Top 12 Day Trips From Newcastle, UK - Updated 2024

day trips from newcastle
Hildah
Hildah 
Updated
| 5 min read

Are you in Newcastle or anywhere in the UK yearning for a mini-holiday to relax, reset and unwind? You probably don’t want to fork out so much money to pay for flights, accommodation, and food in a faraway country. And all for a mini-break that’s bound to last a couple of days or less. No, doubt, a vacation sounds great, but what good will it do if you barely have two days to spare? Do you know what sounds better? A day trip. Day trips are flexible. Plus, no need to pack bags upon bags of clothes and supplies. You can simply spend the night in hotels with hot tubs to help yourself recharge. There are also quaint nearby cabin rentals that are worthwhile hideaways for a respite. If you’re wondering where to start your next journey, check out this list of the top day trips from Newcastle, UK.

1. York (from USD 17.0)

York is a captivating day trip destination that transports visitors back in time with its rich history and charming medieval ambiance. Explore the iconic York Minster, a magnificent cathedral that showcases stunning Gothic architecture. Walk along the ancient city walls and immerse yourself in the medieval charm of the Shambles, a narrow, cobbled street lined with timber-framed buildings. Discover the fascinating history at the Jorvik Viking Centre and step into the past at the immersive York Castle Museum.

Apart from learning about history, you should also indulge in delightful afternoon tea at one of the quaint tearooms and browse through the unique boutiques and antique shops.

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Mad Alice’s The Bloody Tour of York -Best Tour Award Europe 2024

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

1801 reviews

2. Hadrian's Wall (from USD 69.47)

day trips from newcastle | hadrian's wall

Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the UK, is a captivating day trip destination that immerses visitors in the rich history of Roman Britain. Stretching across rugged landscapes for 84 miles (135 kilometers), this ancient fortification offers a remarkable glimpse into the Roman Empire’s might. Explore the well-preserved ruins of Roman forts, such as Housesteads and Vindolanda, and walk along the wall itself, tracing the footsteps of Roman soldiers.

Marvel at the breathtaking panoramic views of the Northumberland countryside and imagine the stories of the past that echo through the centuries. Learn about the lives of soldiers at the interactive museums, and delve into the fascinating history of this iconic landmark.

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Hadrian's Wall: 4-Hour Guided Tour

Duration: 4.0 hour

7 reviews

3. Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough Town Hall Summer 2013
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Anthony Winward used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Experience Middlesbrough like never before. Introducing this destination in your road trip itinerary in England means experiencing the countryside in such a unique way. Whether you are self-driving or want to embark on coach trips from Newcastle, you are bound to be mesmerized by how much wealth this place holds.

Wealth in the form of history, an abundance of indigenous insects and animals, and such a beautiful yet calming atmosphere. Here, you can see Alnwick Castle, the heritage pub, go for a beer tour at Leeds, take a short 45-minute cruise across River Ouse, and so much more.

Middlesbrough

Address: North Yorkshire, England

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4. Durham

Durham Castle 20180505-4
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Suicasmo used under CC BY-SA 4.0

If you are a sucker for castles and the history behind them, then you need to find a worthwhile Durham day tour. Durham is home to some of the oldest, most magnificent castles dating back thousands and thousands of years. Also, you could view one of the largest waterfalls here, quite a spectacle, especially if it’s your first time here. Other nearby attractions you cannot afford to miss on your day trip in Durham include Durham Castle and Cathedral, Beamish Museum, and the Bowes Museum. The Durham Castle and Cathedral is the oldest surviving monument, showcasing the prowess and creativity of Roman architecture. The Bowes and the Beamish museums, on the other hand, date back to 1800s, and features pictures and decorative arts of what life was in the past in England.

Durhan

Address: County Durham, northeast England

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5. Tynemouth

Long Sands & St. George's Church
Source: Photo by Flickr user Akuppa John Wigham used under CC BY 2.0

People travel from distant countries to Tynemouth, a seemingly small village with so much wealth in terms of history and beautiful attractions. Tynemouth is not your usual quiet, primitive village. If you come here, come ready to do a bit of shopping, and to enjoy Tynemouth’s vibrant nightlife. You can even get to see Tynemouth Priory & Castle, a site that is hundreds of years old and also said to be the resting place of Northumbrian saints and kings. Don’t miss a walk down the Tynemouth Longsands beach, where you can relax and engage in water sports.

Tynemouth

Address: Tyne and Wear, England

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6. Angel of the North

Angel of The North
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Nadia Wahab used under CC BY-SA 4.0

It may sound like a heading right out of your favourite English novel. To be honest, your experience is going to as surreal. The Angel of the North is a gigantic 20 meter (65 ft) tall statue with 54-meter (175 ft) long wings. The Angel of the North is built on top of what was once a coal mining site. Sculpted by Anthony Gormley in the 20th century, this statue is not only the largest angel monument in Britain but might also be the largest in the world. It attracts thousands of visitors every day and stands as the most seen sculpture, with over 33 million views every year. To keep it from falling, the Angel of the North is reinforced with another 20 meters of steel and concrete underground.

Angel of the North

Address: Durham Rd, Low Eighton, Gateshead NE9 7TY, United Kingdom

Website: Angel of the North

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7. Alnwick

Chillingham Castle south front
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user TSP used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Elevate your day trips in England by visiting the charming town of Alnwick. Covered in vast greenery, the Alnwick Castle is not only a major historic site here but also a great place to come and unwind with family and friends. There are little water fountains in the nearby Alnwick Gardens that your little ones will love playing in.

Other attractive places you should consider visiting here include Chillingham Castle, Edlingham Castle and Edlingham Church, Howick Hall Gardens, Bailiffgate Museum and Gallery, Alnmouth Beach, and Hulne Park.

Alnwick

Address: Northumberland, England

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8. Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland

Bamburgh 2006 closeup
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Quaoar10 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Back when Northumberland was actually the Northumbria, Bamburgh Castle was the mother of all castles. It was the capital of Northumbria during the Anglo-Saxon era, and it is here where many grand decisions about battles were made. The Bamburgh Castle still stands strong as ever today and showcases what life of royals was like in the 1500s. There’s a collection of over 3000 art pieces, including furniture and utensils. Only 14 rooms are open for public viewing throughout the castle — enough to give you a glimpse into the past. There’s also a café here, where you can rest and enjoy a meal.

Bamburgh Castle

Address: Bamburgh NE69 7DF, United Kingdom

Website: Bamburgh Castle

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)

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9. Berwick-upon-Tweed

Berwick Town Hall 3
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Nilfanion used under CC BY-SA 3.0

It’s safe to say that Berwick-upon-Tweed is well worth a visit, especially if you appreciate learning about the UK’s history and the battles that were fought between kings. Take a detour from the town hall and visit the barracks.

Other attractions like the Spittal Promenade are only a stone’s throw away. Here, you’ll view numerous landmarks and even get to take a stroll down the beach found right about where the river Tweed begins. Also a great location for day trips near Newcastle, England, for families, the destination allows you to enjoy fishing, a picnic date, or time out with loved ones. Note that while most places are free to enter and view, the Barracks are only accessible at a small, pocket-friendly price.

Berwick-upon-Tweed

Address: Northumberland, England

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10. Sunderland

East End, Sunderland SR1, UK - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user jim field used under CC BY 3.0

For an added dose of culture and history, head to Sunderland. Here, you can visit and take pictures of breathtaking places like the National Glass Centre, Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, Roker & Seaburn Beaches, the historic Souter Lighthouse and the Leas, and Herrington Country Park. This port city has something for everyone.

Sunderland

Address: Tyne and Wear, England

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11. Whitley Bay Beach

Whitley Bay
Source: Photo by Flickr user Timo Newton-Syms used under CC BY-SA 2.0

If you love the water, dipping your feet in the sand, feeling the sun on your skin and the breeze blowing through your hair, then you must visit Whitley Bay Beach. It comes complete with a resort, shops, clubs, restaurants, bars, and to top it all off, a beach. It’s quite lively here and is a perfect place for those looking for some time away to relax or have a good time.

Whitley Bay Beach

Address: Whitley Bay, United Kingdom

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12. Beamish Open Air Museum, Beamish

Beamish Museum
Source: Photo by Flickr user Ed Webster used under CC BY 2.0

Located near Stanley town, the Beamish Museum has an open-air setting. It exhibits the life of both rural and urban England during the 20th century. Its goal is to preserve what qualifies as aspects of daily life. Newcastle and England at large were incredibly strong economically during the early 20th century. It’s something that’s so vividly showcased at this museum. You’ll love taking a trip down the history lane at the 1900s pit Village, the Tramway, the 1940s Farm, the Pockerley Waggonway, and the 1820s Pockerley Old Hall.

Beamish Open Air Museum, Beamish

Address: Regional Resource Centre, Beamish DH9 0RG, United Kingdom

Website: Beamish Open Air Museum, Beamish

Opening hours: Tue - Thu, Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Fri - Sat, Mon)

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Explore beyond Newcastle

Newcastle has no shortage of things to do and see. The city has plenty of breathtaking gems. If you’re looking to escape Newcastle for a while, we’d recommend checking out our above list of the day trip ideas.

Frequently asked questions about the day trips from Newcastle, UK


  • Which castles can tourists visit from Newcastle?

    Discover the rich and royal heritage surrounding Newcastle by visiting these nearby castles: i) Durham Castle and Cathedral, ii) Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland, iii)  Tynemouth Priory and Castle, and iv) Alnwick Castle.

  • What are the beaches near Newcastle for families to visit?

    For a splashing time during your day trip from Newcastle, make sure to hit the nearby beaches such as: i) Whitley Bay Beach, ii) Roker and Seaburn Beach in Sunderland, iii) Alnmouth Beach in Alnwick, and iv) Tynemouth Longsands Beach.

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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Hildah is a Nairobi-based travel writer and lover of nature, world cultures, food, languages, urban places, and wild spaces. She's interested in tasting fine wine and meeting new people. Having...Read more

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