A Family-Friendly Two-Day Break in NewcastleGateshead

There's no better time than summer to enjoy a city break in NewcastleGateshead with your family. With a compact and walkable city centre, plenty of green spaces and a wide range of activities and attractions that will entertain even the smallest of visitors, let us guide you through two days in our twin cities...

Stay in the heart of it all at Motel One, where children under 12 stay free when sharing a room with parents, ideal for city explorers on a budget. Over on the Quayside, the stylish INNSiDE by Meliá offers modern comfort just a stone’s throw from the River Tyne’s top attractions. Looking for space to stretch out? The Maldron Hotel has a variety of family room options to suit groups big and small. If your weekend calls for a little luxury, check into the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, with spacious family rooms and great views of the Tyne Bridge.

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Morning

Trace the story of Newcastle from its Roman roots to the present day on the two-hour Newcastle History Tour with Iles Tours. You’ll get the perfect introduction by exploring the city on two feet, taking in all the key sights of historic city centre. Starting at the famous Grey’s Monument in beautiful Grainger Town, here you’ll discover just how Earl Grey is connected to the tea!

Lunch

Head to Grainger Market, a hidden gem in the city! The market has some fabulous food stalls so you can pick whichever cuisine that takes your fancy. From lush Greek food at Acropolis, to pizza slices at Slice, acai bowls at The Forest Boost or even juicy burgers at Meat Stack, your tastebuds will be thanking you. Even pick up a sweet treat afterwards at The French Oven or North Shore Coffee.

Afternoon

Children and adults alike will love discovering centuries of history at the award-winning and free family attraction, Great North Museum: Hancock. Discover the story of wildlife and habitats in the Living Planet Gallery; explore the history of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hadrian’s Wall; meet a life-size replica T-Rex in Fossil Stories; uncover the secrets of the Egyptians and other ancient cultures; and little ones will love The Mouse House, an interactive space for children under five years old.

You can also discover so much about Newcastle’s rich history at Newcastle Castle, from which the city gained its name many centuries ago. The must-visit attraction offers incredible views from its rooftop and is the perfect place to enjoy the stunning views of the cityscape and to capture a family snapshot. The Castle Keep is considered one of the UK's finest medieval stone castle dungeons which is still open to the public. Exhibitions will take you back in time to experience what life would have been like for its inhabitants.

Dinner

Blackfriars Restaurant and Parlour Bar is an award-winning restaurant that is located in a 13th century medieval friary with a long and turbulent history and is home to the UK’s oldest dining hall. Here you’ll find traditional-British cooking using local seasonal produce, supplied by nearby farms and markets. The restaurant serves lunches, afternoon teas and fine-dining multi-course dinners as well as a ‘Little Monks’ menu for children. On a sunny evening, the beautiful outdoor space, the cloister garden and courtyard, make the ideal setting for a family meal.

Morning

Meet one of the North East’s most renowned residents, Angel of the North, which greets visitors arriving in NewcastleGateshead from its vantage point overlooking the A1. The iconic Sir Antony Gormley sculpture, which was built in 1998 and stands at 20m tall, is the perfect spot for a family photo opportunity that will be a memorable souvenir from your trip.

Lunch

Ouseburn, a vibrant neighbourhood to the east of Newcastle city centre, is the perfect place to spend time with the family, with an eclectic mix of things to do. You’re spoilt for choice for places to eat in Ouseburn, so there’s sure to be somewhere that will suit even the fussiest little tastebuds. Kiln serves up freshly made Mediterranean-style food and, as the name suggests, is next door to a working pottery and ceramics workshop. You will be served on the ceramics made in-house and can even purchase the hand-crafted to take home. For dessert, you can pick up what many people consider to be the Italian gelato in town at Di Meo’s Riverside Ouseburn. Its riverside location makes the perfect spot for some wildlife spotting as you tuck in.

Afternoon

Ouseburn Farm is a unique community-led urban farm which is home to sheep, goats, pigs and chickens. The green oasis, which sits under the Byker Bridge, has a regular event schedule including animal petting and feeding so children can enjoy meeting the resident animals up-close.

Just a minute’s walk away, Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books is the perfect setting for young book-lovers with its unique and interactive exhibitions that bring children’s books to life. You can easily spend a whole afternoon here exploring the exhibitions, stopping for a hot drink in the café and picking a book to take home from its beautifully curated bookshop.