Things to do in Ouseburn with the family: A One Day Itinerary

Ouseburn in Newcastle has everything you need to enjoy a day out with the family, boasting a great choice of visitor attractions and brilliant places to break for lunch. 

[Please note that you will need to prebook your tickets in advance at all venues and details may have changed post-lockdown. Please check individual websites directly before visiting to ensure you know what to expect first].

Children (and their grownups) will love exploring Ouseburn with its eclectic mix of things to do from spotting wildlife along the river and visiting its unique, urban farm to discovering an abundance of creativity only a short stroll from Newcastle’s iconic Quayside.

A family day out in Ouseburn is set to get imaginations whirling - where else can you take your family for a lively storytime session, get hands-on and creative, browse an independent bookshop stacked to the rafters with children’s books, feed a piglet, discover colourful street art and investigate a historic tunnel?

Arriving in Ouseburn

Ouseburn is nestled under the Byker Bridge and a short walk from Newcastle’s Quayside. Getting to Ouseburn with the family is more straightforward than you may think, however parking near Ouseburn can be a bit tricky. There is limited paid for parking available under the arches of the Byker Bridge and in a small car park on Foundry Lane. The Cycle Hub on Newcastle Quayside is a short walk from Ouseburn where families can currently park for free at the large Spiller’s Wharf car park.

Walk along the tow path beside the river into the heart of Ouseburn or hire a bike from The Cycle Hub and peddle your way into Ouseburn for your family day out. Children can spot the wildlife coasting down the river and enjoy the bright colours of the striking buildings and punchy street art along the way. Look out for a giant owl under one of the Byker Bridge arches.

Alternatively, visitors to Ouseburn can arrive by Metro and alight at Byker or Manors which are both approximately 15 mins from the centre of Ouseburn. The Quaylink Q3 bus to Ouseburn stops on City Road, a short walk from the Ouseburn.

First Stop: Head to Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books

[Please note that Seven Stories Bookshop and Cafe are open but the visitor centre still remains closed].

Seven Stories is a must-visit attraction for families on a day out in Ouseburn. Take in the immersive exhibitions, experience an energetic story time performance and browse their impressive independent bookshop overlooking the Ouseburn River.

The attraction opens at 10am and you will have plenty of time to take part in a daily, creative activities and get little imaginations buzzing with reams of fancy dress on many of the seven floors. Depending on when you visit, look out for what’s on for families including a chance to meet top authors and get favourite books signed as well as have-a-go workshops and performances, especially during school holidays and at the weekend.

Children can currently stomp into Seven Stories’ colourful exhibition all about Elmer the Elephant. The friendly staff are always on hand to inspire children and help bring to life the original illustrations and manuscripts on display.

Seven Stories’ café has a great child-friendly menu and provision for babies and even have a packed lunch area available for families wishing to bring their own lunch for their day visit to Ouseburn.

Down at Ouseburn Farm

Once you’ve finished at Seven Stories, stroll down to Ouseburn Farm to meet the locals. Children can get close to a whole menagerie of animals from guinea pigs, chinchillas and rabbits to cows, pigs, goats and sheep as well as some more exotic creatures who call Ouseburn Farm their home. It’s free to visit Ouseburn Farm and, especially on a sunny day, this is a brilliant place to while away time surrounded by nature! The beautifully kept community farm grows a wealth of produce that is also used in their café. Once you’ve met the residents (if you time it right, you may be in with a chance of petting the rabbits or new born lambs and piglets), head up to the terrace to enjoy a slice of homemade cake overlooking the farm. Ouseburn Farm has an increasingly varied event programme which is a guaranteed hit with children.

Visiting Ouseburn with older Children

Families with older children (recommended aged 8-15) should round off their visit to Ouseburn with a one-hour tour at Victoria Tunnel and discover the depths of history lurking beneath Newcastle. Available on Saturdays and Sundays at 4pm, Sundays at 11am and with additional sessions during school holidays, this truly is a unique experience. Don a hard hat and torch before following the knowledgeable guide into the Ouseburn tunnel which has served many purposes since it opened in 1842 from its original purpose of transporting coal to the River Tyne to an air raid shelter during the war and now a popular visitor attraction in Ouseburn.

If your kids are still bounding with energy, then set them a challenge to climb as high as they can at The Valley Climbing Centre. Open every day, The Valley has climbing areas and activities available for children as young as 3 years old to scale the boulders and have a go at a new sport.

What’s On in Ouseburn

Families looking for what’s on in Ouseburn can get involved with a raft of activities on a daily basis at attractions like Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books and Ouseburn Farm as well as take part in annual events including the hugely popular The Late Shows in the valley every May. Don’t forget to get in touch with Stepney Bank Stables for a chance for all ages to try horse riding, and keep an eye on Northern Print for their family-friendly events and Wednesday drop-in Inky Print Club.