London to Newcastle? It’s easier than you think. The train from London to Newcastle takes just 2 hours and 41 minutes.* So, pocket your train tickets with LNER, check in to the Toon and press play on a city break this Autumn.

*Based on 25% of LNER’s weekday services between London King’s Cross and Newcastle Station following the December 2025 timetable change. Actual journey times may vary by service.

Head to Kiln to start your day with a tasty brunch. The menu offers a diverse range of plates drawing inspiration from Middle Eastern flavours. You can expect all day breakfast sandwiches, house granola with berries, Turkish eggs and even flat iron steak to tuck into. Grab a strong coffee and enjoy with cosy vibes with exposed brick walls and stunning artwork.

This coffee shop and bakery serves up some of the best handcrafted breads and pastries the city has to offer. Their cruffins (a cross between a croissant and a muffin) have become somewhat legendary, and their sandwich collaborations with some of the best restaurants and artisan food shops around will keep you coming back for more.

Brinkburn Brewery is a small, independent brewery with a fantastic range of quality cask and keg beers from their own brewery at Brinkburn Street, The Steam Machine, and Two by Two to name but a few. For a tasty lunch they serve up delicious North East-inspired small plates, prepared on site using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

The Tyne Bar has been one of Newcastle's best-loved independent pubs since it first opened its doors in November 1994. Located beneath the Glasshouse Bridge where the River Ouse meets the Tyne, this iconic pub offers a relaxed pub where you can unwind with a pint of craft beer or cider while taking in the scenic views of the waterfront. With its cosy indoor space and spacious outdoor terrace where you can catch live music, it’s well worth a visit.

For some seriously tasty food during your weekend head over to Miso, a soulful Japanese small plate restaurant and bar serving up a menu inspired by Japan’s izakaya bars. It features an ever-changing seasonal menu with a selection of authentic dishes like gyozas, cured salmon and kimchi as well as an extensive range of drinks and hand-crafted cocktails. Expect full flavour, contemporary style and the friendliest service.

The Lockup is a prime spot in Ouseburn, where you can expect quality cocktails, wine, beer and even grab a bit to eat from the pop-up kitchen downstairs. Grab yourself a drink and venture up to the roof terrace with incredible views, heaters to keep cosy and of course, a giant disco ball.

Billy Bootleggers is an American-style dive bar with a jam-packed line-up of fantastic free live music events. Housed in what was once a tyre garage, Billy’s has plenty of character. Sit inside the bar or outside in the courtyard to enjoy a drink with great music to accompany it. Don’t forget to pose for the camera in their photobooth!

No visit to Ouseburn would be complete without experiencing a gig at The Cluny. The North East music scene is electric and you’ll find plenty of it on full display here. This iconic grassroots venue is a beloved spot known for its intimate atmosphere and diverse music lineup. Before you know it, you’ll be dancing the night away to the absolute best up-and-coming North East talent and discovering your new favourite band. It’s the kind of night that you’ll be talking about long after the encore. 

Start your day the right way with a hearty brunch at Ernest. Choose from freshly made hash bowls, full breakfasts and chunky sandwiches all made with locally sourced ingredients. And if you want to start the day with an extra kick, you can wash your brunch down with a speciality Bloody Mary.

For some of the best donuts in town head to Deep North. Every doughnut is made fresh each day from scratch, including the dough, jams, fillings, and glazes, using only the finest local and seasonal ingredients. The Homer donut is a firm favourite, so if you spot it on the counter, grab it while you can.

Grab a slice at Gingerino’s, a casual dining spot renowned for their mouthwatering thin and crispy stonebaked pizzas. Expect proper Italian ingredients, from San Marzano D.O.P. tomatoes and 00 pizza flour to creamy fiore di latte cheese, all bringing plenty of flavour to every slice.

Start your evening with a stop-off at Wren for a quality drink experience. Next door to The Cookhouse, this gorgeous bar offers delicious homemade drinks which are ingredient-led and served in a cosy and super stylish setting. Enjoy a hand selected list of cocktails, beers, wines and spirits paired with punchy bar snacks which are perfect for grazing.

Founded by acclaimed chef Anna Hedworth, Cook House offers a unique dining experience characterised by its seasonal menus, locally sourced ingredients, and inventive flavours. Mentioned in the Michelin Guide, this spot is a must for food lovers. Housed within a converted shipping container, the restaurant exudes a cosy and intimate atmosphere. From brunch dishes and innovative small plates, each dish at Cook House is crafted with care and creativity.

The Cumberland Arms is a great pub for live music, with deep roots in Newcastle’s folk scene. Head upstairs for a variety of live gigs taking place or head into the back bar for one of its traditional folk sessions. With its long-standing connection to the city’s music community, grab a drink and enjoy a night of live music.

Make your way to The Grove for a great night of live music, where you can catch gigs from up-and-coming North East talent to bigger names passing through the city. There’s more to the venue than the gigs too, with a spacious courtyard and terrace, a bar stocked with plenty of pints and food to keep you fuelled before the music gets going.