What are the Best Things to See and Do in Newcastle?

The city of Newcastle upon Tyne is located in the North East of England and is known for its buzzing nightlife, its diverse culture and as the “gateway to the North”. With so much to explore and experience in this vibrant city, it can be difficult to decide what the best things to see and do in Newcastle are. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or longer, we have compiled a list of the best things to do in Newcastle – from natural attractions to iconic landmarks and attractions with a unique twist, this guide will help you plan and make the most of your trip.

1. Visit the Quayside

The banks of the Tyne are best explored on foot and the Quayside is renowned for its stunning views across Newcastle and Gateshead. Spanning 7 miles in length, the Quayside is a haven for those looking to take in some of the city’s best sights while getting a glimpse at its multi-cultural character.Walk from St. Nicholas’s Cathedral and visit the iconic Tyne Bridge, Newcastle Castle Keep and The Sage music centre. You can’t miss The Millenium Bridge, which opens like a striking painting and uniquely bends over the river. Cross the swinging bridge and find yourself at Gateshead Quays, where numerous bars and restaurants provide you with fantastic options for eating out.

2. Explore the Great North Museum: Hancock

The celebrated Great North Museum: Hancock celebrates all that goes on in this corner of the country. It is based in Newcastle University and displays a fantastic range of fossils, mammals and artefacts. First-time visitors will be amazed by “T.Rex’s Corner’ which is dedicated to dinosaurs, “Bug World’, an interactive zone of insects, “Live Earth’, a rotating globe of live climate changes, and “The Art Room’, an art installation full of historic artifacts from the Great North region. The museum boasts a huge selection of interactive exhibits that bring history to life. If you want to truly appreciate the North East’s history, this is one place that should not be missed.

3. Take a Stroll Through Grey’s Monument

Grey’s Monument stands proudly in the city as a visual reminder of the historical impact made by Charles Grey, then Prime Minister of Britain. It is an impressive 42 metres tall and has been sitting at the centre of Newcastle since 1838. It has since became one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, not only due to its significance but because it offers breathtaking views across the whole city. The magnificent Grade I listed building is naturally ornamented with carvings depicting English Heritage and War Memorials, as well as providing iconic photostops just begging to be documented on Instagram.

4. Visit Ouseburn Farm

Nestled at Nestled at Ouseburn Valley on the cusp between Newcastle city centre and vibrant Ouseburn lies Ouseburn Farm – a rare urban farm in the heart of one of Europe’s trendiest cities. Situated on 6 acres of lush green land, Ouseburn Farm provides a unique opportunity to explore farmland within an urban setting and discover traditional agricultural activities within city boundaries. Animals ranging from chickens to rabbits, goats, cows and sheep are some of what can be found within its boundaries. The farmshop stocks a huge selection of homegrown food, eggs and honey that has been ethically sourced from local businesses in Ashington, Berwick-Upon-Tweed and beyond. It also runs several educational programmes designed to connects children with food and farming in an interactive way.

5. Get Lost at Life Science Centre

Life Science Centre is a fantastic place to explore science and its connections with art, health and technology – both indoors and outdoors. The huge science centre is home to a variety of hands-on interactive exhibits ranging from virtual realities to 3D printing and robotics. Not only does Life Science Centre offer a feast for adventure seekers, but it also comes complete with its own Planetarium, which takes stargazers on a journey through time where they can explore comets, the solar system, constellations and planets in virtual reality. The centre also includes Firebox, which is equipped with over 80 interactive exhibits where visitors can explore steam engines, hydraulic machines, robotics and artificial intelligence to gain further insight into science beyond what’s taught in school syllabuses.

Conclusion

Newcastle is packed with an array of wonderful things to do – from experiencing the best in culture and art to enjoying some of its outdoor attractions – these five must-see destinations listed above are just some places which make Newcastle such an enticing place for tourists and locals alike. With such eye-opening experiences waiting around every corner, it’s clear to see why many rate Newcastle as a must-visit destination this year!