Newcastle Upon Tyne: City History, Museums and Nature

From the roof of the Keep at Newcastle Castle, enjoy 360-degree views across the River Tyne to Gateshead. Newcastle Upon Tyne combines insights into the city’s history with museums, art, river wildlife, green spaces and a covered market. Its varied attractions make it easy to plan your stay around your own interests.

Medieval traces and a vibrant cultural quarter

A 214-metre section of the town wall still stands between St Andrew's Street and Bath Lane. The town fortifications also include three towers, the remains of two turrets and two gateways. Newcastle Castle preserves historic traces too: the site includes the remains of a Norman chapel beneath a railway arch.

Ouseburn is Newcastle’s cultural quarter. A recent regeneration has created a vibrant creative community there. In the Ouseburn area, visitors can join a guided tour of the Victoria Tunnel. As dates may change, it is advisable to check the current schedule before visiting.

Museums, art and science

The Discovery Museum houses one of the finest collections of scientific and technological material outside London, as well as important collections on maritime, social and regimental history. The “Newcastle Story” gallery traces the city’s history from Roman times to the early years of the new millennium.

The Great North Museum: Hancock brings natural history, archaeology and cultural treasures together under one roof. Its Explore! gallery covers three themes: “Origins”, “Empire” and “New Perspectives”. The “Wall in Motion” exhibition brings Hadrian’s Wall and its heritage on Tyneside to life, also featuring lesser-known urban areas.

The Laing Art Gallery’s collection focuses on British oil paintings, watercolours, ceramics, silver and glassware. It holds “Designated” status, recognising its national and international significance. At the Life Science Centre, visitors can explore a domed planetarium and the Making Studios, where they can get hands-on. Individual exhibitions may change. Seven Stories, the United Kingdom’s national centre for children’s books, offers exhibitions, performances and workshops. Individual programmes may also change.

Green spaces and Grainger Market

For nature lovers, Jesmond Dene and Armstrong Park offer different experiences. Jesmond Dene is an ancient woodland of geological interest, with diverse river wildlife including otters, kingfishers and dippers; there are confirmed breeding sites for these species along the river. Leisure facilities include paths, a nature trail, Pets' Corner and opportunities for pond dipping in the nature area.

Armstrong Park consists of ancient woodland, steep valleys and grassland, and also features historic points of interest. Its well-developed network of paths is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. As path conditions may change, it is worth checking them before visiting.

Grainger Market is a traditional covered market hall, built in 1835 and listed as a Grade I building. Food traders include butchers, artisan bakers, greengrocers, street-food vendors, coffee shops and cafés. The mix of traders may change over time.

Getting there and choosing a hotel

Regular train services run to the airport, Gateshead, the coast and the nearby city of Sunderland. As timetables may change, it is worth checking services for your chosen travel date.

Discover more destinations: Newcastle Upon Tyne, Northumberland, North Tyneside, Gateshead, Durham, South Tyneside, Sunderland, Stockton-On-Tees.

Back to the main travel overview: North East England.