There are plenty of great hotel options in Newcastle and Gateshead to choose from. Prefer something more central? Hotels such as Motel One, Maldron, Crowne Plaza and Sandman Signature all offer a comfortable and stylish stay within walking distance of Newcastle’s best bars, restaurants, and attractions.

Fancy a touch of luxury? Experience five-star sophistication at Hotel Gotham on Pilgrim Street, the beautiful Dakota Hotel on the Quayside, or opt for the elegant Vermont Hotel, located right beside Newcastle Castle. For unforgettable views, the Hilton Newcastle Tyne Bridge offers a stunning overlook of the iconic Tyne Bridge.

Newcastle Castle is a must-visit attraction in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne which not only explores the rich history of the city but also offers incredible views from its rooftop. There is much to discover about Newcastle Castle, from which the city gained its name many centuries ago.

The Newcastle Black Gate and Castle Keep have been subject to a vast amount of research over the last couple of years which has revealed a colourful and grim history. The uncovered stories include prisoners being hung drawn and quartered to an unusual tale of a youngster being killed by a flying donkey.

The Keep currently stands as one of the UK's finest medieval stone castle dungeons which is still open to the public. Visitors to the iconic castle will enjoy picturesque views, alongside in-depth history displays covering the backgrounds of castle inhabitants over the ages, and offering an insight into Newcastle's ancient heritage.

From a royal fortress to grim dungeons, new exhibits allow visitors to experience what life would have been like for inhabitants in these two astonishingly preserved medieval buildings. The Newcastle Castle has also hosted several ghost-hunting exhibitions due to its grim history and apparent sightings of The Poppy Girl, a previous resident of the castle who was jailed for owing people money and was beaten and died in the castle prison.

You can book tickets, buy vouchers, find out what's on and make a donation here. Remember, once you buy a ticket it gives you access to the Castle for the entire year at no additional cost!

An AccessAble guide is available for this location. Click here for a Detailed Access Guide that lets you know what access will be like when you visit.

Every Saturday and Sunday, the platforms at Tynemouth Metro Station bustle with bargain hunters, foodies and visitors browsing over 150 stalls at the vibrant Tynemouth Market. Set in grand surroundings beneath the stunning Victorian glazed roof of Tynemouth Station, shoppers are guaranteed a unique day out by The Coast to find their next must-buy.

Hunt for local produce and homemade, artisan treats from independent traders, rummage for treasures on the eclectic bric-a-brac stalls or riffle through tables of second-hand books. At Tynemouth's undercover market you'll find yourself immersed in a world of vintage clothing, jewellery and accessories, where you can also pick up unique antique items, retro fashion, vintage homeware and furniture. Local artists and designers also have stalls bursting with handcrafted items, artisan crafts, unique artwork, prints and photography, so you can be sure to pick up something special.

Why not enjoy a cup of coffee lovingly made by local coffee roasters? Or, grab lunch from one of the street food kiosks. You can even take a little piece of the North East home with stalls selling  fresh, artisan bread and organic groceries as well as locally made unique souvenirs.

Best of all, you'll receive a warm Geordie welcome from the traders, locals and visitors at Tynemouth Market, ensuring that it's a brilliant way to spend a weekend in the North East, no matter your age or interests. Alongside the regular local traders who set up their stalls every week, Tynemouth Market host one-off events throughout the year including regular Farmer’s Markets, an annual book fair and dedicated Christmas markets.

Not just a shopping hotspot, Tynemouth Metro Station is also a Grade II* listed building which opened in 1882 as a railway station. It later became the first section of the Metro network in 1980, making it a great attraction for local history buffs.

Plan your visit today, and experience one of NewcastleGateshead's best and most famous markets.

By Metro

The market takes place within the Tynemouth Metro Station. This can be reached via the Coast, Airport or Sunderland routes from a number of stations across the North East. A typical journey from Newcastle City Centre is around 30-40 minutes.

By Car

Parking is limited in Tynemouth with many of the surrounding streets permit holder only. However, some paid for car parking is available along Tynemouth’s Front Street and nearby streets.

By Bus

There are a number of bus routes that travel nearby from a number of locations including the North East. Please see our travel information page for more details

On Foot

The pretty seaside town of Tynemouth is compact and easy to walk around to reach Tynemouth Station. Why not make a day of it by exploring the beaches, cafes and historic Priory?

King Edwards Bay is a small sandy bay enclosed by cliffs and grassy banks, making it an excellent environment for families looking for an enjoyable day out at the beach.

A trip to the seaside is not complete without some fabulous fish, and when visiting King Edward’s Bay you won’t even have to leave the beach to get yours as the ever-popular Riley’s Fish Shack is conveniently located on the shorefront.

It’s not just the stunning views of the beach you can enjoy at King Edward’s Bay, it’s also located at the foot of Tynemouth Priory and Castle, a historic site run by English Heritage. The beach is a Blue Flag award winning location, making it small in size but spectacular in scenery.

Rejuvenate Your Body and Mind at Steam and Salt Sauna. Your Ultimate Destination for Self-Care.

Welcome to Steam and Salt, two Nordic Inspired beautiful woodfired saunas, nestled on the lower promenade on Longsands beach South end, near the abandoned outdoor pool. If you’re looking for a place to escape the daily grind and indulge in some much-needed self-care, look no further than Steam and Salt. Our exclusive sauna sessions offer a unique and rejuvenating sauna experience that is sure to help you unwind, cleanse your body, and reset your mind.

Experience Tranquility in a Soothing Environment

At Steam and Salt, we understand the importance of taking care of yourself. Our sessions are designed to provide you with a tranquil and soothing environment that allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As soon as you start your session, you’ll feel the stress and tension of the outside world melt away.

Experience the healing power of Steam and Salt

Our sauna experience is designed to help you rest your body and your mind. The healing power of heat has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and physical and emotional well-being.

In our saunas, where modern wellness meets ancient roots, you’ll be invited to slow down and rest, to use the time to disconnect and then to reconnect, using the healing power of heat and optional contrast therapy through exposure to cold water.

At Steam and Salt, we are committed to helping you achieve your wellness goals. Whether you’re looking to relieve stress, improve your circulation, access post exercise recovery, detoxify your body, or simply relax and unwind, then Steam and Salt are here to help. Take a moment to breathe, enjoy the uninterrupted view of our beautiful Longsands beach through our large panoramic windows, and recharge!

Tynemouth Priory and Castle is open for visitors to explore the English Heritage site overlooking the North Sea. You need to book tickets in advance via their website.

Tynemouth Castle and Priory was once one of the largest fortified areas in England. Overlooking the North Sea and the River Tyne, it dominates the headland. With its 2000 year history and beautiful views it is the perfect location for a family day out.

The interactive 'Life in the Stronghold' exhibition takes you on an exciting journey. It tells the story of the site from its original beginnings as an Anglo-Saxon settlement, an Anglican monastery, a royal castle, artillery fort and a coastal defence. The refurbished battery gun was designed to defend the Tyne in the First and Second World Wars and can be explored.

Riley’s Fish Shack is a semi-portable fish bar and grill serving local, seasonal fish and seafood, cooked simply over a real charcoal BBQ fire. Fresh fish is sourced daily from local day boats, meaning a menu that is seasonal and where possible, sustainable.

The sustainable fish list is forever changing, much of the market fish landed locally is a by catch, therefore much of the fish we source is sustainable in it’s own right! Catch dependent specials are announced daily and served alongside regular chargrilled offerings of Lobster, Surf and Turf, Monkfish, Craster Kippers, Squid and Mackerel.

Riley's have been working on their wine list and offer a selection of fabulous wines including some French classics alongside modern, biodynamic wines from Austria and Portugal.

Pre-booking essential

Baltic, Baltic Shop & Baltic Kitchen are open Wednesday to Sunday 10am-6pm. Plan a visit to Baltic here

With a history that stretches back much further than its 2002 opening, Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art is the biggest gallery of its kind in the world. Housed in a historic, renovated flour mill on the Gateshead bank of the River Tyne, Baltic present a dynamic, diverse and international programme of contemporary visual art, with an ever-changing calendar of exhibitions and activities designed to give a unique and compelling insight into contemporary artistic practice.

Baltic's year-round programme ranges from blockbuster exhibitions to innovative new work and projects created by artists working within the local community. Visitors can experience innovative and provocative new art, relax, have fun, learn and discover fresh ideas before relaxing with a coffee in their onsite cafe which overlooks the magnificent Quayside.

Don't forget to check their website or ask at an info point when you arrive for information about events and activities taking place like preview parties, artist talks, artist-led workshops, behind the scenes tours, family activities, and all sorts of themed events for art fans.

All four of Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art’s spaces are accessible and the centre also offers walking stick stools, mobility scooters, large print information, subtitles on selected Baltic films and sensory equipment. Assistance dogs are also more than welcome.

When is the Quayside Market on?

Newcastle Quayside Market has been part of North East culture for as long as anyone can remember. Taking place every Sunday between 9am and 4pm on Newcastle Quayside, the outdoor Quayside Sunday Market features independent traders from all over the region selling handcrafted goods and local products.

Boasting a vibrant and varied showcase of quality goods and produce, you'll find everything from jewellery and accessories, to artwork, ceramics, clothing, toys and handmade crafts from the vendors who attend each week. There's also a number of street artists and buskers to help create the warm, friendly atmosphere that the North East is known for, so you'll be fully immersed in Geordie culture.

If you fancy a bite after perusing the stalls, there are also a number of different food trucks and produce stands where you can grab everything from cakes and sweet treats, homemade conserves, coffee and baked goods to take home. Whether you're looking for locally made gifts, or simply browsing to soak up the atmosphere of the Quayside, the Quayside Market is a great day out for the whole family.

As you peruse, why not admire the stunning views of the River Tyne and its famous bridges? Or, stroll along to the Gateshead side to explore The Glasshouse International Centre for Music and Baltic Centre For Contemporary Art. You can even wander down to the vibrant creative community of Ouseburn if you have time. Newcastle Quayside Sunday Market is also located next to some of the Quayside's best bars and restaurants should you want to stick around for a drink and a spot of Sunday lunch.

Come rain or shine, the Newcastle Sunday Market is one tradition worth taking part in! Whether you're looking to get into the festive spirit at Christmas, or enjoying the glorious sunshine on a summer's day, the Quayside Market is a fantastic place to visit all year round!

Newcastle Quayside Market has an ever-growing list of stalls, vendors and street food trucks which visit each week. While some are permanent attendees, others rotate on a regular basis. You can find a list of previous favourites and well-known regular vendors below:

• Le Mini Macaron
• Northumberland Cheese Company
• Cupcake and Co.
• Acropolis
• Geordie Gifts
• The Brownie Bar
• The Doughnut Guy
• Cubanos
• Geordie Bangers

Experience a 360 VR Accessibility Tour

Join us on this wheelchair-friendly walkaround as we showcase thoughtful accessibility features, providing convenience and comfort for wheelchair users, individuals with diverse abilities, older guests, and families. Watch the 360 VR Accessibility Tour here.

Head along to Sandhaven Beach, it's a long sandy beach lined with impressive sand dunes, located in South Shields, just south of the South Pier! The South Tyneside Heritage Trail crosses the beach, and it's perfect for birdwatching, surfing and even windsurfing.

Explore South Shields Surf School - they're passionate about making the benefits of being in and around the ocean accessible to everyone. From surfing, paddleboarding and swimming to rockpooling, beach games and coastal exploring, there are activities for all ages and abilities. With accessible facilities and sessions for individuals, groups, schools and community organisations, it’s a brilliant way to get outdoors, try something new and connect with the coast.

Proud to support local fishermen, Coleman's Seafood Temple is a seafront spot serves fresh fish and shellfish landed daily using low-impact fishing methods that help protect the marine environment. Located on South Shields Seafront, panoramic windows offer fantastic views of the coastline, making it the perfect place to enjoy fresh, simply prepared seafood while soaking up the seaside atmosphere beside the beach.