Newcastle on a Budget: A 5-Day Adventure

Discover the charm of Newcastle upon Tyne without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

Newcastle upon Tyne is a vibrant city with plenty of things to see and do, even if you're on a limited budget. Start off with a visit to the famous Newcastle Castle, which offers stunning views of the city. Then head to the Grainger Market for some cheap and delicious food, and finish off with a stroll along the River Tyne to soak in the sights and sounds of this charming city.

Save and get deals

Travel plan

Getting latest place information

Day 1

Exploring the City

Start with a hearty breakfast at Quay Ingredient for a taste of English breakfast classics
Visit the Gateshead Millennium Bridge and take a photo by the River Tyne
Check out the Tyne Bridge and St. Nicholas' Cathedral, two stunning landmarks in the city
Take a stroll through Grainger Market and see the local vendors selling produce and handmade crafts
End the day with a pint at The Bridge Tavern, a cozy pub with a welcoming atmosphere
Hotel recommendation: Euro Hostel Newcastle – a budget-friendly hostel with clean rooms and great facilities.

Day 2

A Day at the Museum

Visit the Great North Museum: Hancock to learn about the history and culture of the North East
Take a guided tour of the Castle Keep, an iconic symbol of Newcastle's heritage
Visit the Laing Art Gallery to see stunning collections of British and European art
Experience the interactive exhibits at the Discovery Museum, perfect for families with children
Enjoy a delicious meal at Blackfriars, a restaurant housed in a 13th century former monastery.

Day 3

Get Close to Nature

Visit the Jesmond Dene Park for a peaceful walk surrounded by stunning scenery
Take a trip to the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and discover modern art in a unique setting
Visit the Newcastle Quayside Sunday Market and discover the stunning food and drinks on offer
Visit the Tynemouth Priory and Castle for an idyllic and relaxing day trip
End the day with a delicious pizza at The Herb Garden.

Day 4

Beers and Bites

Visit the Seven Stories Museum to discover the history of children's books
Enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride along the picturesque Hadrian's Way trail
Visit the Byker Wall Estate, a fascinating example of modernist architecture and urban regeneration
Stop by Box Social Brewing for a unique selection of craft beer and delicious food
End the day with a drink at The Free Trade Inn, a traditional pub with stunning views of Newcastle Quayside.

Day 5

A Final Day of Exploration

Visit the Victoria Tunnel, a unique underground attraction lined with rich history
Take a stroll through the bohemian Ouseburn Valley, giving you a taste of local life
Indulge in some delicious food at The Broad Chare, a gastropub famous for traditional British cuisine
Visit the Tyne Theatre & Opera House, a stunning Victorian building with a fully restored interior
End the trip with a visit to the iconic Angel of the North sculpture for one last photo opportunity.
Hotel recommendation: Motel One Newcastle – a stylish yet affordable hotel centrally located in the heart of Newcastle Upon Tyne.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.