Discover Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne, commonly known as Newcastle, is a vibrant city in the northeast of England, renowned for its rich industrial history, iconic architecture, and lively cultural scene. The city’s historic roots date back to Roman times, but it has since evolved into a bustling hub of arts, education, and nightlife. Newcastle offers a mix of historic landmarks, contemporary attractions, and a friendly atmosphere that welcomes visitors from around the world. From the stunning River Tyne bridges to the lively Quayside, there is always something to discover in this dynamic city.

Why Visit Newcastle upon Tyne?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a city where history and modernity blend seamlessly. The city boasts striking architecture, from the medieval Newcastle Castle to the contemporary Sage Gateshead music venue. It's also home to several world-class cultural institutions, such as the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and the Great North Museum. The city is famous for its vibrant nightlife, with a host of bars, pubs, and clubs, making it a great destination for a weekend getaway.

Top Attractions in Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is filled with attractions that cater to history enthusiasts, art lovers, and adventurers. Here are some must-see sights:

• Newcastle Castle: Discover the history of the city at this ancient castle, which dates back to the 12th century. Climb to the top of the keep for stunning views of the River Tyne and the city skyline.
• BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art: Located in a converted flour mill, this renowned art gallery showcases modern and contemporary art exhibitions. It also offers fantastic views of the Tyne from its viewing platforms.
• Quayside: Stroll along the Quayside to see the iconic bridges that span the River Tyne, including the Tyne Bridge and the modern Gateshead Millennium Bridge. The area is filled with cafes, bars, and restaurants, making it a great place to relax.
• Theatre Royal: This historic theatre is one of the finest in the UK, hosting a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, and opera. The building itself is a beautiful example of Georgian architecture.
• Victoria Tunnel: Take a guided tour of this 19th-century coal wagonway, which was later used as an air-raid shelter during World War II. The tours offer a fascinating glimpse into Newcastle's industrial past.
• St. Nicholas’ Cathedral: One of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the cathedral is an impressive example of medieval architecture and features beautiful stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings.

Getting Around Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a walkable city, with many attractions located within a short distance of each other. The city also has an efficient public transport system, including buses and the Tyne and Wear Metro, which connects Newcastle upon Tyne with nearby areas such as Gateshead, Sunderland, and the coast. If you prefer cycling, the city offers various bike rental services and cycle-friendly routes.

Food and Drink in Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle’s culinary scene is diverse, offering a variety of dining options that cater to different tastes. The city is known for its hearty pub fare, with traditional dishes such as stottie cakes, pease pudding, and locally brewed ales served in many historic pubs. The Bigg Market and Grey Street areas are home to a range of restaurants offering everything from classic British dishes to international cuisine.

The Quayside is a popular spot for dining, with several restaurants offering riverside views. For street food and independent eateries, the Grainger Market is a must-visit, providing a wide range of options from freshly baked goods to international delicacies. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or fine dining, Newcastle’s food scene has something for everyone.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is famous for its lively nightlife, often considered one of the best in the UK. The city has a wide variety of bars, clubs, and pubs that cater to all tastes, from trendy cocktail bars in Jesmond to traditional pubs in the city center. The Bigg Market and Collingwood Street, also known as the "Diamond Strip," are popular nightlife areas.

The city is also a hotspot for live music, with venues like the O2 Academy and the Sage Gateshead hosting concerts by local and international artists. For theatre lovers, the Theatre Royal and the Live Theatre offer a range of performances, including drama, comedy, and musicals. Whatever your preference, Newcastle’s vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene provide endless options for a night out.

Best Shopping Areas in Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne offers a great shopping experience, with a mix of high-street brands, designer boutiques, and independent stores. Eldon Square and Northumberland Street are the main shopping areas, featuring popular fashion brands and department stores. For a more unique shopping experience, head to the Grainger Market, where you’ll find local produce, crafts, and vintage items.

Jesmond and Ouseburn are also known for their independent shops, cafes, and galleries, perfect for those seeking unique gifts and artisan products. If you’re looking for luxury shopping, Fenwick Newcastle is a historic department store offering a wide range of high-end fashion, beauty, and homeware products.

Things to Do for Kids in Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a family-friendly city with plenty of attractions for children. Life Science Centre is a popular choice for families, offering interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and hands-on activities that make learning about science fun. Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children's Books, is another great attraction, providing engaging storytelling sessions and creative workshops.

The city’s parks, such as Leazes Park and Exhibition Park, offer open spaces for outdoor play, while Ouseburn Farm provides the chance to see farm animals up close. For a bit of history, kids will enjoy exploring the Victoria Tunnel or visiting the Discovery Museum, which features child-friendly exhibits on local history and technology.

Buses to and from Newcastle upon Tyne

Discover budget-friendly bus fares to Newcastle upon Tyne

In the hunt for economical fares to Newcastle upon Tyne? Look no further; we cater to your needs with buses linking Newcastle upon Tyne starting from just £4.99. Plus, grab an even better deal by booking ahead. Newcastle upon Tyne has a single bus stop accessible from 17 cities. Explore the FlixBus routes to find if your city's connected!

Reasons to opt for FlixBus for journeys to Newcastle upon Tyne

FlixBus strikes a balance between cost and comfort, ensuring a top-notch journey experience. Have a pleasant ride to Newcastle upon Tyne, taking advantage of onboard perks such as complimentary Wi-Fi and charging ports. Reserve your preferred seat at the time of booking, and take solace in the fact that your ticket includes both a hand luggage and a checked suitcase.

Guidelines to secure your bus seat to Newcastle upon Tyne

It's straightforward to book with FlixBus: either on this site or using the free FlixBus App, wrap up your reservation in mere moments. When buying your ticket online to Newcastle upon Tyne, you have a variety of secure online payment options, including credit card, Paypal, Google, or Apple Pay. If you'd rather, you can also settle in cash onboard or at one of our counters.

Benefits of Travelling with FlixBus to Newcastle upon Tyne?

With FlixBus, experience travel like never before—where pocket-friendly meets top-tier service. We can't wait to have you onboard!

Liberal Baggage Policy

Whether you're a minimalist traveller or one who packs everything, we cater to both by allowing one cabin bag and one stored bag at no added cost. For more specifics, peruse our detailed luggage terms.

Journeys with Tots from or to Newcastle upon Tyne

Discounts are on offer for kiddos below 15, and there's no charge for bringing along prams. For a full rundown, consult our child travel guidance.

Universal Access

All our coach routes in Newcastle upon Tyne are designed to be inclusive for travellers with limited mobility. We welcome guide dogs on all journeys, and there's no charge for the carriage of wheelchairs, collapsible wheelchairs, and other mobility equipment.

Amenities Onboard

When making your way to or from Newcastle upon Tyne, sink into our spacious seating arrangements. Delight in free add-ons like individual charging points, onboard toilets, and yes, free Wi-Fi on a majority of our vehicles. We're all about your convenience.

Travel with a Conscience

Embrace a sustainable future by choosing FlixBus. Add the CO₂ compensation option when reserving and be assured of a green travel choice. Travelling with FlixBus from or to Newcastle upon Tyne isn’t just a more eco-friendly alternative to cars, cabs or flights, it’s also wallet-friendly and comfortable.