10 Best Things To Do In Newcastle Upon Tyne, England

best things to do in newcastle upon tyne uk
Jasmine
Jasmine 
Updated
| 5 min read

Newcastle is the eighth most populous urban city in the United Kingdom! Commonly known as just “Newcastle,” this city is actually located in Tyne & Wear, New England. Newcastle also hosts the “Great North Run,” a marathon that has over 57,000 runners a year! Here are 10 things to keep you occupied in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

1. Wylam Brewery

INTO THE MYSTIC!!! Calling all Puritan Separatist Pilgrims!!! Come settle yourself within the confines of our Tap Room...

Posted by Wylam Brewery on Thursday, 16 March 2017

Founded in 2000, Wylam Brewery is a 30 Barrel Micro that is now stationed at the Palace of Arts in Exhibition Park! Wylam Brewery is filled with live music that caters to corporate events, exhibitions, and even weddings! Wylam Brewery has a tap room with free entry and opens to the public on Thursdays through Sundays. Stop by and gorge yourself in malts, beers, and other beverages that are enjoyed across the land!

Wylam Brewery

Address: Palace of Arts Exhibition Park, NE2 4PZ Newcastle upon Tyne

Website: Wylam Brewery

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2. Jesmond Dene Park

Jesmond Dene Mill 1161
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Clem Rutter, Roch... used under CC BY 3.0

Jesmond Dene, a public park, is located in the valley of a small river, the Ouseburn. Did you know the name ‘Jesmond’ means 'mouth of the Ouseburn?’ In 1850, William George Armstrong bought the land that is now known as Jesmond Dene. Armstrong planted trees, laid paths, and built bridges which are open to the public today.

Jesmond Dene is quite captivating with an alluring charm of its own! Also, Jesmond Dene has a nature trail for tourists and the locals to enjoy! The trail starts at the Pets’ Corner; along the way, there’s a total of 16 stops made throughout the trail to explore such as Armstrong’s Banqueting Hall, the Fisherman’s Lodge, and you will even see the 14th Century Water Mill! Jesmond Dene Park will not disappoint as you learn and experience the history of this park in nature!

Jesmond Dene Park

Address: Jesmond Dene, NE2 1 Newcastle upon Tyne

Website: Jesmond Dene Park

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3. Seven Stories

We're closed all day for staff training. Did you know we have 9,762 active titles in our Bookshop? #trainingfact #independentbookshop #childrensbooks #bookshop #readingforpleasure

Posted by Seven Stories The National Centre for Children's Books on Monday, 5 December 2016

Founded and started as a charity back in 1996 by Elizabeth Hammill and Mary Briggs, the Seven Stories is a place like no other in the United Kingdom! Seven Stories is the national home of children’s books; the best books are written by British authors for children! This place has playful activities, events, and exhibitions bringing the children’s books to life!

In 2012, Seven Stories was awarded national status for the recognition of literary legacy by engaging countless visitors in children’s literature with learning programs! And in 2013, Seven Stories was awarded gold in the Best Education Project at the National Lottery Awards! So if you want some quiet time and need the kids to settle down, visit Seven Stories! Your kids will enjoy the learning and reading experience that will stay with them forever!

Seven Stories

Website: Seven Stories, National Centre for Children’s Book

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4. Discovery Museum

Discovery Museum, Newcastle upon Tyne, 5 January 2012 (2)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Neil Turner used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Open 7 days a week with free admission! The Discovery Museum is a local history/science museum managed by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums. Take a stroll and learn the history and life of Tyneside from the shipbuilding heritage to countless heritage that changed the world!

The Discovery Museum has ongoing programs for temporary exhibitions and permanent displays with each visit! In the front entrance of the museum, you will see the Turbinia, Charles Parsons’ 34-meter (115-foot) steam powered ship which was once the fastest ship in the world!!
There are four different floor levels in the Discovery Museum.

On the ground level, you’ll see the temporary exhibition space, the Tyne & Wear Archives along with the gift shop. The first floor, you’ll immerse further into Tyneside’s industrial past. The Discovery Museum even has a play area called the Play Tyne for kids!

On the second floor, the Turbinia Cafe will refresh you with a drink and an appetizing snack! There’s also the Destination Tyneside, the United Kingdom’s only permanent gallery that tells the story of migration that made Tyneside home. And the fourth floor is where conferences, parties, and weddings are held. Check out the Discovery Museum! Guaranteed to leave a lasting impression!

Discovery Museum

Address: Blandford Square, NE1 4JA Newcastle upon Tyne

Website: Discovery Museum

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5. The Biscuit Factory

Posted by The Biscuit Factory on Monday, 5 June 2017

Free admission! Open 7 days a week! The Biscuit Factory is United Kingdom’s largest, independent contemporary art, craft and design gallery right in the heart of Newcastle quarter!

The Biscuit Factory is housed in a Victorian warehouse with more than enough space on two floors! At this gallery, you will see sculptures, original prints, jewelry, and other varieties. The Biscuit Factory has four exhibitions annually; 250 artists with their masterpieces to display!

You can even purchase the artists’ work too! It’s simple and affordable! There are studios for artists, a cafe, and a restaurant, so prepare to be artistically entertained at the Biscuit Factory!

The Biscuit Factory

Address: 16 Stoddart Street, NE2 1AN Newcastle Upon Tyne

Website: The Biscuit Factory

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6. Grainger Market

Posted by Grainger Market on Wednesday, 5 July 2017

A 52-week-a-year market with over 100 businesses from local and independent traders, the Grainger Market is definitely worth the sneak peak! This market first opened back in October 1835; Richard Grainger was the developer in charge with John Dobson, the architect, who designed and oversaw the construction of the Grainger Market.

The Grainger Market’s operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Some of the individual stores have their own separate operating hours. Here are a few of the stores at the Grainger Market: That Retro Game Shop, VJW Jewelry, Grainger Cards, and others! Don’t miss out on what these awesome traders have to offer at the Grainger Market!

Grainger Market

Address: Clayton Street, NE1 5QN Newcastle upon Tyne

Website: Grainger Market

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7. Hatton Gallery

Hatton Showcase: Designs for a Touring Pavilion, 2016. Installation view, Laing Art Gallery. Catrin Huber, Toby Paterson, Harriet Sutcliffe & Jack Mutton. Photo: Colin Davison.

Posted by Hatton Gallery on Friday, 2 September 2016

Considered the “creative heart” of the Newcastle University, the Hatton Gallery reigns supreme for over 50 years! This gallery has a permanent collection of modern art alongside works of an international essence. Also, the Hatton Gallery has a community of artists and academics in Newcastle University; the university’s fine art department is highly prominent. However, the Hatton Gallery is currently closed due to renovations. Get ready for the grand opening in autumn of this year!

Hatton Gallery

Address: Kings Road, Newcastle University, NE1 7RU Newcastle upon Tyne

Website: Hatton Gallery

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8. Northern Stage

THE HOGWALLOPS Fri 28 - Sat 29 Oct northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/the-hogwallops Spectacular circus skills blend...

Posted by Northern Stage on Thursday, 20 October 2016

As the largest producing theatre company in North England, the Northern Stage is a mixture in the mastery of art and creativity! Experience upcoming shows, events, talks, and all at the Northern Stage! If you enjoy the movies, then you will love a worthwhile production in the making!

Northern Stage

Address: Barras Bridge, NE1 7RH Newcastle upon Tyne

Website: Northern Stage

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9. Aspers Casino Newcastle

Sahara Hotel and Casino 2
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Antoine Taveneaux used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Winner of 2017’s The Gaming Awards, ‘Socially Responsible Operator of the Year’ for the second time! Aspers Casino in Newcastle beats the competition when it comes to the gambling, alcoholic beverages, and live entertainment! This casino is open 24/7!

Everyone over the age of 18 can get in on the highlighted fun! You must have your ID if you want to cash out or buy in over 1,000. You don’t need to be a member to participate; there’s no door fee either! Don’t miss out on this chance to gamble: win big or go home!

Aspers Casino Newcastle

Address: The Gate, Newgate Street, NE1 5TG Newcastle upon Tyne

Website: Aspers Casino Newcastle

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10. Laing Art Gallery

Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle upon Tyne, 27 July 2011 (2)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Roger used under CC BY 2.0

Founded in 1901, Alexander Laing is the man who funded the building of the Laing Art Gallery. This gallery houses an international collection of art! Most the art emphasizes British oil paintings, watercolors, ceramics, silver, and glassware! The Laing Art Gallery has multiple, rotating exhibitions containing historic, modern, and contemporary arts along with events including the artists. If you get a little weary from all the artistic excitement, there is a shop, cafe, learning space, and much more to put a little extra pep in your step! Admission is free!

Laing Art Gallery

Address: Laing Art Gallery, New Bridge Street, NE1 8AG Newcastle upon Tyne

Website: Laing Art Gallery

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New adventures in Newcastle upon Tyne!

Prepare yourself and expect to be internationally cultured by Newcastle upon Tyne! Once you get there, the fun never ends! You and your family will be too busy being entertained!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Jasmine McGhee is a published author holding a B.A. in English, and her passion lies in English, literature, and, above all, poetry. She also has over 13 years of experience in the craft and is...Read more

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