Things To Do in Newcastle

Living alone in a new city for studies can get dull, lonely, and boring. To help you escape this boredom, we have made a list of the 25 things to do in Newcastle, and you never know that you will meet new people who may become your family away from your family.

Tourist Attractions In Newcastle

You cannot possibly go wrong with exploring the beautiful city of Newcastle upon Tyne. You will be filled with various best things to do in Newcastle. As a student, you can visit these places and learn about the city’s history at a lower price! Below are the top 5 tourist attractions you should visit in Newcastle.

Newcastle Castle

Price: Students can visit this beautiful castle for £8.25
Timings:  Thursday to Monday, 10 am – 5 pm | Tuesday to Wednesday, Closed

The castle of Newcastle is of the top things to do in Newcastle for anyone. It is built even before 1265. The city's name is derived from this castle, as Robert Curthose built his 'New Castle upon Tyne' The keep was primarily used as a defence against Romans. 

The Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas

Price: Free of cost.
Timings: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm | Saturday to Sunday, 8 am to 5 pm

The Cathedral Church of St. Nicolas is also known as the Newcastle Cathedral. Founded in 1091, the cathedral is among the oldest buildings in all of Newcastle and is named on St Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors and boats. Throughout the year, Newcastle Cathedral hosts a vibrant programme of concerts, organ recitals, exhibitions, and activities, making it one of the best things to do in Newcastle.

The Chinese Arch

Price: Free of cost.
Timings: Open 24/7

Built-in 2004 by Shanghai artisans, the Chinese Arch stands opposite St James Ball Kicking Park as the gateway to Newcastle's Chinatown or China Street. It is 11 meters high and flanked by ceremonial lions. 

Gateshead Millennium Bridge

Price: Free of cost.
Timings: Open 24/7.

Another best thing to do in Newcastle is a stunning tilting infrastructure with a unique, one-of-a-kind design that crosses the River Tyne, The Gateshead Millennium Bridge . It was built for cyclists and pedestrians as it connects Gateshead's southern arts sector to the northern Quayside. Because of its unusual tilted shape, it is often referred to as the 'Blinking Eye' or 'Winking Eye' of North England. The bridge is best visited at night as it glows with brilliant colours.

Theatre Royal

Price: Ticket prices will vary depending on the show and timing. It will most likely range between £15 to £31.50.
Timings: The timings will depend according to the show.

Another in the list of best places to go in Newcastle is The Theatre Royal is a Grade I listed building on Grey Street in Newcastle upon Tyne. The Theatre Royal attracts the world's top talents in dance, theatre, music, and comedy, and as a result, it hosts more than 300 performances every year, much to the joy of its 300,000 spectators. The best of British theatre can be seen here, from world-class drama to brilliant musicals to hilarious comedies to brilliant dance performances, making it one of the best things to do in Newcastle.

Grey’s Monument

Price: The cost of the tour will be £5 per person.
Timings: The tour will be of half an hour each. Students can book a tour between 10 am to 4 pm.

Not visiting the Grey's Monument while living in Newcastle can be considered a sin. The magnificent monument is one of Newcastle's most famous monuments, situated at the junction of two of the city's most beautiful streets, Grey Street and Grainger Street. Around the monument's base, you will usually find entertainment, markets, and activities which is the main reason behind being one of the top things to do in Newcastle. A tour can take you up the 164 stairs to the summit of Grey's Monument. The tours are typically held between May and September of each year.

Museums and Galleries in Newcastle

Newcastle is littered with various museums and galleries for students who love history or love art. The museums are filled to the brim with various items, while the galleries are decorated with various pieces, making it one of the best things to do in Newcastle for any history nerd or art lover.

Laing Art Gallery

Price: Free of cost.
Timings: Monday to Saturday, 10 am - 7 pm

The Laing Art Gallery is located on New Bridge Street West and one of the best things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne, England and was opened in 1904. Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums now maintains the museum. The gallery collection includes paintings, watercolours, and beautiful historical artefacts, notably Newcastle silver. It is a must-visit for any student who is an art lover!

Discovery Museum

Price: Free of cost
Timings: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm | Saturday to Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm

The Discovery Museum is one of the best places to visit in Newcastle. It was founded in 1934. It moved to Blanford House in 1978 due to a lack of space. In 2004 the £13 million redevelopment of the museum was complete. Turbinia, the 104-foot-nine-inch-long ship, the regimental museums for the Light Dragoons and the Northumberland Hussars are also part of the museum. It is a "hands-on" museum that appeals to children, adults, and any history nerd.

Great North Museum: Hancock

Price: Free of cost
Timings: Monday to Friday, 10 am - 5 pm |  Saturday to Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm

Hancock's Great North Museum is a natural history and ancient civilisations museum. It was known as the Hancock Museum when it opened in 1884. In 2006, it merged with Newcastle University's Museum of Antiquities and Shefton Museum to form the Great North Museum: Hancock. Natural history and geology, Ancient Egypt and Greece, Romans and Hadrian's Wall, World Cultures, and Pre-history are among the latest exhibits in the museum. It also has an interactive study zone, a room for children under five, and a digital Planetarium. Visiting this museum is one the best things to do in Newcastle for any history lover.

Hatton Gallery

Price: Free of cost
Timings: Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm

The Hatton Gallery is Newcastle University's art gallery in the Fine Art Building. The Hatton Gallery was established in 1925 in memory of Richard George Hatton, a lecturer at the King Edward VII School of Art. The permanent collection has almost 3,500 works from the 14th century onwards, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings, making it a one of the best things to do in Newcastle.

Life Science Centre

Price: Visiting the Life Science Centre will cost about £5 per person
Timings: The centre is open on all days of the week between 11 am to 5 pm

The Life Science Centre is part of the Centre for Life, a science community where scientists, physicians, educators, and business people collaborate to advance and promote life sciences. The Queen launched the centre in May 2000 and served as the main location for the UK's first Maker Faire in 2004. The Life Science Centre is a visitor attraction. It has a changing schedule of events that includes temporary and permanent exhibitions, a Science Theatre, and a planetarium. Visiting the Life Science Centre is among the best things to do in Newcastle.

The Biscuit Factory

Price: Free of cost
Timings: Daily, 10 am to 5 pm

The Biscuit Factory is the UK's largest commercial arts, crafts and design gallery in the heart of Newcastle's cultural district. Housed in a former Victorian warehouse, the beautiful gallery space spans two floors and showcases exciting contemporary art, sculptures, original prints and jewellery, quality crafts and design-driven homewares. 

Pubs and Bars In Newcastle

Visiting the best pubs and bars should be on everyone's list of things to do in Newcastle. The city has themed bars ranging from elegant waterfront to lounges to old-school pubs and moody craft beer halls. Newcastle has everything. The following are the best pubs and bars in Newcastle.

The Cumberland Arms

Price: Your order can range from anywhere between £5 to £30
Timings: Monday to Friday, 2 pm- 11 pm | Saturday to Sunday, 12 pm - 11 pm

The Cumberland Arms, which initially opened its doors in 1898, is still a must-see on any pub tour. Visitors can enjoy delicious beer and good food on the terrace, which makes it one of the best things to do in Newcastle, whatever the weather, or snuggle up inside with the various board game by the fire. The relaxed, informal setting contributes to the rakish allure of this character-filled establishment. The Cumby, as locals affectionately refer to it.

The Bridge Tavern

Price: The Bridge Tavern will cost you around £25
Timings: Monday to Thursday, 12 pm - 12 am | Friday to Saturday, 12 pm - 1 am | Sunday, 12 pm - 11 pm.

The Bridge Tavern, located near Newcastle Gateshead's historic Tyne Bridge, is not to be missed. The Bridge Tavern, now a bright and fashionable bar with beautiful decor and an on-site microbrewery, makes unique real ales served directly from the pump. Sip a glass of wine on the outdoor terrace or curl up on the sofa with a cider; The Bridge Tavern is unquestionably one of the best things to do in Newcastle if you are in search for pubs on the Quayside.

The Tyne Bar

Price: The prices can range from anywhere between £7 to £20
Timings: They are open weekly between 12 pm to 11 pm

This small bar with a great personality sits directly on the riverbank near the mouth of the Ouseburn. The Tyne Bar's popularity has grown recently, and it is frequently mentioned as a must-visited and one of the best things to do in Newcastle when it comes to pubs. The Tyne Bar's wide size makes it a perfect spot for sunshine-filled Bank Holiday cocktails, as well as its music scene, BBQs, ludicrously excellent prices, including Free Food Tuesdays, and outdoor food in their heated outside area.

The Free Tade Inn

Price: The price can range anywhere between £6 to £20
Timings: They are open weekly between 11 am to 11 pm

Undoubtedly, the Free Trade Inn has the greatest views in Newcastle. This modest yet bustling bar in a prime location has character, and its warm, local charm has won the hearts of many people, making it one of the best things to do in Newcastle. Undoubtedly, the Free Trade Inn has the greatest views in Newcastle. It provides the ideal point for viewing Newcastle Gateshead's renowned Quayside landscape. This modest but bustling pub radiates character, and its friendly, local charm has won many fans.

The Old George

Price: The price can range from £11 to £25
Timings:  Monday to Thursday, 11 am  - 11 pm | Friday to Saturday, 11 am - 2 am | Sundays, 12 pm to 11 pm.

The Old George claims to be Newcastle's oldest pub, dating back to the 16th century. Rich in heritage, with low beamed ceilings and massive open fireplaces. There is something for everyone at The Old George, whether you sip your beer outside under a roof of dazzling lights or enjoy your drink of choice comfortably. The Main factor behind calling this place the best thing to do in Newcastle is that on a Saturday night, you can dance the night away before hitting one of the louder clubs or stay in one of the corners for a more relaxing drink.

The Crows Nest

Price: The price can range from £15 to £25
Timings: Monday to Saturday, 11 am - 11 pm | Sunday, 10:30 am - 12 pm

Newcastle's The Crows Nest, a bar that opened in 1902, is located at 137 Percy Street. The Crows Nest is a bustling bar with a diverse clientele that is located in Newcastle upon Tyne's City Center.

Are you game? If so, this list won't suffice, and you should read this post about the best clubs in Newcastle.

Tours and Experiences in Newcastle

The best way to explore Newcastle is through the tours and experiences there. Various tours are present and are one of the best things to do in Newcastle. You can easily book a tour online and explore this amazing city's culture, food, and history.

Guided City Walking Tour of Newcastle

Price: The tour will cost around £25.50 per person

Join this guided walk to dive deeper into Newcastle's rich history than many other tours, yet walking less than 4 kilometres. Discover the city's history from the Iron Age to today with exciting characters like Bessie Surtees. Admire bridges, monuments, religious structures, a historic market, the old town wall, and the castle, among other things.

The Ultimate Cheese & Wine Food Tour

Price: The tour will cost you around £67.20 per person

If you enjoy great wine and cheese, consider taking a cheese-and-wine tour of Newcastle upon Tyne. This tour, ideal for first-time visitors, mixes local delights with stops at a food market and Newcastle Castle to get an insider's perspective on local culture and history.

Victoria Tunnel Tour

Price: The one-and-a-half-hour tour will cost around £10, while the two hours tour will cost you £12

Experience life in a Victorian waggon, understand how it was built, and watch for waggons loaded with coal going for the Tyne. Learn about life during World War II by listening to air raid sirens, planes passing overhead dropping bombs, and hearing the memories of people who lived through the horrible period in Newcastle's history. This tour is one of a kind and is one the best thing to do in Newcastle!

Newcastle True Crime Walking Tour

Price: The tour will cost you about £18.36

This tour is unique. It takes you on a real crime tour of Newcastle and delves into some of the city's most heinous crimes (all brought to life by your local expert). Your trip will take you through some of the city's most well-known landmarks, but it will also take you through some of the city's most obscure streets, full of fascinating stories to share! Making it one of the best things to do in Newcastle

Newcastle Gory Tour

Price: The tour will cost you £28.56

On this two-in-one walking tour, you'll see some of Newcastle's biggest attractions while learning about the city's spooky stories, shady criminals, and other strange occurrences. Meet your guide in the city centre and start off exploring the ancient Castle Keep, the historical buildings on Dean Street, Earl Grey's Monument, and other attractions. Along the way, your guide will tell you terrifying stories about the city's old criminals, ghosts, and other unsavoury individuals.

St James Park

Price: The tour will cost you £18

Newcastle United's home stadium is St James Park. Take a stadium tour that includes all the behind-the-scenes information you could desire, from sitting in the locker room to strolling through the tunnel, or you can just head there for a match as well, making it ideal for any football fan and lover.

Newcastle History Tour

Price: This would cost you around £28.32 per person

From elegant itineraries to knowledgeable guides, this walking tour of Newcastle is for history buffs, especially those with limited time. See landmarks such as the Stevenson Monument, Gray Street, Newcastle Castle and Quayside, and learn about the castle that gave 'Newcastle' its name and the Victorian entrepreneurs who made the city a powerhouse. 

Unique Attractions in Newcastle

The following are the various things you can do while living in Newcastle as a student. They cant be classified into one category, so we have a separate category for them. They are one the most fun things to do in Newcastle as well.

Ice-Dip Social

Price: This would cost you around £69 per person

Suppose you enjoy the great outdoors and want it to continue during the winter. This takes place from November to March and consists of an ice dip into the chilly waters of the North Sea, followed by a Finnish tent sauna. Then, when you warm up, try some native food cooked over an open flame on the beach.

The Biscuit Factory

Price: The food prices can vary from £4 to £15 per item

With Newcastle being a creative hotspot, The Biscuit Factory is a modern commercial gallery, but even if art isn't your thing, you should come here for the fancy brunch menu. It serves a fantastic breakfast that will leave you with a smile and a full stomach making it one of the best things to do in Newcastle.

Quayside Sunday Market

Timings: The market is held every Sunday between 9:30 am and 4 pm

You may enjoy the waterside views while strolling through a bustling market. Various independent vendors are selling a wide range of local items and products, including clothing, jewellery, art, and pottery. There are also several street food sellers, making it the best thing to do in Newcastle for lunch or coffee and shopping.

Jesmond Dene

Price: Free to enter
Timings: Open 24/7

Jesmond Dene is a fun thing to do in Newcastle. You may find some peace and quiet amid the city by visiting Jesmond Dene. Besides enjoying the mix of native and exotic trees, check if you can find wildlife like the kingfisher, red squirrel, and several forest birds. It is a unique natural park that will take your breath away.

Newcastle Cathedral

Price: Free to enter
Timings: Daily 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Newcastle Cathedral captures the city's history in its stones and monuments. This is the only cathedral in England dedicated to St. Nicholas and represents over 900 years of Newcastle development. Its iconic lantern tower was originally a beacon for ships sailing on the River Tyne.

We hope you have found something exciting things to do in Newcastle while you are there and hope you have a blast there. If you are new to the city, our Newcastle city guide can help you! As a student, who wouldn't love saving money through discounts, our blog about student discounts in the UK will be helping you do that exactly.