Newcastle and Gateshead have plenty of warm and welcoming places to stay. With family rooms, central locations and plenty of thoughtful touches, these hotels make the perfect base for your weekend adventure.

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.

Start your day with some hands-on science activities at Life. It’s an incredible science centre in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne. With hands-on exhibitions and a changing programme of activities throughout the year, there’s always something new to experience.

It’s a great interactive and learning opportunity but most of all, it’s incredible fun for all. Take part in their Summer of Fun which features the Lightbox exhibition, be a real scientist in the Experiment Zone and so much more.

Head into Newcastle’s cultural quarter to uncover a mix of creativity and family-friendly fun. Start with a visit to Seven Stories, National Centre for Children’s Books. Let your imagination take you on a journey through exhibitions dedicated to a love of children’s books, from original illustrations to rough drafts of famous stories.

Just a minutes’ walk away from Seven Stories is Ouseburn Farm which is a unique community-led urban farm which is home to sheep, goats, pigs and chickens. It has a regular event schedule including animal petting and feeding so children can enjoy meeting the resident animals up-close!

Step into the past with a guided tour of the Victoria Tunnel - once a coal waggonway and later a wartime air raid shelter, it’s now a fascinating slice of Newcastle’s hidden history.

Make sure to include a stop at the iconic BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead on your stroll back from Ouseburn. 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 and offers something for all ages.

With an exciting and ever-changing calendar of exhibitions, interactive installations, and family-friendly activities, BALTIC provides a unique and engaging introduction to contemporary visual art. It’s the perfect cultural pitstop to inspire creativity and curiosity in both the little ones and grown-ups.

After a day of exploring all that Newcastle and Gateshead have to offer, you’ll be ready for some proper scran. Luckily, there are plenty of tasty options to choose from to suit whatever you’re in the mood for! Here's some options:

Blackfriars Restaurant and Parlour Bar - an award-winning restaurant where 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. The beautiful outdoor space makes the ideal setting for a family meal.

Fat Hippo Underground - With its relaxed vibe, it’s the perfect spot for the whole family to unwind after a day out. Fat Hippo serves up juicy burgers, loaded fries, and plenty of options to keep everyone happy, even the picky eaters!

Just a short Metro or bus ride away is Tynemouth, where you can soak up the sea air with some quality time on the stunning King Edwards Bay beach. Make sure to pack a picnic, bring along beach games, or simply enjoy some people watching.

When hunger strikes, treat the family to delicious fish and chips from the ever-popular Riley’s Fish Shack, perched right on the sand. Round off the seaside experience with a visit to Tynemouth Priory and Castle, where little explorers can roam the ancient ruins and uncover its fascinating history.

After your morning at the beach, hop off the Metro at Haymarket and head straight to Northumberland Street, where Eldon Square shopping centre awaits for a spot of retail therapy.

With over 100 popular high street stores, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re browsing the latest fashion, beauty, toys, gifts and more. Everything is within easy walking distance, making it a convenient and exciting shopping experience for the whole family to enjoy.

No family weekend getaway in Newcastle and Gateshead is complete without a stroll along the Quayside. Enjoy a wholesome family walk along the River Tyne, taking in the atmosphere and iconic bridges that link the two cities.

Catch the final hours of the Quayside Market, where you’ll find some of the best local crafts, gifts, and delicious street food, perfect for browsing with little ones. Also, don’t miss a walk across the spectacular Millennium Bridge, which lights up in different colours every few minutes. Kids will love dashing back and forth, while grown-ups take in the stunning riverside views.

After your stroll along the Quayside, head back into the city centre for a delicious family meal at Banyan, located right beside the iconic Grey’s Monument. With its stylish yet relaxed atmosphere, Banyan is the perfect spot for families looking to enjoy a meal together.

If you're after hearty classics or lighter bites, you’ll be sure to find what you fancy on the menu. If you're dining before 6pm, kids eat for free, making it a great-value option for families!

End your family fun filled weekend with a game of mini golf at the fun Junkyard Golf. It’s located right in the city centre and you can explore incredible courses crafted from salvaged materials, featuring twisted obstacles, neon lights, and mind-bending challenges. Whether you're a golf pro or a complete beginner, prepare for an unforgettable experience for everyone in the family to enjoy.