Activities in Newcastle Activities

Grey’s Monument

It might be a little tiring to climb the 164 steps to the top of Grey’s Monument, named after the 2^nd Earl Grey (the same one who named the tea), but it is truly worth it! It offers some of the best views over Grainger Town’s magnificently preserved Georgian architecture and is the perfect spot for selfies.

Tyne Bridge

Connecting Newcastle and Gateshead, the Tyne Bridge is by far the most famous and iconic of the 7 bridges crossing the River Tyne and had once been the world’s longest single span bridge. The Tyne Bridge Towers are opened to the public during the Heritage Open Days in September, and it would be a shame to miss it if you plan to visit Newcastle at fall. Tyne Bridge is also widely-known for the annual Great North Run, when more than 52,000 runners pass over the bridge under the perilous maneuvers of the Red Arrows.

Great North Museum

The Great North Museum features 3 venues: The Great North Museum: Hancock, the Hatton Gallery on the Newcastle University campus and the Regional Resource Centre in the basement of the Discovery Museum.

Popular exhibits include an interactive model of Hadrian’s Wall, objects from the ancient Greeks and mummies from Ancient Egypt, the planetarium and the cast of a T-Rex dinosaur skeleton.

A children’s favorite is the Bio-Wall, featuring hundreds of creatures living in extreme environments, like the Arctic and desert, beside live animal tanks and aquaria allowing visitors to marvel rare creatures such as cichlid fishes, axolotls, pythons, lizards and scorpions. There is also a full size model of an elephant and an display devoted to great white sharks.

Jesmond Dene for Relaxation

Jesmond Dene is indeed a unique haven of peace and tranquility for both locals and visitors. This narrow wooded valley follows the river Ouseburn and is home to several wildlife species, as well as a spectacular combination of native and exotic trees. Jesmond Dene stretches for over 3 kilometres and has many areas of tranquility, on top of ‘honey pots’ of activity.  

Rising Sun Country Park for Picnics

The Rising Sun Country Park is widely known for its wonderful lake and bewitching surroundings, serene ponds, rolling meadows and a rich woodland area hosting diverse wildlife. If you are searching for the perfect spot for a family picnic and an opportunity to familiarize your children with nature’s wonders, Rising Sun Country Park is the place to be.

Leazes Park for Fishing

Leazes Park Lake is a favorite of fishermen who flood its waters to catch roach, tench, bream and carp (the most famous of all in these waters). Strangely located in the heart of Newcastle’s City Centre, behind St James’ Park, this enormous lake is also home to charming swans and naughty ducks. A great picnic spot, its vast green spaces are also ideal for all sorts of games, sports and physical exercise.

Heaton and Armstrong Parks

Heaton Park and Armstrong Park are two of the five parks that make up Ouseburn Parks. Heaton Park is teaming with a variety of shrubs, trees and flower beds, while Armstrong Park is a dense woodland site. With playgrounds catering for all ages and numerous grass areas for playing, walking, cycling, running etc. is a dog walkers and families magnet. There is also a bowling green, as well as tennis and basketball courts there.

Exhibition Park

Exhibition Park is another excellent site for the energetic ones. Having exercise equipment, a large fenced playground, tennis courts (and a fine brewery at the far side of the lake!) and a Crazy Golf court (open during spring and summer), what locals love most there are relaxing rows on the lake’s waters. Rowing boats are available for hire on weekends and school holidays.

“Escape Newcastle” without Ever Leaving It…  

Newcastle is widely-known to escape games enthusiasts. “Escape Newcastle” features a Crystal Maze-like live interactive space promising difficult riddles, tricky puzzles and plenty of laughs for you and your friends and family.

Northumbria Classic Car Hire

Car lovers shouldn’t miss that one for the world: a selection of iconic Classic Cars available for hire, in excellent condition and carefully maintained to preserve the looks and performance that made them so famous. Located in Gosforth, Northumbria Classic Car Hire provides a fantastic choice of cars, often with careful upgrades for additional safety and comfort.

Meet the Falcons – Riverside Falconry

Riverside Falconry is the ideal spot for families that love close encounters with nature. Set in the bewitching Tyne valley in Newburn, Riverside Falconry allows you to watch falcons in their natural environment enjoy the birds in their natural environment and witness their incredible skills and beauty. Experienced instructors will be right beside you to ensure a truly unforgettable experience.

Day Boat Tours

A great way to explore Newcastle and the surrounding landscapes is a boat cruise. Agencies have vessels for all tastes, budgets and requirements. Vessels have bars and catering facilities onboard, so all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the wonderful views while sliding gently its serene waters.

Something more Extreme?

Extreme sports enthusiasts swarm in Newcastle for some adrenaline rushes.

First of all, the area is renowned for its spectacular beaches, offering the best scenery for the most enlivening moments of your life. Skydiving at over 200km/hr from a distance of 14000ft above ground level, White Water Rafting, Quad Biking, jet skiing, abseiling down Newcastle’s rugged cliffs (with faces ranging from 4 to 55 metres) are among the most popular options.

Newcastle boasts a diverse nightlife, able to satisfy the expectations of party animals and heavy drinkers, ardent dancers and hipsters, gourmet lovers or high-brows. Quayside, the city’s historical centre caters for anyone and during weekends is flooded by young revelers who trawl from bar to bar. The area is also known for its fine restaurants.

Grey Street, home to Theatre Royal, also offers an array of excellent restaurants, bars and cafes. Note that “Boulevard”, Newcastle’s most famous Cabaret Venue, hosts Broadway Dancers, spectacular choreographies, dazzling costumes and hilarious comedy.

The South Tyneside International Magic Festival

The South Tyneside International Magic Festival, held in Newcastle in the middle of March, offers you the chance to marvel the tricks of some of the industry’s most experienced illusionists, along with all sorts of fascinating activities for the whole family. Lectures, close up magic, children’s magic, a dealer’s showcase and interactive workshops will keep amateur performers and ardent magic fans thrilled and excited.

Stags & Hens

Newcastle has gained its own reputation regarding Stags and Hens – and its diverse and vibrant nightlife is not the only reason behind it. Stags can choose all sorts of themed weekends, including Indoor Karting, Paintball, 4×4 Off-Road Driving, Mud Buggies, Indoor Laser Tag, “Zombie Experience”, or Bubble Football, while Hens opt for Hair & Make-up Sessions, Abba Dance and 80’s Dance Classes, Club Cruises etc.

Newcastle is known for its diverse and vibrant nightlife and stag and hen destination – and with good reason – but is first and foremost a family – friendly city, with several wonderful parks for picnics, wildlife encounters and fun outdoor activities. Extreme sports enthusiasts will also enjoy the stay, having the chance to experience some genuine adrenaline rushes.