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12 Top Things To Do in Newcastle

Whether you’re a lifelong Geordie or a newcomer to the Quayside, there are things to do in Newcastle for absolutely everyone. From a night out on the Toon to a family adventure through the city’s many museums, you’re in for a grand time in Newcastle. Not sure where to start? At Groupon we’re on hand with tips and deals, so you can do anything from learning about the human body at the Centre for Life to wandering through Grainger Town to your heart’s content.

#1 discover the BEAMISH MUSEUM

Open Air Industrial Museum

Around 10 miles south of Newcastle, the Beamish Museum is a tremendous testament to the industrial history of Newcastle and Northumberland. The museum is an open-air example of life in a Northumberland town during the industrial period, with reenactors and period technology. Split into two eras, it is an engrossing glimpse back in time.

beamish museum

 

#2 Gateshead Millennium Bridge

Tilting Pedestrian Bridge

While it might not have been around as long as its sister the Tyne Bridge, Gateshead Millennium Bridge has very quickly become an established part of Newcastle’s civic image. You can walk from one end to the other of this unique bridge easily or wait to catch a glimpse of its “tilting” when it has to allow for boats to pass underneath.

Gateshead Millennium Bridge

 

#3 angel of the north

Large Contemporary Sculpture

The Angel of the North is one of Newcastle’s most famous and enduring symbols. This large 66ft tall sculpture stands, wings abreast, in Gateshead and is an imposing figure on top of the hill of Birtley. If the Angel itself isn’t enough to grab your attention, then maybe the tremendous views from its feet will tempt you to make a visit.

Angel of the North

 

#4 DISCOVERY MUSEUM

Science Museum in Liverpool

One of the most iconic buildings in Newcastle city centre, Discover Museum is a must-see for anybody interested in history and science. Started in 1934, the museum displays many different exhibitions including the first steam-powered ship, Turbinia. Visiting Discovery Museum is completely free of charge.

discovery museum

 

#5 motor museum

Vintage Cars & Motorcycles

Newburn is home to the Newburn Motor Museum and its fabulous collection of pristine vintage cars, motorcycles and vans. While Newburn Motor Museum is a definite treat for car lovers, it’s also an engaging visit for those who can’t tell the difference between a gear stick and a handbrake.

motor museum

 

#6 centre for life

Liverpool’s Night Time Entertainment

Packed full of fantastic nightlife and exciting things to see, you can find plenty of things to do in Liverpool once the sun has gone down. The Ropewalks district and The Baltic Triangle are both trendy areas for a night out, or you can catch live performances with free entry at many of the venues on Seel Street.

Centre for Life

 

#7 newcastle cathedral

Gothic Cathedral

Newcastle Cathedral is a grand and imposing gothic building. The ornate clock and stunning dome on the tower make the exterior of the Cathedral particularly imposing, but the interior is also strikingly beautiful. The Cathedral is home to a grand organ which you can be heard during regular recitals on Mondays.

newcastle cathedral

 

#8 Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art

Art Gallery and Exhibitions

The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art plays host to Newcastle’s biggest and best collection of contemporary artworks. With regularly changing exhibitions and exciting events, this Turner Prize winning location is a fantastic destination for art lovers. It also offers gorgeous views of the river and Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art

 

#9 The Rising Sun Countryside Centre

City Park Visitor Centre

Amongst a sea of green in the centre of Newcastle, The Rising Sun Countryside Centre can be found inside the large Rising Sun Country Park. Perfect if you’re after a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, this park and centre offer a wide range of activities including family walks, picnics, children’s play areas and even a farmyard.

The Rising Sun Countryside Centre

 

#10 river tyne

River flowing through Newcastle

The lifeblood of Newcastle, the River Tyne is both a scenic river and an important part of the city’s industrial past. The River Tyne runs straight through Newcastle, creating the divide between Newcastle and Gateshead, and offers a number of attractions including river tours of the city. Heading down to the Tyneside for a stroll around sunset is a must.

river tyne

 

#11 Quayside 

Riverside Eating District

The Gateshead and Newcastle Quayside is the city's favourite destination for everything from fine dining to regional specialities. Whether you’re in the mood for a tasty burger at The Bridge Tavern, or a three-course meal at Dobson and Parnell, there’s a Quayside restaurant that’ll tickle your taste buds.

quayside

 

#12 northumberland

Newcastle’s Home County

Visiting Newcastle on a city break? With fantastic connections from Newcastle to the rest of Northumberland, it is well worth heading out beyond the city limits for a day trip. Northumberland is a picturesque and historic region, with many must-see destinations including the likes of Hadrian’s Wall and Northumberland National Park.

northumberland

 

Events in NewcastleView All

Newburn Motor Museum Entry for Two, Four or Six Adults or a Family of Four (Up to 51% Off)
TRENDING TRENDING
Newburn Motor Museum Entry for Two, Four or Six Adults or a Family of Four (Up to 51% Off)
Newcastle • 5.2 km
£6 £3.95
(8)
34% discount_off
Premier Entry to Newcastle Races on 27 June at Newcastle Racecourse (Up to 44% Off)
TRENDING TRENDING
Premier Entry to Newcastle Races on 27 June at Newcastle Racecourse (Up to 44% Off)
Newcastle Racecourse • 4.3 km
£18 £10
30+ bought
44% discount_off
Rum & Reggae Festival, 6 April - 31 August, Multiple Locations (Up to 39% Off)
TRENDING TRENDING
Rum & Reggae Festival, 6 April - 31 August, Multiple Locations (Up to 39% Off)
Multiple Locations • 0.4 km
£19.43 £14.50
(150)
25% discount_off
Roy Orbison and The Traveling Wilburys Tribute, 24 August at O2 Academy Newcastle (Up to 51% Off)
Roy Orbison and The Traveling Wilburys Tribute, 24 August at O2 Academy Newcastle (Up to 51% Off)
O2 Academy Newcastle
£26.05 £12.75
(8)
51% discount_off
The Great British Gin Festival, Standard and VIP Tickets, 6 April - 14 September, Multiple Locations (Up to 49% Off)
The Great British Gin Festival, Standard and VIP Tickets, 6 April - 14 September, Multiple Locations (Up to 49% Off)
Multiple Locations • 0.4 km
£19.43 £14.50
(150)
25% discount_off
The Rum Festival, 27 April - 9 November, Multiple Locations (Up to 54% Off*)
The Rum Festival, 27 April - 9 November, Multiple Locations (Up to 54% Off*)
Multiple Locations • 0.5 km
£19.25 £10
(96)
48% discount_off
UB40, 40th Anniversary Tour, 21 December 2018–22 May 2019, Multiple Locations (Up to 18% Off)
UB40, 40th Anniversary Tour, 21 December 2018–22 May 2019, Multiple Locations (Up to 18% Off)
Multiple Locations • 0.3 km
£43.09 £38.53
(394)
11% discount_off
FLASH SALE: UB40, 40th Anniversary Tour, 10 April - 20 May, 11 Locations (Up to 26% Off)
FLASH SALE: UB40, 40th Anniversary Tour, 10 April - 20 May, 11 Locations (Up to 26% Off)
Multiple Locations • 0.3 km
£47.75 £35.33
(406)
26% discount_off
Entry to North East Land, Sea and Air Museums for Two Adults or a Family (50% Off)
Entry to North East Land, Sea and Air Museums for Two Adults or a Family (50% Off)
Sunderland • 6.6 km
£10 £5
(44)
50% discount_off
Urban Wave Simulator Tickets for Up to Four at Ocean Beach (Up to 38% Off)
Urban Wave Simulator Tickets for Up to Four at Ocean Beach (Up to 38% Off)
South Shields • 8.1 km
£6 £4
60+ bought
33% discount_off
The Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final on 1 June at Twickenham Stadium (Up to 52% Off)
The Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final on 1 June at Twickenham Stadium (Up to 52% Off)
Twickenham Stadium
£108 £52
430+ bought
52% discount_off
The Gin to My Tonic Festival, 26 April–14 June, Five Locations (Up to 33% Off)
The Gin to My Tonic Festival, 26 April–14 June, Five Locations (Up to 33% Off)
Multiple Locations • 0.2 km
£13.50 £9
(52)
33% discount_off
Circus Rio, 29 May - 2 June in Washington, 4 - 9 June in South Shields, 11 - 16 June in Whitley Bay
Circus Rio, 29 May - 2 June in Washington, 4 - 9 June in South Shields, 11 - 16 June in Whitley Bay
Multiple Locations • 3.1 km
40+ bought
£6.99
One Ticket to Here Come The Girls, 3 March - 29 June, Multiple Locations (Up to 50% Off)
One Ticket to Here Come The Girls, 3 March - 29 June, Multiple Locations (Up to 50% Off)
Multiple Locations • 8.3 km
£31 £16
(33)
48% discount_off
The Greatest Showman Singalong Tour, 5 April - 19 October, Multiple Locations (Up to 36% Off)
The Greatest Showman Singalong Tour, 5 April - 19 October, Multiple Locations (Up to 36% Off)
Multiple Locations • 0.3 km
£28.24 £18
(4)
36% discount_off
link

5 Outdoor Activities for Kids that Are Fun and (Surprisingly) Educational

Remember how excited you used to get in school when your teacher would take the class on an outdoor field trip? Here's the secret they never told you: these fun outings outside of class also taught you something. Shocking. But you don't need to be a teacher to plan a basic field trip—in fact, many of the most popular outdoor activities for kids hav

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Things to do in Newcastle with kidsView All

Indoor Climbing Session for up to Four at Clip N Climb Newcastle
TRENDING TRENDING
Indoor Climbing Session for up to Four at Clip N Climb Newcastle
Newcastle Upon Tyne • 2.2 km
£10 £7.50
(196)
25% discount_off
Newburn Motor Museum Entry for Two, Four or Six Adults or a Family of Four (Up to 51% Off)
TRENDING TRENDING
Newburn Motor Museum Entry for Two, Four or Six Adults or a Family of Four (Up to 51% Off)
Newcastle • 5.2 km
£6 £3.95
(8)
34% discount_off
Up to Six Hours of Individual Piano Classes at Tutoring Clinic (Up to 67% Off)
Up to Six Hours of Individual Piano Classes at Tutoring Clinic (Up to 67% Off)
Newcastle Upon Tyne • 1.1 km
£50 £20
(2)
60% discount_off
Bubble Football Game for 10 or 15 at Nebubblefootball
Bubble Football Game for 10 or 15 at Nebubblefootball
Newcastle Upon Tyne • 2.3 km
20+ bought
£139
60-Minute Trampoline and 30-Minute Soft Play Access for One or Two at Mister Twister's Wacky World of Fun
TRENDING TRENDING
60-Minute Trampoline and 30-Minute Soft Play Access for One or Two at Mister Twister's Wacky World of Fun
Wardley • 4.4 km
(271)
£6
Trampoline Park Access: One or Two Hours for Up to Four at Jump Giants (Up to 45% Off)
Trampoline Park Access: One or Two Hours for Up to Four at Jump Giants (Up to 45% Off)
Gateshead • 1.9 km
£11 £7.50
(118)
32% discount_off
One-Hour Trampoline Park Access for One or Two at Super Tramp Sunderland (Up to 30% Off)
One-Hour Trampoline Park Access for One or Two at Super Tramp Sunderland (Up to 30% Off)
Sunderland • 7.5 km
£10 £7.45
(76)
26% discount_off
Bowling and Food for Up to Six at The Dunes South Shields (Up to 85% Off)
Bowling and Food for Up to Six at The Dunes South Shields (Up to 85% Off)
South Shields • 8.1 km
£68.40 £10
(324)
85% discount_off
90-Minute Soft Play for Two or Four at Mister Twister's Wacky World of Fun (Up to 42% Off)
90-Minute Soft Play for Two or Four at Mister Twister's Wacky World of Fun (Up to 42% Off)
Wardley • 4.4 km
£13 £8
(271)
38% discount_off
Entry to North East Land, Sea and Air Museums for Two Adults or a Family (50% Off)
Entry to North East Land, Sea and Air Museums for Two Adults or a Family (50% Off)
Sunderland • 6.6 km
£10 £5
(44)
50% discount_off
Paintball with 100 Balls and Light Lunch for Five, Ten or 15 at Paintball Networks, Multiple Locations (96% Off)
Paintball with 100 Balls and Light Lunch for Five, Ten or 15 at Paintball Networks, Multiple Locations (96% Off)
Multiple Locations • 6.5 km
£112.39 £5
(24)
96% discount_off
Two Games of Laser Tag for Up to Ten at Laser Quest, Three Locations (Up to 50% Off)
Two Games of Laser Tag for Up to Ten at Laser Quest, Three Locations (Up to 50% Off)
Multiple Locations • 10.4 km
£7.95 £5
(132)
37% discount_off
Archery, Tomahawk, Crossbow, or Rifle Shooting for Up to Six at Durham Scout County Moor House Adventure Centre
Archery, Tomahawk, Crossbow, or Rifle Shooting for Up to Six at Durham Scout County Moor House Adventure Centre
Houghton Le Spring • 12.3 km
(10)
£29
Bowling Party for Up to 12 Children at The Dunes South Shields (Up to 64% Off)
Bowling Party for Up to 12 Children at The Dunes South Shields (Up to 64% Off)
South Shields • 8.1 km
£54 £25
(329)
54% discount_off
Urban Wave Simulator Tickets for Up to Four at Ocean Beach (Up to 38% Off)
Urban Wave Simulator Tickets for Up to Four at Ocean Beach (Up to 38% Off)
South Shields • 8.1 km
£6 £4
60+ bought
33% discount_off
 

MAKING THE MOST OF newcastle WITH GROUPON

There are lots of different things to do in Newcastle for locals and visitors alike. From a day of shopping therapy at intu Eldon Square, to a trip of historic discovery through the castle, Newcastle has got you covered. With lots of exciting deals from Groupon for all of Newcastle’s best attractions, you’ll soon be having fun in no time.

Free things to do in Newcastle

Finding fun things to do in Newcastle today doesn’t have to mean diving deep into your pockets, with plenty of great activities to do for free across the entire city. Strolling through some of the city’s more unique areas, like Chinatown and Grainger Town, won’t cost you anything, but does offer you a great chance for some excellent window shopping and photography.

A whistle-stop walking tour of Newcastle is one of the best ways to get the most out of the city – remember to stop by some of the attractions that offer free admission, like the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and the Great North Museum Hancock.

Things to do in Newcastle with kids

Keeping the kids entertained is easy, with plenty of family-friendly things to do in Newcastle every weekend. Family favourite destinations include the kid-friendly interactive science exhibitions at the Centre for Life and the exciting underground tour of the Victoria Tunnel. The Discovery Museum is also well worth a visit, with interesting exhibits about the history of Newcastle and a water play area for younger children.

Romantic things to do in Newcastle

With lots of things to do for couples in Newcastle, it’s perfect for a romantic city break or a night out together. Newcastle’s restaurant scene is packed full of fantastic places to eat, particularly in the Quayside area, so you can look forward to enjoying a romantic dusk-lit dinner by the Tyne. After you’ve finished your meal you’ll find plenty of things to do in Newcastle at night, with the city’s famously energetic nightlife carrying you through into the early hours.

Looking for something a little bit lower key? A visit to Newcastle’s High Bridge Quarter is ideal for a romantic stroll down its charming cobbled streets, or you could head to the Tyneside Cinema for an impromptu movie date.

Things to do near Grey Street, Newcastle

Grey Street is the main street in Newcastle city centre and the location to many of the city’s best shopping and attractions. To the top of Grey Street, you’ll find Grey’s Monument, a large column dedicated to Earl Grey – a staircase to the top is occasionally open to the public, offering unbeatable views of central Newcastle.

Surrounding Grey’s Monument are some of Newcastle’s busiest shopping destinations, including the tremendous intu Eldon Square complex.

On Grey Street you’ll also find the Theatre Royal for an eclectic range of live performances, or if you head down one of the adjoining streets you can choose from a variety of excellent bars and eateries.

Heading south from Grey Street will lead you towards Newcastle Cathedral and Newcastle Castle, for a deep dive into the city’s historic past. Be sure to visit the imposing medieval Black Gate as you head to the castle.

Essential travel tips & hacks for Newcastle

If this is your first time venturing into the wonderful city of Newcastle, then you may want to follow some of these essential travel tips:

  • Don’t be scared to leave the city. Northumberland and the Tyneside area are absolutely bursting with great things to see and do, including Alnwick Castle and Hexham Abbey
  • Head to the Tyneside Cinema every day at 11:30am to catch a unique showing of historic newsreel footage
  • If you want something fresh first thing, you can pick up fantastic fruit & veg at the Grainger Market from 6:30 am
  • Visiting The Stand comedy club is a highlight of Newcastle but be prepared to be picked out – audience interaction with the comics is encouraged!

What’s the weather like in Newcastle

Newcastle is usually a little drier than the rest of the UK, but that doesn’t mean it is immune from typical British downpours. Be sure to pack a jacket if you’re travelling in the winter, because it can get quite nippy.

Season 

Min. temperature 

Max. temperature 

Winter 

+2.2°C 

+7.2°C 

Spring 

+4.8°C 

+10.3°C 

Summer 

+12.3°C 

+18.1°C 

Autumn 

+7.7°C 

+13.2°C 

How do I get around Newcastle?

Transport around Newcastle is simple, with easy access to the bus, Tyne and Wear Metro and local taxi services. The Metro is the easiest way to get around the city, with links to the airport and Central Station for overground trains. If in doubt, make your way to the Monument Metro station in Eldon Square for access to all the lines.

For rail routes out of the city you can catch a train from Central Station on Neville Street. Alternatively, if you’re arriving at Central Station and you’re not sure where to go, you can catch a cab from the taxi ranks there. If you are arriving at Newcastle Airport, then the best route into the city is through the Metro, although the X77 and X78 buses run directly from the airport to Eldon Square.

With just a little help from Groupon, you can now look forward to enjoying everything that Newcastle has to offer you.

 

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