Start your car-free adventure with a smooth and scenic journey into Newcastle’s vibrant city centre. The city is exceptionally well-connected by rail, with frequent services operated by:

• LNER East Coast Line – Connecting Newcastle directly to London, Edinburgh, and cities in between.
• Northern Rail – Ideal for short regional trips across the North East and beyond.
• Lumo – An affordable alternative with direct routes from London to Newcastle.
• TransPennine Express – Linking cities across the North and into Scotland.
• CrossCountry – Providing extensive services stretching as far as the South West.

If you're travelling from nearby areas or even straight from Newcastle Airport, hop on the Tyne and Wear Metro, one of the easiest ways to navigate the region. With city centre stops at Monument and Central Station, you’ll be right in the heart of the action in no time.

Newcastle is a city steeped in history, with many of its iconic landmarks within walking distance of Central Station. Spend your morning delving into centuries of stories, from medieval fortresses to scientific wonders.

• Newcastle Castle – Climb the ancient stone steps of the castle that gave the city its name. Wander through the Norman Keep, the Black Gate, and the atmospheric chambers before reaching the rooftop for panoramic views of the city skyline and the River Tyne.
• Newcastle Cathedral – Just a few minutes’ walk away, this stunning example of Gothic architecture is one of the city’s oldest buildings. Admire the striking lantern spire, explore its peaceful grounds, and step inside to view beautiful stained glass windows and intricate wood carvings.
• The Lit & Phil – A hidden gem beloved by locals, this charming library is the largest independent library outside London. Housing over 200,000 books, its grand reading room is the perfect spot for a quiet moment among centuries-old knowledge.

Family-friendly options:

If you’re visiting with little ones or curious minds, head to:

• Life Science Centre – Hands-on exhibits, interactive experiments, and planetarium shows make this a must-visit for curious kids and science lovers.
• The Discovery Museum – Dive into Newcastle’s industrial past through exhibitions on shipbuilding, local heroes, and the iconic Turbinia, the world’s first steam turbine-powered ship.

After a morning of history, it’s time to experience one of Newcastle’s biggest passions, football.

St. James’ Park Stadium Tour – Take an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of one of the UK’s most iconic football grounds, home to Newcastle United. Walk through the players’ tunnel, visit the dressing rooms, and take in sweeping views of the pitch from the stands. Plus, score 20% off your tour when you travel by bus using Good Journey.

Hungry after all that walking? Head to nearby STACK Newcastle (St. James’), an urban container village brimming with street food, independent bars, and live music. Choose from gourmet burgers, bao buns, artisan pizza, or vegan delights, then kick back with a craft beer or a refreshing cocktail.

No trip to Newcastle is complete without a walk along its most iconic streets.

• Grey Street – Voted one of the most beautiful streets in Britain, this elegant Georgian boulevard is home to boutique shops, cosy cafés, and the iconic Theatre Royal. Its graceful curve is a photographer’s dream.
• Newcastle Quayside – Continue your stroll towards the River Tyne, where the city’s famous bridges line up like architectural works of art. Cross the striking Gateshead Millennium Bridge, the world’s first tilting bridge and soak in the riverside atmosphere.
• BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art – Once an industrial flour mill, this riverside landmark now houses free, ever-changing exhibitions of contemporary art. Even if modern art isn’t your thing, the viewing platform offers breath-taking views of the Quayside and city skyline.

Top Tip: To avoid Newcastle’s famous hills, catch the Q3 bus from the Quayside straight into the city centre. It runs frequently and makes exploring even easier.

One of Newcastle’s biggest perks? The stunning North East coastline is just a short Metro ride away. From Manors Metro Station (just off the Quayside), hop on a direct train to the seaside for a classic British coastal experience.

Tynemouth – Wander cobbled streets lined with quirky shops, cafés, and historic pubs. If you’re visiting on a weekend, don’t miss the bustling Tynemouth Market at the Metro station, an eclectic mix of antiques, art, and street food. Head down to the beach for a bracing seaside walk or explore the dramatic ruins of Tynemouth Priory and Castle perched above the cliffs.

Whitley Bay – A little further along the coast, Whitley Bay offers a laid-back seaside vibe. Enjoy fresh fish and chips on the promenade or treat yourself to afternoon tea beneath the domed splendour of Spanish City. Take a stroll to St. Mary’s Lighthouse at low tide or simply enjoy the sandy beaches before heading back to the city.

As evening falls, Newcastle transforms into a lively, welcoming city famed for its buzzing nightlife.

• ABOVE – Sip cocktails with panoramic city views from this stylish rooftop bar, perfect for sunset drinks.
• Four Quarters Arcade Bar – Love retro gaming? Challenge your friends at this cool bar packed with vintage arcade machines while enjoying local craft beers and classic cocktails.
• Lane7 – For something more hands-on, head to Lane7 for boutique bowling, pool tables, shuffleboard, and even karaoke.

Newcastle’s compact city centre makes it easy to hop between bars, grab a late-night snack, and walk back to your hotel without the need for taxis.