Newcastle Adventures: A 5-Day Fun-Filled Family Getaway!
Discover the charm of Newcastle upon Tyne, where family fun meets historic wonders.
19 July 2023
Lucie Collins
UK Travel Writer
Newcastle upon Tyne, located in the northeast of England, offers a family-friendly trip with a mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventures. Start by exploring the iconic Newcastle Castle, where kids can dress up as knights and enjoy interactive displays. Take a trip to the Great North Museum: Hancock, which offers fascinating exhibits on science, ancient Egypt, and wildlife. Finally, head to Jesmond Dene Park, a beautiful green space with woodland walks, a petting zoo, and a play area for children to unwind and enjoy nature.
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- Check into the Grey Street Hotel, a charming boutique hotel in the heart of Newcastle, guaranteed to make you feel like the next Shakespeare!
- Visit Newcastle Castle and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the rooftop. You might even hear the whispers of medieval tales!
- Wander through the Grainger Town area, admiring its impressive Georgian architecture that leaves even the pigeons in awe.
- Step into the past at the Victoria Tunnel, a creepy and fascinating underground tunnel that was once used to transport coal during World War II.
- Treat yourself to a traditional Geordie dish at The Broad Chare, where the comforting stottie sandwiches will have you doing the "Howay" dance!
- Start your day with a visit to the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, housed in a converted flour mill with exhibitions that will make you say "Oh, I see!" and "What on earth?".
- Explore the Discovery Museum, where you can unleash your inner mad scientist, or marvel at the iconic Turbinia steamship that sped through the waves like a caffeinated dolphin.
- Catch a show at the Theatre Royal, a magnificent venue that hosts everything from classic dramas to toe-tapping musicals. Prepare to be dazzled!
- Dive into the vibrant street art scene of Newcastle by joining a free graffiti tour. Not just a walk, it's an urban art safari!
- Indulge in a culinary adventure at Riley's Fish Shack, a quirky beachfront eatery where you can feast on fresh seafood while watching the waves dance.
- Embark on a thrilling wildlife safari at the picturesque Whiteleas Nature Reserve, where even the squirrels have British accents!
- Take a leisurely stroll through the stunning Jesmond Dene Park, a hidden gem filled with ancient trees, cascading waterfalls, and charming little bridges.
- Visit the Great North Museum: Hancock and unleash your inner explorer with its fascinating exhibits, including a huge T-Rex who greets visitors with a toothy grin.
- Enjoy a picnic at Leazes Park, the perfect spot to bask in the sun, play a game of catch with the ducks, or reinvent yourself as the next Picasso.
- Unwind in style at The Botanist, a botanical-themed bar where you can sip on quirky cocktails and watch the city hustle and bustle below.
- Hop on the Quayside Tramway for a scenic ride along the picturesque River Tyne, waving at the friendly seagulls as you pass by. Mind your chips!
- Explore the Ouseburn Valley, a creative hub filled with independent cafes, art galleries, and cozy pubs. It's like stepping into a real-life fairytale!
- Discover the wonders of science at the Life Science Centre, where you can touch a real-life meteorite or dance like a disco-loving molecule.
- Treat the kids (and yourself) to a thrilling adventure at the Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children's Books, where imagination runs wilder than a bookworm on caffeine.
- End the day with a delicious family dinner at Zapatista Burrito Bar, where they'll wrap you up in a warm tortilla hug of Mexican flavors. Ole!
- Bid farewell to Newcastle with a leisurely boat trip along the River Tyne, where you can wave goodbye to the iconic Tyne Bridge and sigh wistfully like a character from a romance novel.
- Explore the BALTIC Shop for unique souvenirs that will make your friends green with envy, from quirky prints to locally-made crafts.
- Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at Jesmond Dene House, indulging in delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and enough tea to make the Queen blush.
- Spend your final moments in Newcastle reminiscing about your adventures as you stroll through the bustling Grainger Market, picking up tasty goodies to savor on your journey home.
- Leave Newcastle with a heavy heart, knowing that the memories made here will stay with you forever. But fear not, for Newcastle will always be waiting with open arms for your return!
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How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Newcastle upon Tyne by plane is to fly into Newcastle International Airport, which is located about 6 miles from the city center. There are several airlines that fly into this airport from major cities across Europe, including British Airways, Ryanair, and easyJet.
Car
If you are traveling to Newcastle upon Tyne by car, the best route is via the A1(M) motorway. This motorway runs directly from London to Newcastle and is well-maintained, making for a smooth and comfortable journey. However, be aware that traffic can be heavy during rush hour.
Train
If you are looking to travel to Newcastle upon Tyne by train, the best option is to take a direct train from London Kings Cross Station. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and there are several trains that run daily.
Boat
Although there are no direct ferry services to Newcastle upon Tyne, you can travel to the nearby port of North Shields and then take a short taxi or bus ride into the city. DFDS Seaways operates ferries from Amsterdam and Norway to North Shields.
Bus
One of the most affordable ways to get to Newcastle upon Tyne is by bus. There are several national coach operators that run regular services to the city, including Megabus and National Express. The journey time will depend on your starting point, but the average journey time from London is around 8 hours.