Explore Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Newcastle-upon-Tyne or simply Newcastle is a city with real character. It has a mixture of historic streets with iconic landmarks, a vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as a reputation for lively nightlife which does not fail to live up to expectations. Newcastle has something for everyone to enjoy, during the day and late at night.
2026 is shaping up to be a big year for England’s most northerly city, with new event spaces and cultural highlights coming to the city this year, such as music events, food and drink festivals and exciting new dining destinations. Perhaps it’s time to add Newcastle to your travel bucket list.
Read on for our Newcastle travel guide and tips and pointers on how to spend a weekend in Newcastle.
Top things to do during a weekend in Newcastle
Newcastle is home to many historic landmarks and exciting museums and things to do. Here are some suggestions for a jam-packed itinerary for your weekend break in The Toon.
Gateshead Millennium Bridge
Maybe the most iconic imagery of Newcastle-upon-Tyne is the river that flows through the city centre. There is an almost 3-mile-long walking path along the north bank of the River Tyne which gives some great views of the city’s most iconic bridges like the Tyne Bridge and the Gateshead Millenium Bridge.
For football fans, a guided tour of the iconic St. James’ Park stadium is a great option for your weekend in Newcastle. Opened in 1892, it is one of the oldest stadiums in English football, and with a top capacity of over 50,000 fans, it is one of the largest too.
If history is your thing, Newcastle has fantastic and unique sites to visit. Victoria Tunnel is a 19th century coal wagonway, also used in World War 2 as an air-raid-shelter, and one of the top things to do in Newcastle.
Also check out Newcastle Castle in the heart of the city centre, a Norman fortress built for defensive purposes in the Roman times, it has been standing in some form for almost 900 years.
Newcastle Castle
Newcastle’s typically English weather offers the perfect excuse to explore it’s wide range of museums and indoor activities on a rainy day.
The Discovery Museum is a family-friendly museum with free entry displaying the heritage of the local area, with exciting inventions and model ships, as well as interactive activities to keep the kids entertained.
There is also the Life Science Centre, located just around the corner from the Holiday Inn Express Newcastle City Centre is a state-of-the-art science experience with a planetarium. Hotel guests save 20% on general admission at the Life Science Centre.
Family fun at the Life Science Centre
Enjoy the art exhibitions at the Biscuit Factory, the UK’s largest commercial art, craft and design gallery set in a former Victorian warehouse, and The Laing, home to an impressive collection of art and sculptures.
To continue your cultural journey, catch an evening performance of world-class music at The Glasshouse just across the River Tyne in Gateshead, an intimate venue for a memorable night.
A little further out of the city centre:
- Visit the Angel of the North, the iconic Antony Gormley sculpture and one of the most famous sights of the Northeast.
- Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head to Jesmond Dene, take a walk through the woods, have a look at the waterfalls and relax in nature just a stone’s throw from central Newcastle.
- Take a step back in time to the Beamish Living Museum and watch history come to life as you walk through the immersive streets – only a 20-minute drive from our Gateshead hotel.
Angel of the North in Gateshead
Beamish Living Museum in County Durham
Finally, one for the adults – the Brinkburn Street Brewery offers a lively behind-the-scenes tour to discover how their craft beers are made and taste a range of the flavours. Guests at Holiday Inn Express Newcastle City Centre or Gateshead receive £10 off a Brinkburn Street Brewery Tour & 3 Beer Tasting.
Best places to eat and drink in Newcastle
Newcastle is a city with an abundance of food options, from wallet-friendly bites to fine-dining experiences. Here are some of our recommendations to enjoy the best of the Geordie cuisine.
After you’ve enjoyed your guided tour of the Brinkburn Street Brewery, make sure to stay and eat at the bar and kitchen, with a delicious menu of burgers and pub food to enjoy alongside your craft beer.
Beer tasting at the Brinkburn Street Brewery
Grainger Market
For variety under one room, head to STACK Newcastle. It’s a lively hub for global street food from China to Mexico and beyond. With live DJs and bands in the evenings, STACK is also set to be one of Newcastle’s go-to spots for watching World Cup action this summer. Also visit Grainger Market, where vibrant global flavours sit alongside traditional Geordie favourites.
National bakery chain Greggs started right here in the Northeast. With over 30 branches across Newcastle, it’s only right to sample some pastry-covered treats in the home city of this high street chain.
Sausage rolls
If you’re looking for an upmarket dining experience, check out House of Tides, Newcastle’s only Michelin starred restaurant. Serving up a tasting menu of modern British cuisine using sustainable, seasonal ingredients in a cosy and rustic setting.
If traditional British fare is your go-to, you cannot miss Blackfriars, go and enjoy one of their legendary Sunday Roasts in a 13th century dining hall – the oldest in the UK.
Opening this summer is Freight Island an exciting new space with food, drinks and music from DJs, a fantastic place to spend the evening when it opens in June 2026.
How to get to Newcastle
Newcastle is easy to reach by road, rail and air, making it ideal for a weekend break. The A1 provides direct road links from Leeds, with other major routes from Scotland and Cumbria. Meanwhile frequent direct trains connect Newcastle with London, Birmingham, and Manchester as well as other major UK destinations.
Central Station in Newcastle
Newcastle International Airport offers domestic flights from London Heathrow, Belfast, Bristol, Exeter and Southampton, alongside a range of international flights across Europe and beyond.
How to get around the city in Newcastle
The city centre of Newcastle is compacted in an area of around 1 square mile, meaning it is a very walkable city with attractions located close together.
Pedestrians on the Gateshead Millennium Bridge
Monkwearmouth Bridge, part of the Tyne and Wear Metro
If walking is not your style, take a ride on the Tyne and Wear Metro, the largest in the UK outside of London. The Metro can take you into the city from the airport, and with two lines and 60 stations you can travel easily around the wider area.
Where to stay in Newcastle
Stay at one of our hotels in Newcastle for your weekend trip. With free breakfast, great transport links and either a prime city centre location or close to shopping at the Metrocentre, we’ve got you covered.
Holiday Inn Express Newcastle City Centre
HIEX Newcastle City Centre
Our City Centre hotel is conveniently located close to all the major attractions and landmarks in Newcastle and just a 5-minute walk from Newcastle Railway Station. Unwind in your room with free Wi-Fi and en-suite bathrooms, have a drink in the bar before heading out for the evening and don’t forget to make the most of the free breakfast buffet every morning.
Holiday Inn Express Newcastle Gateshead
Bedroom at HIEX Newcastle Gateshead
Our Gateshead hotel is located just off the A1, a 10-minute drive from Newcastle Airport. With free parking and easy public transport links into Newcastle City Centre and Gateshead, all the attractions are just a bus ride away. Enjoy comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, breakfast and en-suite bathrooms, as well as a meeting room for up to 30 people.
Remember, don’t miss out on your discounts to some of Newcastle’s top attractions at the Brinkburn Street Brewery and the Life Science Centre when you stay at either of these hotels for your weekend break in Newcastle.
Is Newcastle good for a weekend?
Yes, Newcastle is perfect for a weekend break. A small enough city to explore on foot, while boasting a wide range of attractions and landmarks – you will not run out of things to do here during your visit. Hopefully, this blog has inspired you for your trip to Newcastle and helped you to plan how to spend a weekend in Newcastle.