Up the toon: how Newcastle upon Tyne became a tourism hotspot
Discover the many varied delights that await you on a trip to Newcastle, the capital of the North East.
Whether it's discovering Newcastle's rich heritage or experiencing the many delights of modern Newcastle, there's plenty to see and do in the city. It's one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK, renowned for its friendly atmosphere and its great nightlife.
It's not for nought that Time Out recently named it one of the UK's top 15 tourist attractions for 2024. And Newcastle's tourism sector has well and truly bounced back from the pandemic years, adding around £5.4 billion to the city's economy in 2022.
But why is Newcastle such a tourism hotspot? Let's find out.
Newcastle has history around every corner
Newcastle dates back almost 2,000 years, when it comprised little more than a Roman fort and a bridge across the River Tyne. The population of Pons Aelius (its original name) was estimated at 2,000. Today, this has grown to more than 300,000.
The city's rich and vast history is reflected in its many museums and heritage sites.
Newcastle Cathedral (formerly the Cathedral of St Nicholas) is a great place to start. It was built in 1091 and is famed for its unusual spire. Visit today and you can admire its magnificent architecture while relaxing in its calming atmosphere.
Fancy soaking up a bit of culture? The Discovery Museum focuses on science and local history – and is a great choice for a family day out. The Great North Museum, meanwhile, looks back to ancient civilisations, housing artefacts from Ancient Egypt and even a life-size T-Rex skeleton. It's also the best place in Newcastle to experience Hadrian's Wall.
Take a stroll through Grainger Town, the historic part of the city, and you can admire its grand Georgian architecture while visiting its many shops, cafes and restaurants. Or why not discover Newcastle's wartime history by venturing underground on a guided tour of The Victoria Tunnel? Here, you'll learn of its use during World War II as an air raid shelter.
Newcastle is a hotbed of culture
When it comes to the arts, you can't go wrong in Newcastle. There are numerous galleries to visit such as The Biscuit Factory, the largest independent art gallery in the UK. Here, you can view contemporary paintings, sculptures and ceramics.
The Ouseburn Valley is a creative hub, home to art galleries, music venues, artisan workshops and craft breweries. The Boiler Shop is a space that hosts concerts, club nights, markets and food festivals. Or why not visit Northern Stage at the university, where you can experience plays, dance or live music?
A short trip to the Gateshead side of the River Tyne will take you to The Glasshouse, an iconic modern building that plays host to classical and contemporary concerts. If you're a fan of modern art, you could also visit the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, one of the largest contemporary art venues in the UK.
And since you're in the area, you've got no excuse to miss the Angel of the North. This mammoth sculpture is a local icon – and you only have to take a short trip down Durham Road to see it.
The Quayside is spectacular
No trip to Newcastle is complete without a visit to the Quayside. Here, you can enjoy sweeping views of the city skyline, while admiring iconic bridges such as the Tyne Bridge and the Gateside Millenium Bridge.
Pop by on Sunday and you can also experience the Quayside Market and its heady mix of local food, art, crafts and vintage stalls. Or why not go to the beach?
During the summer months, the Quayside transforms into a temporary beach, complete with sun (hopefully), sand, beach huts and deck chairs. It's the perfect way to relax and plan your afternoon's entertainment.
The nightlife is legendary
After soaking up so much culture, you may want to let your hair down and experience some of Newcastle's famed nightlife.
If it's live music you're after, head along to Riverside, which hosts an array of different types of music across its many rooms. Then there's Eden, which is spread over multiple floors and whose eclectic mix of musical styles offers something for everyone.
Digital offers everything from house music to techno with multiple rooms. And Powerhouse is Newcastle's largest and most established club for lovers of dance music.
Last but not least, try Flares on Moseley Street if music from the seventies or eighties is your bag.
We have the UK's best pubs and bars, hands down
Fancy a tipple? Newcastle has many great bars and pubs where you can quench your thirst, meet friends or just soak up the ambience.
The Free Trade Inn offers stunning views of the river and a world-class selection of craft beers.
The historic Bridge Tavern offers its own range of its own craft ales, as well as delicious food. Over in Ouseburn, meanwhile, there's The Tyne Bar: a waterside pub with a jukebox and a great beer garden. And if you're in the city centre, you can't go wrong with the Old George Inn: Newcastle's oldest pub, dating back to 1582.
Where to stay
There's so much to see and do in Newcastle that it would be impossible to do it all in one day. Luckily, Newcastle hosts many great places to stay.
Malmaison offers stylish rooms with contemporary décor and also contains a brasserie, bar and fitness centre. Close to Central Station, the Crowne Plaza offers modern rooms with stunning views of the city, as well as a restaurant, fitness centre and cocktail bar. And if you fancy a room with a view, you've got the Vermont Hotel. This luxury establishment overlooks the river and features a rooftop restaurant along with spacious, classically decorated rooms.
How to get around
With so much to see and do, what's the best way to get around?
There's always public transport. But if you want total freedom and the luxury of time, you can't go wrong with a hire car from MVH Rental: the North East's most flexible and affordable vehicle hire company.
With branches in Gateshead and Sunderland, we're within easy reach of Newcastle city centre and the local airport. So, whether you're arriving by plane or train, you'll be behind the wheel and ready to explore in no time.
To get started, explore our cars for hire online.
