When it comes to weekend breaks in the UK, it’s hard to beat a trip to Newcastle. The northeast England city is one of the liveliest in the country, full of buzz and places to discover. Whether you’re arriving by plane, train, car or boat after booking your ferry with Ferryscaner, we’ve put together five things to do and see during a weekend in Newcastle.
Nightlife
Newcastle is well known for being one of the best cities in the UK for nightlife. There’s an array of bars and clubs where you can have a quiet drink or dance until the sun comes up. Visit Tup Tup Palace for a multi-level nightclub with an Eastern-style interior featuring waterfalls, mosaic lamps and booths. Or head to Flares with its retro 1970s decor and dance floor with glitter balls. If you’re looking to grab a bite before a night of clubbing, Peace & Loaf restaurant is a popular spot with creative and artfully crafted British cuisine.
Newcastle Castle
Newcastle Castle should be on the list for anyone who wants to soak up some history in the city. More than 900 years old, the castle offers you the chance to discover Newcastle’s past and see the long history of the city and county of Tyne and Wear. You’ll learn about Newcastle’s beginnings as the Roman city of Pons Aelius and much more that will provide you with greater insight into this historic city.
Cross the bridges
Newcastle is well-known for its many bridges, from Tyne Bridge to the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. Altogether, there are seven bridges on the River Tyne – the river that runs through the city – with the oldest being the High Level Bridge, which was opened in 1849. Other bridges of note include Queen Victoria and Tyne Bridge, but the most popular is the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, a modern architectural marvel and the world’s first tilting bridge.
Visit Britain’s best street
Listeners of popular UK radio station BBC Radio 4 named Newcastle’s Grey Street as one of the most beautiful and best-designed streets in the UK. Located in Grainger Town, equip yourself with a camera and snap away at the marvellous buildings, 40% of which are Grade Listed. Then spend some time browsing the upmarket shops and dining at the independent and chain restaurants.
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
Culture vultures should spend some time at Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, an old flour mill converted into a sleek and stylish art gallery showcasing some of the best art and performance in the world. There’s plenty of contemporary art to admire here and an assortment of exhibitions and temporary shows for you to discover during your visit.
A weekend in Newcastle
Newcastle might not always be one of the first names on the lips of people visiting the UK, but it makes for an excellent weekend trip. From friendly locals to a variety of attractions and landmarks, Newcastle has a little bit of everything packed into a charming and lively city ready to welcome you with open arms.