Newcastle sits along the northern banks of the Tyne River. It is one of North East England’s most populated areas and is well known for its nightlife, strong sporting traditions, and other tourist attractions that bring in tons of visitors from all over the world.

If you aren’t interested in city life, you can still spend days enjoying the historical architecture and touring old cathedrals, caves, bridges, and medieval pathways that lead out of the city or into a castle.

No matter your interests, there is something for everyone in this large English city. Here are 12 amazing sites you should add to your itinerary for your next trip to Newcastle upon Tyne!

1. Admire the Lantern Spire of the Newcastle Cathedral

While in Newcastle, stop by the Newcastle Cathedral and take some time to admire the design of this grade II listed building. 

The Newcastle Cathedral, the former Church of St Nicholas, is the Mother Church of the Diocese of Newcastle. It is the namesake of St Nicholas, the patron saint of boats and sailors, who watches over the River Tyne while sitting on the Northern Heights looking over the water.

While the cathedral itself is beautiful in almost every way, the unique lantern spire draws the attention of most guests. A spire is used like a watchtower to grab the attention of sailors, helping to guide them inland. 

The design of this specific spire displays images of Adam and Eve, David (Israel’s most famous king, known for slaying Goliath) holding a harp, and Aaron (first High Priest of Israel and the brother of Moses) dressed as a Bishop.

Things to do:

  • Climb the tower
  • Attend a worship service
  • Go to a concert
  • Take a guided tour
  • Walk the outdoor trail
  • Enjoy the peace and quiet

2. Visit the Great North Museum: Hancock

Formerly known as the Hancock Museum, the Great North Museum was established in 1884. It is now located on Newcastle University’s campus after merging with the University’s Museum of Antiquities in 2006. 

This museum of natural history and ancient civilizations is owned and operated by the Natural History Society of North Umbria and is next to the Great North Road. 

The museum showcases collections tracing back to the late 1700s, starting with natural history and ethnography materials. Today, the building offers visitors the opportunity to view displays of artifacts and documentation from Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece. You can view items from the Romans to Hadrian’s Wall and learn about world cultures, prehistory, natural history, and geology. 

While there, you can see a life-sized African elephant cast, a full-sized replica of a T-rex skeleton, and two mummies.

Things to do:

  • Visit the Mouse House, a space designed for kids under five
  • Check out the planetarium
  • Explore the interactive Study Zone
  • Visit the library
  • Take a tour (or a virtual one!)
  • Experience Great North Nights

3. Enjoy a Seven Stories Event with Your Little Ones

Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books, is in Ouseburn Valley in Newcastle upon Tyne. It is a renovated mill with seven levels (or stories!) and the only British museum entirely dedicated to British children’s books.

This discovery museum and visitor center opened its doors in 2005. The building has interchanging exhibitions and themes based on popular UK children’s books. Here you can learn and explore literature and contemporary art from top patrons such as Quentin Blake, an English cartoonist, and Jacqueline Wilson, an English novelist.

There is plenty to do and experience when visiting Seven Stories, making it a great place to visit with the entire family.

Things to do:

  • Dress up as your favorite literary character
  • Enjoy the daily storytime
  • Join a creative writing or word place class
  • Visit the illustration and craft centers
  • Take your infant to a baby book social
  • Visit the WildWoods Gallery
  • Check out the digital exhibitions
  • Stop by the café and bookshop for a tasty treat and a new book!

4. Admire the Seven Bridges from the River Tyne Banks

Seven bridges cross the River Tyne, linking Newcastle and nearby cities to Gateshead. Five of the bridges are stationed right in Newcastle. 

There are seven road bridges, two rail bridges, one road/rail bridge, and one footbridge. You can spend an entire day driving out to these bridges individually, walking alongside them, across them, or just admiring them from afar.

The seven bridges are:

  • Redheugh Bridge (1870)
  • King Edward VII Bridge (1906)
  • Queen Elizabeth II Bridge (1981)
  • High Level Bridge (1849)
  • Swing Bridge (1876)
  • George V Bridge or Tyne Bridge (1925)
  • Gateshead Millennium Bridge (2001)

5. Explore the Victoria Tunnel

If you want a unique and exciting adventure, consider checking out the Victoria Tunnel. This historic wagonway runs from the Town Moor to the River Tyne. 

The Tunnel was built between 1838 and 1842 as a subterranean passage. It was used for transporting coal exported from Leazes Main Colliery to the river. 

In 1939 the Tunnel was converted into an air-raid shelter to keep Newcastle citizens safe during World War II. Some tours offer information about the Tunnel’s history and the experiences of British citizens during this dark period.

This unique experience allows you an up close and personal look into England’s history and events that changed their way of life.

Things to do:

  • Experience an interactive guided tour, complete with sound effects, replica artifacts, and the WWII roll of honor
  • Check out famed Newcastle landmarks, such as Hadrian’s Roman Wall, from below

6. Do Some Shopping While You Are There

Newcastle is a popular tourist spot, which means there are plenty of places to shop if that is something you are into.</