Being a responsible tourist in NewcastleGateshead

An increasing number of people are making a conscious decision to be a responsible tourist, to support the local communities they are visiting and help make sure the destinations they visit retain their natural and cultural heritage for future generations to enjoy.

There are many things you can do to be a responsible tourist in NewcastleGateshead. Here we outline 10 ways you can enjoy the destination responsibly.

Leave the car if you can walk, cycle or use public transport instead. NewcastleGateshead has a compact city centre and if you can travel on foot, you can take in the sights on the way. Most hotels, attractions, shops and restaurants are within a short stroll of each other. Even a walk from The Glasshouse at the south of the city centre to Great North Museum at the north end will take just half an hour. Likewise, both the city centre and surrounding region are easy to explore by bike, with traffic-free trails, forest routes and long-distance rides on offer. You can hire a bike (and enjoy a coffee and cake) at The Cycle Hub in the Ouseburn.

Find out more about getting around NewcastleGateshead and exploring by bike.

If you’re exploring North East England further, investigate the public transport options and consider hiring an electric vehicle. The Tyne & Wear Metro system connects Newcastle city centre to the coast at Tynemouth, Whitley Bay, South Shields and Seaburn in less than 30 minutes. While the journey to historic Durham city takes just 10-15 minutes by train.

Check sustainability credentials when choosing who to travel with and where to stay and explore. Look out for third-party sustainability certifications, including Green Key and Green Tourism, for added reassurance that the businesses you choose are committed to sustainability.

Enjoy the clean, clear drinking water from our taps. It tasted good and means you can avoid single-use bottles. You can find out more about our drinking water on the Northumbrian Water website.

Shop local to enjoy some of the best products and support local producers, makers and businesses. Explore a wealth of local food producers at Fenwick Food Hall and check out local gifts to take home with you.

Look out for local cafes and restaurants offering delicious, local produce and seasonal foods as well as healthy, plant-based menus. Silver award-winner of the Taste of England category in the VisitEngland national awards for excellence, Blackfriars Restaurant is a prime example of a local restaurant using seasonal produce from local farms and producers and has a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

Avoid crowded places and come back when it's less busy. Or better yet, visit during the colder months (December - February) when NewcastleGateshead tends to have fewer visitors - you'll often be rewarded by lower hotel rates.

If you're venturing outside the city centre, there is plenty to consider in being a responsible tourist. The England and Wales Countryside Code gives advice for countryside visitors. This includes steps for not disturbing wildlife and habitats, being considerate to farmland and livestock keeping your dog on a lead when needed and taking litter home. Not disturb the incredible wildlife that has roamed this epic land for centuries. Remember to take only photos and leave only footprints.

Many visitors comment on the warm welcome they receive in NewcastleGateshead and the city strives to be inclusive to all. You can contribute by adopting a culture of respect through being accepting of others and not discriminating against them because of their age, sex, gender, disability, race, religion or sexual orientation.

If you do use a car, you should park your vehicle safely and responsibly to avoid blocking roads and pavements for other users. Find out more about parking in NewcastleGateshead.

Local authority sustainability ambitions

"Our commitment to have Net Zero emissions by 2030, 20 years ahead of the UK Government’s target, requires far reaching change in every part of our city. It is something that can only be achieved by everyone coming together to reduce our carbon footprint, mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change and grasp the opportunities of the new green economy."
Net Zero Newcastle 2030 Action Plan

"Climate change caused by increasing carbon emissions is a global problem. If urgent action to drastically reduce carbon emissions is not taken in the next 10 years, the damage done cannot be reversed... Everyone has a part to play and, by working together in Gateshead, we can make a difference - helping improve our environment, health and wellbeing."
Zero Carbon Gateshead