Add dates

Things to do in Newcastle, UK

Our most recommended things to do in Newcastle, UK

Northumberland: Full-Day Tour of Vera Filming Locations

1. Northumberland: Full-Day Tour of Vera Filming Locations

Follow in the footsteps of Ann Cleeves’ no-nonsense Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope on this full-day guided tour of “Vera” film locations in Northumberland by coach. Get an insider perspective of ITV’s best-loved detective drama. Starting and ending in the center of Newcastle, visit coastal locations in Northumberland including Amble, Warkworth, Alnmouth, Bamburgh, and Lindisfarne Island (or Holy Island), the fictional home of Vera. See more than 15 actual locations from episodes all the way through ten years of "Vera." Enjoy time to get on and off the coach and see some locations up close with plenty of opportunities to take photos.

Newcastle: Castle Entry Ticket

2. Newcastle: Castle Entry Ticket

Discover an imposing Norman fortress in the center of Newcastle upon Tyne, a rugged reminder of northern England's turbulent history. This was no baron's stately home. Newcastle Castle is a grim reminder of royal authority where armies gathered and criminals were imprisoned and executed. It is where the story of Newcastle began and the reason the city got its name. During your visit, enjoy the most commanding views over the city of Newcastle and the River Tyne. See Newcastle's most historic buildings, the Castle Keep and its 13th-century gatehouse the Black Gate, which were once part of a much larger fortress. Marvel at how much of Newcastle Castle has remained intact despite its tumultuous history. Today, you can explore the ancient passageways and chambers where kings walked and villains were imprisoned. Find the marks left by the inhabitants through the ages and learn the fascinating story of the Castle Garth community that grew up around the ruins. The two buildings that remain were cut off from each other by the Victorian railways of the 19th century — an unfortunate side effect of the North East's trailblazing role in the Industrial Revolution. Exhibits guide visitors through the Castle's history over the years: from settlement in Roman times, to medieval stronghold, to use as a modern day museum and everything in between.

From Amsterdam: 2-Night Return Cruise to Newcastle

3. From Amsterdam: 2-Night Return Cruise to Newcastle

A mini cruise to Newcastle is a fantastic way to explore this exciting city which offers a brilliant combination of sights to see, shops to visit and restaurants, cafés and bars where you can enjoy a meal or a drink. If the sun is shining you can spend the afternoon in one of the city’s parks, browse the world’s only floating flower market or if you’re looking to soak up some culture, why not visit one of the many famous museums in the city? With pre-booking and social distancing measures in place, you can browse some world-famous museums without the normal crowds you would expect. You won’t want to leave before sampling some delicious Dutch pancakes too! We recommend you book in advance any museum visits or canal cruises and check the guidelines of the venue before visiting. 2 Night Mini Cruise: the crossing from Amsterdam to Newcastle docks at the international ferry terminal in North Shields, about 7 miles from the city centre. Your ticket includes 2 nights onboard the cruise ferry in a private ensuite cabin, entertainment on board and upon arrival, via coach transfer, allows for up to 6 hours to explore the city. Newcastle Mini Cruise from Amsterdam Itinerary Day 1 15:00 – 17:00 Check in 17:30 Depart Amsterdam port of Ijmuiden for Newcastle Day 2 09:00 Arrive in Newcastle 09:45 Coaches depart from the port. Spend up to 6 hours in Newcastle (optional) 14:45 – 15:45 Coaches depart from Newcastle Station back to the port (optional) 17:00 Ship departs from Newcastle for Ijmuiden port in Amsterdam. Day 3 09:30 Ship arrives in Amsterdam.

From Newcastle: 2-Night Return Mini Cruise to Amsterdam

4. From Newcastle: 2-Night Return Mini Cruise to Amsterdam

Take a 2-night cruise from Newcastle to Amsterdam and enjoy an array of amenities on the modern ferry. Relax in the restaurants and bars complete with live entertainment, and make use of the Kid's Club area. Opt for a cabin with beautiful sea views and enjoy a calm journey over the North Sea. Start the tour from North Shields port just outside of Newcastle, and settle into your cabin. Choose between an inside cabin, with beds for up to four people and an ensuite bathroom, or a sea-view cabin, with an ensuite, unbeatable ocean views, and beds for five guests. Enjoy dinner in the onboard restaurant, and spend the evening dancing to live music or relaxing with friends and family. Kids can play in the exciting Kid's Club area, complete with a ball pit and dedicated entertainment. Arrive in IJmuiden in the morning and opt for a bus transfer to Amsterdam city center. Spend an exciting day exploring Amsterdam at your leisure, before returning to the cruise ship in the afternoon and settling in for the final evening of the cruise. The next morning, savor breakfast on board and take in coastline views from the boat's deck. Finishing the tour back at the port in North Shields.

Newcastle: Dark Secrets and Criminals Walking Tour

5. Newcastle: Dark Secrets and Criminals Walking Tour

Meet your guide on Dean Street and start your walking tour through Newcastle’s most mysterious and spine-chilling streets. Listen to stories about criminals, body snatchers, ghosts, magicians, and gangsters that all call Newcastle home. Walk down Dean Street, Quayside, and High Bridge Street as you learn about Newcastle’s dark past from your guide. Hear tales of murders, explosions, body-snatchers, and gangsters from your guide, as you pass by some of Newcastle's spookiest landmarks, including Earl Grey’s Monument, Castle Keep, and Bigg Market.

Newcastle: Historical Guided Walking Tour

6. Newcastle: Historical Guided Walking Tour

Discover the historical highlights of Newcastle on a walking tour. As you stroll, learn about the city’s Roman, Norman and mercantile history. Admire Grey’s Monument, Grey Street, the Castle Keep, and more. Hear about the Victorian entrepreneurs who made Newcastle an Industrial Revolution powerhouse, and discover churches, hidden stairways, and a medieval monastery. Take in the revamped Quayside, where cutting-edge venues overlook the River Tyne, and absorb the city’s vibrant atmosphere, rooted in the famously friendly natures of the "Geordie" locals.

From Newcastle: Hadrian's Wall Day Tour

7. From Newcastle: Hadrian's Wall Day Tour

Travel to Hadrian's Wall with this tour from Newcastle. Stroll along a piece of history as you learn more about the Roman period. Eat a delicious lunch at Twice Brewed. Choose from group and private options that are with or without pickup and drop-off. Journey from Newcastle to Hadrian's walk. Start your tour at Steel Rig and walk the 2 1/2 miles to the Roman fort of Housesteads. See milecastles and the wild geography of the region as you walk. Get a view of what Roman life was like at Hadrian's when you visit the Roman fort of Housesteads. Find out more about the history of this fort, including its old name and how it was fortified by Germanic troops from Belgium and the Netherlands. Stop for lunch at Twice Brewed for some fantastic local food. Proceed to Vindolanda, an old Roman supply base that has been extensively excavated.

Vera Half Day TV Locations Tour of Newcastle

8. Vera Half Day TV Locations Tour of Newcastle

Join this wonderful tour which takes fans of the show 'Vera' around the heartlands of where it is filmed in Newscastle Upon Tyne and Gateshead in Northumberland. The fully guided coach tour lasts approximately 4 hours and starts and finishes from central Newscastle. For the first part of the tour you will get to visit some of the Vera locations in Newcastle as well as Gateshead on the other side of the River Tyne. For the second and longer part of your tour you will be heading out towards the coast to explore some of the murder scenes and filming locations at Fish Quay in North Shields, Tynemouth and Whitley Bay before heading back into Newcastle. As part of the tour you'll have the opportunity to get out and see up close some of these locations to catch a good view. Sites you'll visit include Castle Keep, Industrial Film sites, The Staiths, The Sage Gateshead concert venue, the seven bridges of Newcastle, and you’ll have 30 minutes time to explore the Sage and surroundings. During the course of the tour you will get to see clips from the TV show to help you recognise the locations that you'll see on the day.

Newcastle: Grainger Town & the Quayside Street Food Tour

9. Newcastle: Grainger Town & the Quayside Street Food Tour

Experience a culinary and historic journey of Newcastle's street food scene. Explore Newcastle's classical surroundings in the Grainger Town district into Old Newcastle and to the riverside, Newcastle's famous Quayside. All whilst tasting some of the amazing foods from local suppliers & innovative foodies. Grab a bite at local, and utterly amazing, Grainger Market, discover some of the quirky food places around the eclectic High Bridge Quarter and sample some amazing desserts along the riverside.

Newcastle: Walking Tour to Grainger Market & Quayside

10. Newcastle: Walking Tour to Grainger Market & Quayside

Discover the rich history of Newcastle on this walking tour. Along with a tour guide, explore local hotspots such as the vibrant Grainger Market, Chinatown, and Stadium Quarter. Immerse yourself in one of the greatest cultural cities in the country, full of markets, museums, and art galleries. Learn more about the city's world-class architecture spanning from the ancient techniques through classical to post-modern! Walk over history on medieval castle grounds and then check out Newcastle's authentic Quayside with its picturesque bridges spanning the River Tyne. On this tour, discover the history, present, and future of the city ─ from Roman times through the industrial revolution to today and beyond.

Available activities

20 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 2

Other Sightseeing Options in Newcastle, UK

Want to discover all there is to do in Newcastle, UK? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Newcastle, UK

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 67 reviews

Amazing tour led by Fran. Had some interesting stories which truly brought out the true colours of the historical events in Newcastle and also had great bants to keep the tour lively. Would definitely recommend it for fellow history enthusiasts who want to learn the real stories from the past of Newcastle! Great going Fran and hope to see you again soon!

Both guides were amazing, one of the best tours I’ve ever been on and I’ve been on many. So factual and even threw in a few ghost stories and great guides of city. There is no downside to this tour, I would happily do the same tour again

I was blown away by the knowledge Alex has about Newcastle. He was engaging, passionate and the two hours flew by. Could not recommend this tour more!

Bang in the city centre ,make sure u go roof top best views over newcastle, amazing history of the castle,we loved it..

Alex provided a very enjoyable and informative tour! Highly recommend!