Guide to a day trip to NewcastleGateshead
Discover our guide to things to do on a day out in NewcastleGateshead and how best to spend 24 hours in the city.
Discover our guide to things to do on a day out in NewcastleGateshead and how best to spend 24 hours in the city.
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But if you only have a day to explore then we can help you whittle down your options. Whether you’re arriving by train or live more locally then you’ll find getting around Newcastle and Gateshead couldn’t be easier with the help of the Metro and hop on, hop off Toon Tour bus (April – October).
Indulge in some retail therapy in the bustling heart of Newcastle starting with a visit to stylish department store Fenwick Newcastle or browse Eldon Square’s row after row of designer, high street and department stores. Hop on the bus to nearby Metrocentre in Gateshead and discover a mighty shopping haven.
Take the weight off your weary daytripper’s feet at one of the many independent cafes in Newcastle who serve up a steaming cup of coffee, all-day breakfast options and indulgent afternoon teas. Try Olive and Bean beside historic Grainger Market or stop off at Pink Lane Coffee before you catch your train.
Brunchers and hungry shoppers can enjoy lunch at The Botanist with views across Grey’s Monument followed by a stroll to nearby Laing Art Gallery to take in some art and culture. Explore the free museums in the city centre, such as Discovery Museum and Great North Museum, where visitors on a day out in Newcastle can explore room after room of fascinating exhibitions or take part in an event.
Venture along the Quayside, home to the iconic Gateshead Millennium Bridge, the world’s first tilting bridge, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Sage Gateshead and the somewhat hidden Side Gallery. There’s always time for another cuppa so drop into Quay Ingredient or The Great British Cupcakery where visitors with a sweet tooth will be not be disappointed! If you’re visiting on a Sunday then check out the Quayside Market, the perfect place to pick up local produce, unique souvenirs and great street food.
If you’re staying a little longer and looking for a day trip to discover the city’s surrounding coast and countryside then try Northumberland attractions like – National Trust property Cragside, The Alnwick Garden and English Heritage Belsay Hall or head south of the river to Beamish Museum, The Auckland Project or further still to Lightwater Valley.
Things To Do
Gateshead
Gateshead Millennium Bridge - the world's first and only tilting bridge - is a must-see...
November 21st 2026 to December 5th 2026
Heritage
21 Nov 2026 to 5 Dec 2026
Gateshead
A Christmas wreath workshop for adults (16+).Design and make your own fresh Christmas wreath with...
February 4th 2026
Heritage
4 Feb 2026 to 4 Feb 2026
In this talk Jenny Uglow looks at the art of Thomas Bewick and Edward Lear...
Things To Do
Further Afield
Alnwick Castle is one of the largest inhabited castles in England. Built as a medieval...
January 31st 2026 to January 31st 2026
Family
31 Jan 2026 to 31 Jan 2026
Everybody’s talking about AI, and Life’s special one-day event gives you the chance to get...
May 29th 2026
Family
29 May 2026 to 29 May 2026
Nigel McIntyre and Gareth Watson presents Hamza Yassin: My Life Behind the Lens'My mission is...
February 6th 2026 to February 6th 2026
Bored with the usual places...
About Grainger Market Newcastle’s historic...
February 14th 2026 to March 1st 2026
This February half-term, special guests...
November 6th 2026 to December 11th 2026
At this class you will...
Post date: 31st December 2025
A trip to Newcastle and Gateshead doesn't have to break the bank. Discover 33 free things to do in NewcastleGateshead here.
Explore Gateshead’s parks, gardens and outdoor spaces, including scenic walking routes and and popular outdoor destinations. A local guide to enjoying Gateshead outdoors.
The tinsel may still up, the Christmas dinner is over and you're starting to look ahead to the new year. If you're looking for things to do between Christmas and New Year in Newcastle and Gateshead, then look no further.
Santa Claus is coming to Toon! Click here to find out where to meet Father Christmas in Newcastle and Gateshead.
Christmas in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne would not be the same without a visit to Fenwick’s Christmas Window which is a much-loved part of a long-standing Geordie Christmas tradition. But what will be the theme of this year's Fenwick Christmas Window?
Things To Do
Ouseburn
There are currently four exhibitions to explore at Seven Stories, The National Museum for Children's...
Things To Do
Newcastle City Centre
After a lengthy transformation, Newcastle's City Pool and Turkish Baths reopened in 2019 as an...
Food & Drink
Newcastle City Centre
Friendly local pub in the city situated behind Central Station which has won awards as...
Food & Drink
Newcastle City Centre
The Town Wall is a public house and eatery in Newcastle serving excellent food and...
Things To Do
Gateshead
The Glasshouse International Centre for Music on NewcastleGateshead Quayside aptly describes itself as 'A music...
Things To Do
Further Afield
Cragside National Trust has reopened and is now taking bookings for timed slots. All visitors...
Things To Do
Newcastle City Centre
LA Tours offer a range of personal touring services around the North East. Tours include...
Food & Drink
Quayside
Pitcher & Piano on NewcastleGateshead Quayside is a bar for every occasion. The glass-fronted building...
Food & Drink
Ouseburn
Tyne Bank Brewery is a relaxed and industrial event space which is suitable for all...
Food & Drink
Ouseburn
One of NewcastleGateshead's coolest watering holes, The Cluny is a great venue which manages to...
Food & Drink
Newcastle City Centre
If you're looking for a unique activity, then Point Blank Shooting is just the social...
Things To Do
Hadrian's Wall
Chesters Roman Fort on Hadrian's Wall is open for visitors! Tickets are available to book...
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