Newcastle

Day 1: Grainger Town elegance and the Quayside icons

A compact walking day to get your bearings and soak up Newcastle’s neoclassical heart before drifting down to the river. Wear comfy shoes; the city is walkable but hilly in places, and the sandstone glows beautifully in late-afternoon light.

• Morning: Start at Grey’s Monument and stroll the curve of Grey Street for a masterclass in Tyneside Classical architecture, ducking into the Central Arcade. Pop into the Lit & Phil near Central Station for a peaceful Victorian reading room, then swing through Grainger Market for coffee and a wander. Tip: look up—most architectural detail sits above modern shopfronts.
• Midday: Head to the Castle Keep and Black Gate for views and medieval context, then descend via the chares to the Quayside. Grab a simple market bite or a light lunch along the river if you didn’t already eat indoors.
• Afternoon: Walk the river from the High Level Bridge towards the Millennium Bridge, crossing to BALTIC’s free viewing platform and taking in The Glasshouse opposite. Check the Millennium Bridge tilt times in advance (often around midday) if you want the kinetic show.
• Evening: Dine at the Broad Chare (book ahead for peak times), then sip under the Tyne Bridge at the Bridge Tavern’s microbrewery terrace. For a quiet, traditional finale, slide into the Crown Posada’s narrow, wood-panelled bar; order at the bar, be patient in the “cluster queue,” and don’t wave cash—ask for a local pale ale recommendation and return your empties when you’re done.

Day 2: Ouseburn Valley and the craft beer heartbeat

Today is slower, creative, and decidedly hoppy—the Ouseburn’s post‑industrial lanes now hum with breweries, music, and independent pubs. Aim for a late morning start; many taprooms and pubs open closer to lunchtime.

• Morning: Wander the Ouseburn Valley’s cobbles, arches, and converted warehouses to get a feel for the area’s creative energy and riverside paths. Orientation first; drinks later.
• Midday: Settle into the Ship Inn for a cosy pub with a fully vegetarian/vegan menu, then stroll to the Cluny for excellent beer and to check the live‑music board. Insider move: ask the bartender what local pale or bitter is pouring well today.
• Afternoon: Climb to the Free Trade Inn for one of the city’s best beer‑garden views of the Tyne bridges; in summer this is prime sunspot territory. If you fancy folk music and a proper local’s garden, continue to the Cumberland Arms (check for sessions). Pub etiquette refresher: join the round system, don’t miss your turn, and never snap or shout at bar staff.
• Evening: Stay for a gig at the Cluny, or amble back city‑centre for history with a buzz at the Old George (listen for a ghost story or two) and Victorian tiling at the Bodega. Weekend note: the Bigg Market and Diamond Strip run late and loud—fun for a party mood, but not representative of the city’s full pub culture.

Day 3: Parks, brewery-in-a-palace, and (maybe) matchday

Round things off with green space, standout brewing, and a taste of Newcastle’s football fervour. If you’re here on a Sunday, consider a roast—locals take it seriously and popular spots book up.

• Morning: Stroll Exhibition Park and visit Wylam Brewery in the Palace of Arts for a striking taproom setting; check opening hours and events, as markets and festivals often pop up here. If architecture calls, detour through Newcastle University’s historic core around the Armstrong Building.
• Midday: Tour St James’ Park if there’s no match, or, if it’s a home game, arrive early for the atmosphere around the Strawberry, the Bodega, and the Trent House (expect songs, queues, and packed bars). Prefer quiet? Hop on the Metro to South Gosforth for the Station House micropub and conversation-forward pints.
• Afternoon: Take a final architectural loop—either the Byker Wall (respect it’s a lived‑in community) or a last Quayside wander for bridge views you might have missed. Golden hour on Grey Street is superb for photos if the light’s playing nice.
• Evening: Book a roast or hearty gastropub supper back at the Broad Chare, or keep things informal under the bridge at the Bridge Tavern. For a last nightcap, the Mean‑Eyed Cat’s craft taps (and free, help‑yourself pizza with a drink) make a quirky farewell; on the way, keep an eye on your pace—Newcastle’s “going out out” can sneak up on you. Seasonal tip: in December, festive ales and lights make the riverfront stroll especially atmospheric.

By Air

• Newcastle International Airport (NCL) is 10 km (6 miles) northwest of the city centre.
  • Metro: direct to Central Station/Monument every 12 minutes; about 25 minutes.
  • Taxi: typically 15–20 minutes, traffic dependent.
• Alternative airports:
  • Teesside International (MME): around 1 hour by car.
  • Edinburgh (EDI): tram to Waverley then train to Newcastle; trains take about 1 h 25–1 h 40.
  • Manchester (MAN): direct trains to Newcastle in about 2 h 45–3 h 15.

By Train

• Main station: Newcastle Central Station (on the East Coast Main Line).
• Key direct services:
  • London King’s Cross (LNER): fastest about 2 h 40; typically 2 h 45–3 h.
  • Edinburgh Waverley (LNER/CrossCountry): about 1 h 25–1 h 40.
  • York (LNER/Northern): about 55–60 minutes.
  • Leeds (TPE/Northern): about 1 h 20–1 h 35.
  • Manchester (TPE): about 2 h 30–3 h.
  • Birmingham (CrossCountry): about 3 h 30.
• Frequent local services to Durham, Sunderland, Morpeth and the MetroCentre.

By Coach/Bus

• Main coach hub: Newcastle Coach Station (St James Boulevard) for National Express; Megabus stops centrally (e.g., John Dobson Street).
• Typical journey times (direct services):
  • London: about 6–7.5 hours.
  • Edinburgh: about 3–3.5 hours.
  • Manchester: about 4–5 hours.

By Car

• Primary routes:
  • A1(M)/A1 from the south (London/Leeds) and north (Edinburgh).
  • A19 via the Tyne Tunnel from Teesside/Sunderland (toll applies; pay online Tyne Pass).
  • A69 west to Carlisle and the M6.
• Approximate drive times:
  • London: 5–6 hours.
  • Edinburgh: 2.5–3 hours.
  • Manchester: 2.5–3 hours.
• City-centre parking in multi-storey car parks; Metro park-and-ride sites (e.g., Callerton Parkway, Four Lane Ends, Heworth).

By Ferry/Sea

• Port of Tyne (North Shields) for DFDS nightly ferry to/from Amsterdam (IJmuiden).
• The port is about 16 km (10 miles) from Newcastle; shuttle buses run to the city centre, or drive via the A19/A1058 (around 25–35 minutes).