10 Must-See Attractions in NewcastleGateshead

London to Newcastle - it's easier than you think. The train from London to Newcastle takes just 2 hours and 41 minutes.* Pocket your train tickets with LNER, check in to the Toon and press play on a city break this Autumn. *Based on 25% of LNER’s weekday services between London King’s Cross and Newcastle Station following Dec 2025 timetable change. Actual journey times may vary by service.

From world-renowned art galleries and fascinating museums to impressive shopping destinations and iconic landmarks, there’s plenty to see and do in NewcastleGateshead. Whether you’re exploring for the very first time or looking to discover somewhere new, there’s an attraction to suit every interest. Discover some of our favourite must-see attractions in NewcastleGateshead and start planning your next visit.

Housed in a converted flour mill on the south bank of the River Tyne, BALTIC is the largest gallery of its kind in the world. With an exciting and ever-changing calendar of exhibitions and interactive installations, BALTIC provides a unique and engaging introduction to contemporary visual art. It’s the perfect cultural pitstop to inspire creativity and curiosity. Make sure to browse their gift shop on your way out, it's packed with local artwork, gifts, cards and so much more.

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.

The award-winning Life Science Centre in Newcastle brings science to life with a fascinating mix of exhibitions, interactive experiences and live demonstrations. Explore hands-on displays, catch one of the centre’s engaging science shows, take a spin on the 4D Motion Ride or head into the North’s biggest planetarium for an out-of-this-world experience. With a changing programme of exhibitions alongside its permanent displays, there’s always something new to discover, making the Life Science Centre a great day out for curious minds of all ages.

Find out what’s on at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music 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.

Metrocentre in Gateshead is one of the UK’s largest shopping centres, offering an unrivalled shopping experience with a mix of high-street brands, luxury retailers, and top dining options. Whether you're after the latest fashion, beauty must-haves, or a festive shopping spree, Metrocentre has it all. Explore fashion favourites like Zara, Mango, and Primark, or discover premium brands at Flannels and Victoria’s Secret. Beauty lovers will be spoilt for choice with Harrods Beauty, Sephora, and Bath & Body Works, offering the latest in skincare, makeup, and fragrances.

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!

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 or a rooftop tour if you can’t make a game!

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.

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.

Great North Museum is a fantastic 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. You'll also encounter a life sized T-Rex dinosaur skeleton. The Great North Museum: Hancock also holds after-hours events throughout the year if you’re looking for a unusual evening out in NewcastleGateshead.