Things to do in Newcastle

There are plenty of interesting places to visit in and around Newcastle. The city itself is compact enough to explore on foot and reasonably cycle-friendly. Hiring a private car gives you the opportunity to explore plenty of unspoilt countryside and England's east coast, which stretches endlessly in both directions.

Hadrians Wall

There are numerous attractions along Hadrians Wall which are easily reachable from Newcastle. A special bus service (number AD122) follows a route from Newcastle along the length of the Hadrians Wall path. The bus operates year-round and includes a tour guide on public holidays and Sundays during the summer season. A reduced bus service is available during the winter months. It is advisable to check with the Nexus bus company before travelling. Website: www.hadrians-wall.org/.

Beamish Open Air Museum

This unique museum can be reached within less than 30 minutes by car, or less than 1 hour by bus. Beamish tries to give an insight on how people lived in a typical early 20th century northern town. Much of the interpretation and restoration is specific to 1913. Besides the main town, there is also the interesting manor house and the rail track, which are based on the 1825-era. Bus and tram services are in service around the facility, and there are several tours and interactive displays such as a coal mine and a dentist's surgery. Phone: +44 191 370 4000; e-mail: museum@beamish.org.uk.

Chinatown

You should not miss a visit to Newcastles Chinatown. It is a popular and vibrant centre which can be easily be explored on foot, with its lively oriental street markets and colourful food stalls.

Namco Newcastle

Namco Newcastle is a spacious interactive entertainment centre that includes nine full-size American pool tables, 34 professional bowling lanes, cutting-edge arcade entertainment, a Wimpy restaurant and a sports bar. The facility offers a fun-filled day out for the whole family. Phone: +44 191 2150901.

Wet-n-Wild Water Park

This exciting park is situated in nearby North Shields, not far from the International Ferry Terminal. The facility ranks as Britain's largest water and family theme park. There is no need to worry about the weather as the park is indoors. Phone: +44 191 269 1333.

Northumberland coast

There are several gorgeous coastlines and quaint villages along the Northumberland coast which are well worth travelling to. Bamburgh and Warkworth are particularly noteworthy for their tearooms and historic castles. Both villages can easily be reached by car or by bus from Newcastle Haymarket. One of the country's most excellent beaches can be found in Druridge Bay Country Park, and features a lake where water sports are often practised. Additionally, the holy island of Lindisfarne is easily reachable from Bamburgh.

Kielder Water

Sitting within the Northumberland National Park, approximately a 1-hour 45-minute drive from the city of Newcastle, is Kielder reservoir and forest. There's the option to participate in a range of outdoor activities including: canoeing, abseiling, mountain biking and walking. A special bus runs from downtown Newcastle during high season, details of which are available on the Northumberland County Council website: www.northumberland.gov.uk.

Rothbury and Cragside

The pretty village of Rothbury and the historic grounds and house at Cragside are worth visiting. Cragside was the first completely electricity-powered house. Either attraction can be accessed in approximately 40 minutes from Newcastle by car. Alternatively, a special bus follows a route from Newcastle city centre during the peak season, details of which can be found on the Northumberland County Council official website: www.northumberland.gov.uk.

Corbridge and Hexham
The historic town of Hexham is about 30 minutes by car or train, and 40 minutes by bus from Newcastle. The smaller village of Corbridge is slightly further, but can be used as an intermediary stop on the way to Hadrians Wall sites such as Vindolanda and Housteads. Both Hexham and Corbridge sit on a section of the River Tyne.

Bede's World
Bede's World provides insight into Venerable Bedes extraordinary life (673 AD to 735 AD). In the recently constructed museum building, there is an interactive display on Bede, medieval monastic ruins, St Paul Anglo-Saxon monastery, an Anglo-Saxon herb garden, recreated timber buildings at Gyrwe, rare breeds of animals, a cafe within the historic Jarrow Hall, an Anglo-Saxon demonstration farm and a museum, book and souvenir shop. Phone: +44 191 489 2106.

Alnwick and Alnmouth

Alnwick is an historic town which is located about a 1 hour drive north of Newcastle. Alnwick Castle can be seen in the extremely popular Harry Potter movies, and is without a doubt worth a visit. The castle also houses the Alnwick Gardens. Buses following routes to Alnwick leave from Haymarket and are run by Arriva. You can also make use of train services which depart from Newcastle Central Station, but they only travel as far Alnmouth Station, where a linking shuttle bus offers transport to Alnwick town centre. If you have spare time, take a look at the idyllic village of Alnmouth, which boasts several traditional English pubs and tiny gift and arts shops.

Hancock Museum
Reputed as one of the United Kingdom's chief natural history museums, Hancock Museum features a comprehensive selection of exhibits and displays including artefacts from different eras of history. Phone: +44 191 222 6765.

Tynemouth
Tynemouth lies east of Newcastle and is easily accesible by metro. The town boasts an astonishing priory, some fine outlets and fabulous beaches. Tynemouth Longsands even has a cafe which is positioned on the beach; the ideal place for enjoying a warm hot chocolate in the winter or an ice cream in the summer.