Newcastle Upon Tyne is one of those places that’s been sitting on my ‘must get around to exploring’ list for about as long as I can remember. I’ve done a fair few weekend breaks in the UK now, but for whatever reasons life has thrown my way, I’d never gotten around to Newcastle. So, when the opportunity came up as part of Visit England‘s ‘Escape the Everyday’ campaign, with Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, I knew I had to go and try and get under the skin of the city!
In fact, my only prior visit to Newcastle was to attend a conference at the racecourse (which really doesn’t count), so I excitedly packed my bags and headed North. With shockingly little knowledge of the city, I was excited to see what activities I could squeeze into a weekend in Newcastle and Gateshead.
Disclaimer: Although I visited Newcastle and Gateshead for a paid PR trip, all opinions expressed in this blog are based on my own thoughts and experiences, and are 100% my own.
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What makes Newcastle a great place to visit?
As I soon found out during my weekend in Newcastle and Gateshead, there is SO much to do in and around the city, no matter what kind of weekend-breaker you are!
One of the first things you’ll notice when you start to approach the Quayside is the huge towering bridges that connect the city over the Tyne, criss-crossing over the streets below. The architecture is big and loud, but it doesn’t feel imposing, more like the bridges are reaching over to give you a welcoming, protective embrace as you walk along the streets below. And that definitely reflects the energy I got from Newcastle. It’s big, it’s loud, it’s a little bit quirky, but above all else it’s friendly and it’s fun.
Another thing for me that makes Newcastle and Gateshead a great place to visit, is how easy it is to get around. With so many different areas of culture, nature, shopping and history to discover in one city, you’ll want to cram as much into a weekend as possible.
Luckily there are transport options to suit everyone, from bikes to buses and simply putting one foot in front of the other, there’s more than one way to see more and escape the everyday.
How to escape the everyday in Newcastle and Gateshead
With so many things to see, do, eat and drink, how should you plan a short break in Newcastle and Gateshead?
I don’t know about you, but when I’m only visiting a city for a weekend I like to plan out a long day of activities. This way I can make the most out of my limited time and avoid the dreaded FOMO.
My general go-to activity is to jump on a walking Tour of the city first thing and get a taste for the main attractions and learn a bit of history on the way. This trip was all about escaping the every day however, and as the team at Newcastle Gateshead Initiative had planned out my itinerary, it was a great opportunity to try out some alternative city tour activities.
Things to do on a short break in Newcastle
So, what activities should you plan into a short break in Newcastle? Firstly, I’d definitely recommend jumping on a tour of the city and familiarising yourself with the ‘Toon’ (town for all the non-Geordies!) and discovering a few unexpected and more hidden areas of the city too.
During my visit I actually did two different city tours, and whilst you might be wondering why I would do two tours of the same city, they actually provided totally unique experiences!
Once you’ve had a good wander around the city (however you choose to do it), I’d definitely recommend stopping by Newcastle Castle and getting lost in it’s history (and many stairways), before hitting the Toon for some delicious food!
Do a bicycle tour of Newcastle and escape the hustle and bustle
My first tour of the day was a bicycle tour, which made for a nice step out of my comfort zone of walking!
The Posh Parks of the Toon bicycle tour is run by the Newcastle Tour Company, and takes you on a lovely route through Newcastle, Gateshead and the surrounding green spaces and ‘posh parks’. Our guide, Anna, gave us some really interesting bits of history and anecdotes along the way too. I found it to be a fabulous way to see more of the city than you would ever be able to cover on foot in a weekend.
As someone who picks up a bicycle about once every five years, I was slightly worried that I’d end up under a bus. I was pleasantly surprised to find though, that most of the route involved staying on dedicated cycle paths. Plus, I needn’t have worried, as Anna was always on hand to make sure we weren’t causing any major road incidents.
Cycle through the vibrant neighborhoods of Newcastle
One of the highlights of the cycling tour was being able to cover so much ground in such a short space of time, meaning I got to see some really interesting neighborhoods and corners of the city I might have missed otherwise.
I really enjoyed stopping by in Ouseburn Valley and learning about how the once heavily industrial area has become a creative hub in more recent years. Think exposed brickwork, graffiti, pop up galleries, and a cool indie vibe. It reminded me a lot of the Digbeth area in my home city of Birmingham, which has a very cool and creative aesthetic and a similar ‘industry to artistic’ history. I’d definitely like to come back to Newcastle and spend more time indulging my arty side in this area alone!
Relax in the post parks of ‘Toon’
Contrasting with the urban space of the city centre, a little further out I was totally surprised to discover just how much beautiful green space there is in Newcastle.
We made stops at a number of the city’s parks along the way, but my favourite spot has to be the waterfall at Jesmond Dene. It’s a beautiful spot to escape the everyday hustle and bustle of the city centre and marvel at the ingenuity of Lord Armstrong, who once owned, and later gave to the citizens of Newcastle, the Jesmond Dene park land.
Whilst a bike tour is definitely a more active way to explore Newcastle, I’d absolutely recommend trying it out. The route itself was mostly flat, and all the equipment you need was provided as part of the tour. With it being a private tour you also got a more personalised experience and we could ask all the stupid questions we liked!
If you want to try it out for yourself, you can find out more about the Posh Parks of the Toon cycling tour and book here.
Do a bus tour of Newcastle and see it all in a day
Of course, if you want to see the sights in a more relaxed way, the Newcastle Gateshead Toon Tour Bus is a great option.
The Toon Tour Bus is run by Go North East, and takes a circular route around Newcastle and Gateshead, allowing you to hop on and off as you please. If the weather is being kind, the open top deck is a great place to enjoy the views too. There’s also an audio guide that plays as you pass through the different areas of the city and pass by the many bridges and landmarks.
How to use the Newcastle Hop on Hop off buses in Newcastle
Using the Toon Tour Bus is super easy too. You can download the Go North East app and purchase a ticket, then simply find your nearest Toon Tour Bus stop (we got on the one along the Quayside), board the bus and scan the QR code.
Once you’ve scanned your ticket you’re free to get on and off as you please! I took the advice of the audio guide and got off at one side of the Tyne Bridge to enjoy the view, then hopped back on the bus from the stop at the other end.
The full loop of the bus tour also only takes an hour, so if you’ve got a really busy schedule for your weekend in Newcastle and Gateshead, this is a perfect way to get around and see it all.
Visit the Newcastle Castle
Whether you’re a history buff or not, a visit to Newcastle Castle is a fab way to spend a few hours whilst you’re in Newcastle. The Castle is no more than 10 minutes walk from both the city centre and the quayside, so you don’t have to travel far in distance to venture back to the medieval times!
Although it’s not exactly new any more, the Newcastle Castle is where the city gets its name from! So, if you’re interested in finding out more about the history of the city, this is certainly a good place to start!
The Castle buildings are really well kept and maintained in a way that you can really picture what it would have been like to live in the Keep (or find yourself locked up in the dungeons!).
There are plenty of informative displays throughout the Keep and inside the Black Tower building, or you can opt for an audio guide to help bring the history of Newcastle Castle to life.
Inside the Keep at Newcastle Castle, it’s easy to get lost in the labyrinth of narrow stone corridors and interconnecting staircases, but I have to admit it was a lot of fun!
That brings me onto another reason why Newcastle Castle is a must-visit. The view! If you take the stairs right to the top of the keep – fair warning, there’s about 99 of them – you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic view over the city.
Even on a rainy day the panoramic view over Newcastle and it’s seven bridges was fantastic, and well worth visiting the Castle for, even if you’re not all that excited by history.
The Castle hosts a ton of family events and activities throughout the year too, and even the odd spooky ghost walk!
You can find out more about visiting Newcastle Castle and book tickets here.
Where to stay in Newcastle for a short break
So, where should you stay if you’re in Newcastle for a weekend?
When I’m on a short break, I always prioritise location. Nobody wants to spend all weekend walking for miles between the hotel and all the good stuff!
We stayed in the INNSiDE By Melia Newcastle, which we found to be perfectly located along the Quayside, only minutes walk from the city centre and loads of great attractions.
INNSiDE by Melia Newcastle
Much like Newcastle itself, the INNSiDE feels cool and cosmopolitan, but with a plenty of fun and friendly thrown in for good measure. You’ll also find a fantastic illustration in the hotel lobby by local artist Lines Behind, who brings together a number of iconic Geordie references and celebrates the spirit of the city.
Rooms at the INNSiDE by Melia Newcastle
We stayed in a double room at the INNSiDE by Melia Newcastle. The room was really clean, modern and comfortable. I liked that it felt nice and bright in there too, as I find a lot of hotels are going for the dimly lit boutique feel nowadays, which is cosy, but not so great for getting ready in!
The space in the room was used really well too, leaving plenty of room to hang up clothes and move around. The shower overlooking the bed took a little getting used to, so be aware of that feature, depending on who you’re planning on sharing a room with!
Breakfast at the INNSiDE by Melia Newcastle
Breakfast at the INNSiDE is served in the Gino D’Acampo restaurant on the ground floor. There are plenty of delicious hot and continental options to fuel up on, and the quality of everything I tried was fantastic. It’s well worth getting down to breakfast early to enjoy a peaceful moment with coffee and pastry overlooking the Quayside.
The best part about the room though, has got to be that view over the Quayside! The floor to ceiling windows offer a knockout view across the Tyne, particularly at night when the buildings and bridges are illuminated in bright colours.
All in all, considering the central location, friendly service, stylish rooms, and of course, the view, I would definitely rate the INNSiDE by Melia for a short break in Newcastle.
You can book a room at the INNSiDE by Melia Newcastle online through their webiste here.
Or use the Booking.com widget below to quickly search for available rooms.
Where to eat in Newcastle
There are quite frankly, thousands of places to eat in Newcastle! However, with two days and one stomach, I could only begin to scratch the surface of the city’s culinary delights. That being said, I enjoyed some fantastic food during my weekend in Newcastle and Gateshead, so here’s the places I’d recommend based on my experiences.
Lunch – Dobson and Parnell
As part of our jam packed Saturday of activities around the Toon, we were booked in for lunch at the Dobson and Parnell restaurant.
Set in one of the old Victorian buildings on Queen Street, the interior takes on some of the classic features and materials, like dark wood and brass, and combines them with a modern airy ambiance.
The menu at the restaurant is ever evolving, sometimes changing daily, based on the seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients available at the time.
I was absolutely blown away by the quality of the food and service here, and with a set lunch menu offering three courses for £25, I couldn’t believe the value for money either! Here are a few of the dishes that I very much enjoyed:
Starter
I chose the Moroccan spiced pigeon breast to start. It caught my eye as something a little unusual. The flavours were so well balanced with just the right hint of spice to complement the gaminess of the pigeon.
Main
My main was breaded plaice, which had the most delicious, light and airy crunch, served with a parsley and caperberry salad. I’d definitely order this again, perhaps with a side of chips too!
Dessert
Rhubarb and custard is one of my all time favourite combinations, so I had to order the rhubarb and custard choux au craquelin. Again, perfectly light, crisp and sweet. Would definitely go back for seconds!
It’s no surprise to hear that Dobson and Parnell have received a number of accolades over the years for their great food too, having won the ‘Taste of the North East’ award in 2020, and also having been included in the Michelin Guide of the same year
You can find the latest menus and book a table for Dobson and Parnell here, or follow them on Instagram for some seriously swoon-worthy food pics.
Dinner – Gino D’Acampo Quayside
As I mentioned further up, the Gino D’Acampo Quayside restaurant is actually located very conveniently within the hotel we were staying in, the INNSiDE by Melia.
To round off a busy day of exploring Newcastle and Gateshead we were booked in to enjoy a three course dinner at the popular Italian restaurant chain. Having already taken in the bright, open plan look of the restaurant at breakfast, it was interesting to see how the atmosphere shifts in the evening to become a chic and stylish space that feels a little more intimate. Think live chillout DJ sets, and the subtle clinking of wine glasses, and you’ll get a good idea of the mood.
Generally, I prefer to visit independent eateries over chain restaurants like this, but I was really pleasantly surprised by just how much I enjoyed this meal. Whilst it may be a bit more of a stretch on the budget, I’d happily recommend coming here for a treat or special occasion, as both the food and the service were worth the price.
Starter
The theme of my meal at the Gino D’Acampo Quayside can essentially be described as ‘things I enjoy, but have no idea how to cook myself’. So, for a starter I chose the mussels. The portion size was really good for a starter, and the creamy paprika sauce had a nice kick of chilli.
Main
Swordfish! I basically never see swordfish on menus in the UK unless I go looking for it, so I was pleasantly surprised to find it here. The fish was cooked to my liking, and was the real star of this dish, which came with a simple salsa verde.
Dessert
I can’t resist a dessert that has one of those rich, melt-in-the-middle centres, and the chocolate fondant at Gino D’Acampo Quayside did not disappoint. The indulgent chocolate centre was everything I’d hoped it would be.
The Gino D’Acampo Quayside is popular, so it’s worth booking in advance to make sure you can get a table, especially at weekends.
You can take a look at the menu or book a table here.
More places to find good scran in Newcastle
Don’t fancy a big sit down meal? If you’re looking for a quick bite, or a sweet treat whilst in Newcastle there are plenty of places to find some good scran whilst on the go. Here are a few of the best places I found:
The Quayside Sunday Market
Every Sunday from 9am – 4pm a great market pops up along the Quayside. Not only are there loads of handmade gifts and locally produced goods to be found here, but there are also loads of street food vendors along the way.
I spotted everything from cookies to curries, so you really can grab a bit of whatever you fancy here!
Ice cream at Di Meo’s Riverside Ouseburn
For some of the best home made Gelato in town, head over to Di Meo’s in Ouseburn Valley. The cafe is family run, and serves up scoops in all the classic flavours, plus a few unusual ones!
My Delhi Indian Street Food
We stopped by the award-winning My Delhi before leaving Newcastle and doing the long drive back to Cheshire. This place is big on portions, flavour and value, and we left feeling absolutely stuffed! You can either sit in or order to take away.
Final thoughts: would I recommend a weekend in Newcastle to escape the everyday?
The short answer is yes -absolutely. If you’re looking for a city break that’s a cut above the ordinary, you should definitely hit the Toon to escape the everyday!
Newcastle and Gateshead has so much to offer, whatever you like to get from a weekend break, making it well worth the journey. In fact, we found so many things to see, do and eat, that we’re already thinking about going back so we can tick them off of our list!
With a fantastic mix of active, cultural, culinary and iconic attractions to be discovered, Newcastle is a city break to get excited about. If you’re looking for somewhere to rediscover what the UK has to offer, or just to reconnect with friends this summer, Newcastle and Gateshead will have you covered!
There’s lots coming up in Newcastle this summer to get excited about too, with UK Pride Festival taking place in the city from 22 – 24 July, and the Rugby League World Cup coming to the city centre in October.
- You can pre-book all of your activities, and find out more about all the ways to escape the everyday in Newcastle and Gateshead, on the official NGI website here.
- You can also follow @mykindoftoon on Instagram to keep up to date with what’s on in Toon and nearby.
Want to know more about Visit England’s Escape the Everyday campaign? Click here.
