The vibrant city of Newcastle offers plenty of top-rated attractions and hidden gems. Here you will find a list of 10 must-visit places, from iconic bridges and well-known museums to charming off-the-beaten-track spots. If you are looking for Google discount vouchers to get some new gadgets for your trip to Newcastle, check Latest Deals.
- Tyne Bridge
Since Newcastle is known as the city of bridges, you should not miss the opportunity to take a closer look at them. The Tyne Bridge, resembling the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia, is the most celebrated and popular of the seven crossings over the River Tyne. Take a stroll through the Quayside District to enjoy the view of the iconic arch of the Tyne Bridge at dawn or dusk, and be sure to drive or walk over it to look at the city from a magnificent vantage point. This is a recommended free things to do in Newcastle.
Address: A167, Newcastle upon Tyne NE8 2BE
Cost: free
- Millennium Bridge
The Gateshead Millennium Bridge, known as the world’s first tilting bridge, has become a must-see landmark due to its unique construction, striking modern design, and great location at the end of a line of the seven Newcastle bridges. This bridge is pedestrian, and you can relish a delightful stroll over it. Another great option is to enjoy the sight of the Millennium Bridge tilting to allow boats to pass through.
Address: S Shore Rd, Gateshead NE8 3BA
Cost: free
- Newcastle Castle
Newcastle Castle is an imposing Norman fortress, one of the best preserved in Britain, and the site where the story of the city began. Get there to explore the ancient passageways and chambers, discover grim and mysterious stories, and immerse yourself in Newcastle’s medieval past. If you are not a history buff, visit this place to enjoy spectacular views across the city and the River Tyne from the top of the Castle Keep.
Address: The Black Gate, Castle Garth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1RQ
Cost: £9.95 for adults and £6.50 for children
- Newcastle Cathedral
The Cathedral Church of St Nicholas has been at the center of Newcastle’s spiritual and civic life for over 900 years. The current building was mostly completed in the 14th century, and the mixture of rich history and stunning Gothic architecture has made it one of the city’s greatest landmarks. Step inside to marvel at its fabulous interior features, listen to one of the numerous organ recitals, and climb the 162 steps of Lantern Tower to be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views.
Address: St. Nicholas Sq, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1PF
Cost: free
- Grainger Town
Grainger Town is usually called the ‘jewel in the crown of Newcastle,’ and it’s easy to see why. This historic quarter, with its spectacular neoclassical buildings designed in the 1830s, is one of Britain’s finest examples of Georgian architecture. It is home to well-known Newcastle landmarks like Grey’s Monument and the Theatre Royal. Be sure to explore the Edwardian Central Arcade, lined with gorgeous boutiques, and soak up the city vibe in the historic Grainger Market.
Address: Grainger Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 5AF
Cost: free
- Discovery Museum
The Discovery Museum, considered the North East’s most popular museum, is a massive space showcasing the best of Tyneside’s scientific innovations, technological inventions, and world-firsts. Get there to see Turbinia, a 32-meter steam-powered ship that was once the fastest in the world, learn more about Tyneside’s industrial, maritime, and military history, and interact with a wide range of interactive exhibits designed for curious kids and adults.
Address: Blandford Sq, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 4JA
Cost: free
- Victoria Tunnel
The Victoria Tunnel is one of the most unusual visitor attractions in Newcastle upon Tyne. It is a well-preserved 19th-century coal wagonway that was later turned into a WW2 air-raid shelter to protect thousands of Newcastle citizens. The tunnel, stretching under the city from the Town Moor to the Tyne River, encapsulates a wealth of local heritage and keeps mysterious secrets in its pitch-black darkness. Visit this place to experience the sounds of a wartime air raid and dive deeper into Newcastle’s history.
Address: Ouse St, Byker, Valley, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2PF
Cost: from £10 for adults and £5 for children
- Jesmond Dene
Jesmond Dene is a historic park and a unique haven of peace and tranquility, situated in a steep-sided, wooded valley that follows the river Ouseburn. There you can meet otters and squirrels, listen to woodland birds, explore the ruins of Newcastle’s oldest church and 18th-century watermill, and stroll over numerous bridges to enjoy picturesque views. The park also features large open-space picnic areas and a free-entry petting zoo with alpacas and other cute animals.
Address: Jesmond Dene, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE7 7BQ
Cost: free
- Tyneside Cinema
Tyneside Cinema is a thriving art hub housed in a beautifully renovated historic Art Deco building in the heart of Newcastle. Starting as a newsreel theater in 1937, it transformed into a heritage attraction, a digital art gallery, and a unique independent cinema. Get there to enjoy arthouse films from all over the world, remastered classics, or big-name releases in the fantastic setting of this theater-like venue with its red curtains, columns, and other fascinating interior details.
Address: 10 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6QG
Cost: £10.75 for standard sitting and £13.50 for circle sitting
- Wylam Brewery
Newcastle is known as one of the best cities in the UK for beer lovers, and Wylam Brewery is a must-stop, if only for its location. This 30-barrel microbrewery is housed in the epic Palace of Arts, which was built for the 1929 North East Exhibition to celebrate Craft, Art, and Industry. Today, it is one of Newcastle’s most popular leisure attractions. You can enjoy beer, food, and live music, attend various events or go on a guided brewery tour to learn about the brewing process.
Address: Palace of Arts, Exhibition Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4PZ
Cost: £10 per person for a brewery tour
