10 Must-See Attractions in NewcastleGateshead

With so much to see and do in NewcastleGateshead, it’s easy to see why it’s been voted the Guardian and Observer Travel Awards’ favourite UK city. From a world-renowned modern art gallery to one of Europe’s largest shopping malls, there are plenty of visitor attractions to meet everyone’s tastes in Newcastle Gateshead.

To top it all off, our regions’ impressive transport system makes it easy to get to all your favourite places conveniently; helping you unlock the very best of NewcastleGateshead and the Tyne & Wear. Discover our favourite, must-see attractions in NewcastleGateshead and plan your visit to one of these fantastic spots today!

1. Visit BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art

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Often referred to as one of the cultural jewels in NewcastleGateshead, the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art on Gateshead Quayside is the largest gallery of its kind in the world. With an ever-changing calendar of exhibitions and activities by some of the art world's most prominent figures, it is a must-see for visitors and locals alike.

How to get there:

Due to it located on the Gateshead side of the Quayside, you can catch a Metro to Gateshead Interchange or Central Station and then take the Quaylink (Q1 or Q2) to Baltic Square. Alternatively, you could use the local train service to get to Newcastle Central Station and walk down Grey Street to reach the Quayside, where you can cross the Millennium Bridge.

2. Discover the Regions' History at Newcastle Castle

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Discover Newcastle’s heritage with a trip to the iconic Newcastle Castle. Dating back to 1178, Newcastle Castle Keep is one of the finest examples of Norman stone in Britain. The site itself was previously occupied by a Roman fort, an Anglo-Saxon cemetery and the original ‘New Castle' from which the city takes its name. From the top, the castle also boasts an outstanding view of NewcastleGateshead.

How to get there:

If you’re arriving via Newcastle Central Station, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s merely 10-minute walk from the castle. Alternatively, you can also access it by any bus route that goes to the city centre.

3. Make Learning Fun at Life Science Centre

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The award-winning Life Science Centre in Newcastle brings learning to life for a fun family day out. With excellent exhibitions, an amazing 4D motion simulator ride, live science shows and the North's biggest planetarium all under one roof, you'll learn, as well as having plenty of fun on your visit. Head to the Life Centre during winter to check out the city's seasonal ice rink, situated in the middle of Times Square.

How to get there:

Take a local bus to the Centre for Life bus stop located on Westmorland Road or take either a Metro or local train to Newcastle Central Station, which is about a five-minute walk away.

4. Shop in style at Metrocentre

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Metrocentre is Europe's largest indoor shopping and leisure centre. Packed with high street favourites, one-off stores and boutiques, it’s retail heaven. And when you've shopped 'til you drop, there's an IMAX cinema and over 50 great restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat. If that’s not enough to satisfy your need for shopping, why not visit the Retail World Gateshead nearby, located just 10 minutes from the centre of Newcastle in Team Valley?

How to get there:

Take a Metro to Gateshead Interchange and then use the X66 bus service or, from Newcastle city centre, take the 100 shuttle bus that runs every eight to twelve minutes.

5. Admire the Iconic Angel of the North

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Standing tall overlooking the surrounding scenes of NewcastleGateshead, the Angel of the North sculpture has become an iconic work of public art by Antony Gormley which is admired by up to 150,000 visitors each year. At 54 metres wide and 20 metres high, ‘the Angel’, as it’s fondly known as by locals, dominates the NewcastleGateshead skyline and is an awe-inspiring symbol of North East pride and culture. Be sure to get a photograph with this impressive landmark!

How to get there:

There are frequent bus services (services 21 & 22) from Eldon Square Bus Station in Newcastle or Gateshead Interchange.

6. Discover Newcastle's Passion for Football at St James’ Park

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Anyone surveying the city skyline or listening to the cheers on match days will be left in no doubt that Newcastle’s passion for football is unrivalled. Get to the heart of it all with a trip to the iconic Geordie football grounds of St James’ Park. Home to Newcastle United, it towers over the cityscape and resonates with an atmosphere second to none. You can even join a behind-the-scene tour if you can’t make a game!

How to get there:

Take the Metro to Monument. From here, you can either walk (10 minutes) or you can hop on to any bus that goes towards the city centre.

7. Catch A Show at Theatre Royal

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If you’re keen to enjoy a theatre performance, visit one of only nine Grade I listed theatre halls in England, the Theatre Royal. Often regarded as the finest theatre in the country, each year the iconic theatre hosts over 300 shows, which are enjoyed by over 300,000 visitors. This stunning building on Grey Street is also the regional home to the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, Opera North and Rambert Dance Company and is even said to have a few ghosts haunting its stage!

How to get there:

Take any bus route that goes to the city centre or take the Metro to Monument, from here the theatre is just a two-minute walk.

8. Watch a Film at the Historic Tyneside Cinema

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Whether you want to watch the latest Oscar nominated films or catch a cult classic in beautiful surroundings, Tyneside Cinema is Newcastle’s oldest, and finest, cinema. The varied programme ranges from brilliant films from all over the world, to the best Hollywood has to offer. As the last surviving Newsreel theatre still operating as a cinema full-time in the UK, this Grade II listed building is an important, must-see piece of heritage, not just regionally, but nationally too. Best of all, it has been lovingly restored to preserve and celebrate the grandeur of its original 1937 Art Deco design.

How to get there:

The Tyneside Cinema is less than 10 minutes’ walk from the Haymarket bus station and can also be accessed by any bus route that goes to the city centre. You can also catch a Metro to Monument, where the cinema is a two-minute walk away.

9. Immerse Yourself in Live Music at Sage Gateshead

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Find out what’s on at  Sage Gateshead and enjoy everything from classical and jazz to indie and folk music by world-renowned artists. Named one of the top five concert halls on the planet, the uniquely designed venue also plays host to some of the North East's best events, as well boasting a rather luxurious brasserie.

How to get there:

Catch a Metro to Gateshead Interchange or Central Station and then take the Quaylink (Q1 or Q2) to Sage Gateshead. Alternatively, you could use the local train service to get to Newcastle Central Station.

10. Discover Ancient History Artefacts at Great North Museum: Hancock

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Great North Museum is a fantastic family day out and features pieces from the Hancock Museum and Newcastle University’s Museum of Antiquities, the Shefton Museum and the Hatton Gallery. Key exhibits include a fully interactive model of Hadrian's Wall, natural history exhibitions, a significant display of plants and animals, spectacularly preserved from the Ancient Greeks and even mummies from Ancient Egypt.

Kids will love the planetarium and life-size T-Rex dinosaur skeleton. With free entry, it's a fun-filled day during the school holidays without breaking the bank. The Great North Museum: Hancock also holds after-hours events throughout the year if you’re looking for a unusual evening out in NewcastleGateshead.

How to get there:

Take a bus or Metro to Haymarket, where the museum is a five-minute walk away.