some meats from Finlay butchers, pastries and flour from French Oven (fantastic bakery), bird feed from The Fruit & Nut Company, and some pizza from the pizza shop that always has a giant queue outside it. It arrived the next day, before lunch time, delivered by a cheery man, we chatted a little (from a distance), he was happy to still have a job, and was happy to be able to be in a position to help people. Such a marvellous experience, from checking the website for things I want, to delivery. in fact, I've ordered from them since then, more meats, more pastries, cakes, yeast, all sorts, delivered by two amazing young ladies who were pleased to be able to help. I'm not joking I say that Grainger Market has thrown me, and others, a lifeline. Every single item I've ordered from the place has been great (I've even had freebies thrown in from some traders), the delivery team have been nothing short of exemplary. When we get through this, and we WILL get through this, I will continue to support Grainger Market, and I will do more of my essential shopping there. Although it's easier to get delivery slots from the big supermarkets now, they weren't the ones who proved potential life savers at the start. It was local traders from Grainger Market who helped feed my family. More traders are being added all the time with goods for delivery, including the music merchandise shop, the dumpling stall, and gift shops. I would urge people to visit the market if you can, spend your well earned money there if you are able to, in fact support your local markets and traders wherever you are.
