Newcastle is a charming city in the North-East area of England perfect for a city break. With lots of buzzing activities and attractive centers, it tops the list of everyone. There are plenty of things to see and do here. From visiting the art galleries and enjoying the music arena groove, touring the seventh-largest football stadium in England, to the cultural buzz town. You can also spend some time sightseeing the most iconic bridges, buildings, and coasts in the North.
Shopping on Clayton Street, enjoying delicacies at the top restaurants or sightseeing lovely nature from The Quayside, Newcastle surely a lot of things for everyone.
We’ve put together this guide to the top reasons to choose Newcastle for a city break.
Top Things to Do in a Newcastle City Break
The Discovery Museum (https://discoverymuseum.org.uk/about-us/about-discovery-museum)
Homed in the Co-operative Wholesale Society building, the Museum is known for its world-changing science and technology free interactive displays. It was formerly called Blandford House – a Co-operative Wholesale Society building – but was renamed as Discovery Museum in 1993.
Learn about the history of Newcastle and Tyneside from the area’s first science and technology museum. One of its favorite exhibits is Turbinia – a 34 meters powered ship once recognized as the fastest ship in the world. Interestingly, this is the first thing you’ll come in contact with as it dominates the entrance of the museum.
In addition to the exhibition space on the ground floor, you’ll also find the Tyne & Wear Archives where you can learn even about the Roman times to the early millennium.
The free interactive science and technology displays make it an ideal place to be, especially to learn. Managed by Tyne & Wear Archives on behalf of Newcastle City Council, be ready for breath-taking discoveries at the Discovery Museum.
Go for a Stroll Along the Quayside
Going for a stroll along the Quayside is all fun with lovely views of the Tyne Bridge, the millennium bridge, and Queen Elizabeth II Metro bridges. The Gateshead Millennium Bridge is a more modern piece of art that was launched in 2001. It’s nicknamed the ‘Winking Eye Bridge’ or the ‘Blinking Eye Bridge’ because of its outstanding design.
You’ll love this view with your family, especially when it’s all lit up at night.
Victoria Tunnel Tours
The Tunnel was built as a coal-wagon highway between 1839 and 1842 under the city between Town Moor and the Tyne. It transformed from one built to transport coal to an air-raid shelter to protect the residents of Newcastle during World War II in the 19th century.
Fast forward to 2008, the Tunnel was reinvented and designed for guided tours with funding from TyneWear Partnership and the Heritage Lottery Fund. Enjoy the tunnel experience; learn how it was constructed as well as listen to the story of William Coulson’s death. Be sure to wait patiently to hear the approaching wagons coming your way through the tunnel.
If you’re planning to visit a part of the Victoria tunnel on a guided tour, pre-booking is important.
Theatre Royal (https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/about/our-history)
Built in 1837, the beautiful Theatre Royal Newcastle is one of the most historic theatres in the UK. Following a devastating fire in 1899, it was reconstructed in 1901 with a fine auditorium by one of the renowned architects named Frank Matcham.
It is home to the brightest West End musicals, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, award-winning ballet and End musicals, and one of the best Pantomimes in the country.
Grade I listed landmark is both a cultural engine and a neo-classical monument.
