Planning a weekend in Newcastle upon Tyne? This two-day itinerary covers the city’s elegant Georgian streets, famous bridges, independent cafés, excellent museums and an easy trip to the coast at Tynemouth and Whitley Bay. Football and bridges are the two things that everyone mentions when you say you are heading up to Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle is so much more than that. She has great art galleries and museums, a burgeoning food scene and the seaside.
I have visited Newcastle upon Tyne many times, most recently as a guest of Experience North East England
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Perfect Weekend Itinerary for Newcastle upon Tyne
I was a student in Newcastle. It was here that I found my feet as a grown up. The museums remain among my favourite collections, even though now I have seen many, many more. I especially loved that you could get to the beach in half an hour on the Metro or out to the Tyne Valley on the train. Here are the things that I love most about Newcastle and what lures me back time after time in a handy weekend itinerary.
Day One Newcastle upon Tyne weekend itineray
Newcastle boomed in the 19th century. On the first day we are going to explore the graceful town centre and discover the industrial Quayside.
Explore the centre of the Newcastle upon Tyne
Coal, shipbuilding and heavy engineering brought great wealth to Tyneside in the 19th century. To match the city’s new wealth an elegant town centre was created. Take a look at the sweeping Regency style terraces and you might think yourself in Bath.
Newcastle upon Tyne Train Station
Most of my visits to Newcastle have started at the train station. I think that it is one of the world’s great train stations. Take time to admire the architecture before you head out into the city. John Dobson designed Newcastle station in the Neo-classical style. When it opened in 1850 it was considered so stunning that railway pioneer, Robert Stephenson, was entertained at a grand banquet on the platform the day before Queen Victoria officially opened the station. Look up at the graceful columns and gentle curve of the building. Outside see the magnificent portico, designed to enable carriages to drive through.
Grainger Town
Newcastle boomed in the 19th century. Coal was mined, ships were built and great inventors came up world changing ideas. The city fathers wanted a city centre that reflected Newcastle’s grandeur. Developer Richard Grainger came up with a plan, that was backed by town clerk, John Clayton. John Dobson was the architect who designed much to the centre.
Grey Street
John Dobson’s crowning achievement. A graceful curved street, lined with elegant neo-classical buildings, snaking down the hill toward the Tyne. Grey Street is reckoned to be one of the handsomest streets in the UK.
Grey’s Monument
Grey’s Monument stands at the top of Grey Street. Atop the column is Charles, 2nd Earl Grey. Tea springs to mind when Earl Grey is mentioned. Whether or not Charles, 2nd Earl Grey ever tasted Earl Grey tea is not known. There are many creation myths around the blend but none conclusively lead back to him. The reason he has a monument is because he was Prime Minister, responsible for the Great Reform Act, which was the beginning of votes for all in the UK.
Grainger Market
Back in the day I used to do most of my food shopping here. Greengrocers, butchers, fishmongers, tea and coffee merchants and a health food stall filled the space. Nowadays you can still buy fruit and veg and the butchers are still here but most of the stalls sell delicious food to eat now. Cuisines from all over the world are available. Come hungry. Come for lunch.
Central Arcade
Just to your left as stand admiring Earl Grey on his column you will see an archway leading to the Central Arcade. Inside is a riot of Edwardian mosaics. When I was a student J D Windows occupied the whole of one side. It sold all things musical, instruments, sheet music, records and fancy hifi. Rumour had it that Mark Knopfler and Bryan Ferry used to shop here. After 125 years Windows shut up shop in 2024.
Fenwick Department Store
Technically on Northumberland Street, just outside Grainger Town, but there is an entrance just at the base of the Grey’s Monument. This is the original Fenwick’s. Here you will find a wide array of great clothes. Make sure not to miss the food hall, full to the brim of excellent locally produced food. Last time I was in Newcastle I ate lunch here too.
Tyneside Cinema
Yes, I know, you can go to the cinema anywhere. Trust me, the Tyneside Cinema is special. An art deco gem, feast your eyes on the beautiful auditorium before and after watching a film. At the very least pop into the café.
Explore Ouseburn and the Newcastle Quayside
Now I’m going to suggest that you leave the centre of Newcastle. Take a stroll down Ouseburn and then along Tyne Quayside taking in the view of the Tyne Bridges. Ouseburn has blossomed from a neglected semi-industrial place into a buzzing creative hub. Great restaurants, cool cafés and interesting galleries await you. Follow the route in the map below.
Biscuit Factory
Biscuits used to be made at the Biscuit Factory, nowadays it is an independent art gallery. Most of the work is for sale, I wanted to buy almost all of it. If you fancy making something then the Biscuit Factory runs workshops. Be sure not to miss the cafe either. My kind of place.
Newcastle Quayside
At the bottom of Ouseburn, the Ouse joins the Tyne. Turn right and walk along the Quayside enjoying great views of the iconic Tyne bridges as you go.
Tyne Bridges
There are seven bridges over the Tyne in central Newcastle. Together they form one of the most iconic views in the UK. Starting in the East and heading West here is a brief overview of each bridge.
Millennium Bridge
The newest of all the bridges, opened in 2001, is for pedestrians and cyclists. To me, it looks like a blinking eye. If you are lucky, you will see it open to let a boat past.
Tyne Bridge
Next the Tyne Bridge, which is the largest single span steel bridge in the UK. Almost as impressive as the great steel arch are the magnificent Art Deco towers at either end. Sir Ralph Freeman, who designed the bridge, liked the design so much that he later adapted the design for the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Swing Bridge
Low down and bright red the Swing Bridge is next. It was built to allow big ships to get to the Armstrong engineering works further up the river. William Armstrong both designed the hydraulic system to move the bridge and paid for it to be built.
High Level Bridge
Another marvel of Victorian engineering is next, the High Level Bridge is a double decker with trains on the top and a road suspended underneath.
Metro Bridge
Opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1981 the bright blue Metro bridge carries the Metro trains across the river.
King Edward VII Railway Bridge
Again, the names tell you what it is for. If you arrive by train on the East Coast Mainline from the South, this is the bridge that you will cross.
Redheugh Bridge
Finally comes the Redheugh Bridge, a plain concrete number that carries the A189. Opened by Diana, Princess of Wales in 1983.
Baltic Contemporary
Cross over the Millennium Bridge to get to the Baltic Contemporary, which is technically in Gateshead. Once a flour mill the giant spaces have been transformed into a contemporary art gallery with an ever changing array of exhibitions, free to visit. The Baltic has a great shop and café.
Quayside Sunday market
For as long as anyone can remember there has been a Sunday market on Newcastle’s Quayside. Independent traders from across the North East sell an array of food and handcrafted items.
Walk up Dog Leap Stairs
For reasons that I don’t understand, Google maps will not let me set the walking route to go up the Side. Ignore the wiggles and walk up the Side toward the huge railway viaduct. At the foot of the viaduct, head left up the steep steps. These are the Dog Leap Stairs and will take you up to the Castle and Cathedral. Michael Caine ran down these steps in Get Carter.
Newcastle Cathedral
For 900 years Newcastle Cathedral has been at the centre of the city’s spiritual life. To begin with it was as St Nicholas’ parish church, only becoming a Cathedral in 1882. Before you go in take a look at the unusual spire with its open lantern top. Inside there is a wealth of Victorian stained glass and some excellent Tudor memorials. Make sure not to miss Café 16, which has an amazing painted ceiling and serves excellent cake.
Lit and Phil Society
One for library fans. The Lit and Phil is a library, a reading room, a place to be quiet, a place to have a cup of coffee. People have been coming to do all of those things here since the beginning of the 19th century. The building is stunning and hosts a full range of talks, concerts and readings. Free to visit.
Newcastle Art Galleries and Museums
Newcastle was where I discovered the joy of mooching around art galleries and museums on my own. I grew up in the country where everything was a half hour bus ride away, with an irregular service. I strongly commend visiting at least one of them during your weekend in Newcastle.
Laing Art Gallery
When I was a student in Newcastle I used to come to the Laing Art Gallery every week. It was here that I really got to know the pre-Raphaelites. I met Laura Knight here for the first time. The Stone Pickers by George Clausen so beguiled me that I had a poster of it on my wall. Free to visit and still every bit as wonderful to me.
Discovery Museum
For me the main attraction of the Discovery Museum is the Turbinia. She was the first steam turbine powered ship when she was launched in 1894, within a decade most new ships were powered by steam turbines. Elsewhere you can find out more about great scientific discoveries made in the North East including the electric light bulb and steam engines. Admission is free.
Great North Museum: Hancock
The Hancock is a good old fashioned collection of stuffed animals. Well more than that. There are rocks, dinosaurs and lots about the Romans and Hadrian’s Wall. Free to visit.
St James’ Park home to Newcastle United Football Club
I lived opposite the football ground for two years. You could tell what the score was just by listening to the crowd. Even if you are not visiting for a match a Stadium tour of St James’ Park is really interesting. You get see to the pitch, walk down the tunnel, sit in the home dressing room and get a bird’s eye view from the posh seats. In the summer, if you are feeling really brave you can do a rooftop tour with views across Tyneside.
Day 2 Newcastle Weekend Itinerary – Go to the Seaside
One of my favourite things to do when I lived in Newcastle was to hop on the Metro and head to the coast. You can be at the seaside half an hour after leaving central Newcastle, an all day saver Metro ticket costs £5. From Monument station you can go either way on the Yellow loop line. I would head to Whitley Bay first and then make your way to Tynemouth, you can either walk or take short hops on the Metro. A direct walk with no pausing to look at pebbles, stopping at a cafe or eating fish and chips will take half an hour.
Explore Tynemouth to Whitley Bay
Tynemouth, where the Tyne meets the North Sea. People have lived here since at least two centuries before the Romans arrived. Tynemouth Castle and Priory have guarded the mouth of the Tyne for over a thousand years and was still being used during the Second World War. King Edward’s Bay is at the foot of the castle and surrounded by high grassy cliffs, getting down to the beach is via quite a steep set of steps. For long beach walks and easier access walk a little bit further along to Longsands, a mile of golden beach. A little further on you come to Cullercoats, once a fishing village that retains its village atmosphere with cute cafés and interesting shops behind the sandy bay. Finally comes Whitley Bay with a picturesque lighthouse and the iconic Spanish City.
Where to stay in Newcastle upon Tyne
For a weekend break in Newcastle you either want to stay in the centre of Newcastle or down on the Quayside. On the Quayside you have river views, but a steep hill to walk up and down. In the centre you are walking distance to most places or within easy reach of a Metro station. Here are hotels that either I have stayed in or good friends have stayed in and enjoyed.
- Maldron Hotel: In Grainger Town a short walk from the station and football ground.
- Hotel Gotham: Newcastle’s only 5* hotel, in the city centre with a great bar, even if you aren’t staying. A little bit further away from the station than the Maldron but easily walkable.
- INNSiDE by Melia: right on the Quayside with great views along the river and the bridges. At the base of Side, so a steep but not a long walk to the centre and the station.
- Malmaison: On the Quayside, right by the Millennium Bridge. Great views but quite a long walk from the station.
Best Places to Eat in Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle has vibrant food scene. New places are opening all the time in the Grainger Market and Ouseburn has a great selection of eateries. My niece lives in Newcastle, here is a selection of places that she loves, plus some that I really liked during my latest visit. Newcastle Tour Company do a great food tour of Newcastle, make sure you come hungry.
- Cook House: in Foundry Lane, Ouseburn, serves affordable Michelin listed food. Open Wednesday to Sunday
- Northern Rye: great coffee pastries, sandwiches and toasties in Ouseburn.
- Pink Lane Bakery – delicious cakes and pastries shops are opposite the Central Station in Pink Lane, Jesmond and Gosforth
- Laneway – great coffee and lunch, with small plate evening service on Friday and Saturday. Laneway is in both High Bridge in the centre of Newcastle and Tynemouth
- The Factory Kitchen at the Biscuit Factory: Great lunch spot but only open during the week.
- Café 16 at Newcastle Cathedral: Breakfast, light lunches and excellent cakes.
- Café Laing at the Laing Art Gallery: tea, coffee and lunch surrounded by art. s
- Grainger Market: local producers in a bustling Victorian heritage market
- Fenwick: Yes I know Fenwick is a department store, but she also has great cafés head to Colmans for Fish and Chips or Café 21 for a light lunch.
Practical information for visiting Newcastle upon Tyne
How to get to Newcastle
- Train from London Kings Cross takes about 3 hours, make sure you get a seat on right hand side on the journey northfor a birds eye view of the Tyne Bridges, Angel of the North and Durham Cathedral. Both LNER and Lumo operate trains to Newcastle.
- Fly my first ever flight was from Newcastle to London. A twenty-first birthday present from my boyfriend. Nowadays 14 airlines fly from Newcastle airport from around 80 destinations around the world, including London Heathrow, Bristol, Exeter, Newquay and Southampton in the UK. Getting to and from Newcastle airport is an easy 25 minute Metro journey to the centre of Newcastle.
Getting around Newcastle upon Tyne
The centre of Newcastle is quite compact and easily walkable. If you want to venture to the seaside or even out Sunderland the Metro is fast, reliable and cheap. You can pay by tapping in and out with your bank card.
Best time of year to visit Newcastle upon Tyne
I enjoy every season in Newcastle. If you are not a football fan it might make sense to avoid match days, you can find a list on the Newcastle United website. Winters can be cold in an English sort of a way. My mother reminds me that my letters home were laced with comments about the cold. Summer days are long, with daylight lasting until 11pm around the summer solstice.
Newcastle upon Tyne FAQ
Definitely yes, Newcastle is one of the UK’s most vibrant cities.
How many days do you need in Newcastle? You can see most things in two days. Three will give you time to visit all the museums or to take a day trip to Durham or the Northumberland coast.
You can see most things in two days. Three will give you time to visit all the museums or to take a day trip to Durham or the Northumberland coast.
Yes, the city centre is very compact, there is steep hill down to the Quayside but take that slow and steady. If you want to visit the coast, the Metro will whisk you there in about half an hour.
Football! Newcastle United invoke great passion in Geordies. Newcastle Brown Ale, aka Newkie Brown, once brewed here the Blue Star of the brewery still blinks outside many pubs. The Tyne Bridges, an iconic collection of crossings recognised anywhere. Greggs, makers of Stotties and sausage rolls are based in Newcastle. Great nightlife, this is not my strong point, but friends tell me the clubs are legendary.
Yes! The Metro will get you there within half an hour.
