So, what to see and do with a few hours in Newcastle. Well there’s plenty. Newcastle upon Tyne is a city I know very well, I was born a few miles from the city and lived there until my early twenties. In this guide I’m going to show off some of the main city highlights. If you’re short on time it can be done in a couple of hours but you could also spend the whole day exploring by spending time at some of the attractions and stopping for food and drinks along the way. Let’s get going, I’m starting at Grey’s Monument in the centre of the city.
Grey’s Monument
Grey’s Monument was erected in 1838 to honour Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, who served as British Prime Minister from 1830 to 1834. They placed the Grade I listed monument in the heart of Newcastle city centre, where it also commemorates the passing of the Great Reform Act 1832, which expanded the number of people eligible to vote.
Interestingly, tea merchants later named Earl Grey tea after him. Today, visitors can climb the monument on the first and third Saturday of each month from April to September. Check here for tickets and availability.
Check here for tickets and availability.
Central Arcade
Having taken in views of the monument I head down Grey Street and on my right is the entrance to the beautiful Central Arcade. Walking through it takes me back to another period in time with its mosaic tiled floor and the vaulted glass ceiling, it really is quite special.
Walking through the arcade I exit onto Market Street and turn right making my way to Grainger Street and into the Grainger Market.
Grainger Market
So when I was growing up here the Grainger Market was a very gritty place, not the almost tourist foodie type attraction it’s become today. There’s a lot of history here, over 200 years worth to be exact and it’s still going strong. Wander around its aisles and look out for the worlds smallest M&S, shop for groceries, vintage clothes, or do what I do when I’m visiting, find some amazing food from one of the independent food stalls. You won’t leave hungry. Plan ahead and check out the market vendors here.
Grey Street
Walk back down Market Street and onto Grey Street, the 8th most instagrammed street in England and I can understand why. Its stunning Georgian buildings date back to the 1830’s and were designed as part of a “new town” designed by the developer Richard Grainger. Today the street is home many restaurants and bars and the beautiful Theatre Royal.
Theatre Royal
Many people describe the Theatre Royal as one of the finest theatre façades in the country. George III granted it a Royal licence, and it opened in 1788 at its original site just off Mosley Street.
In 1837, the theatre relocated to its current home on Grey Street, where it became a flagship building in Richard Grainger’s ambitious new city plan. After a fire damaged the building, renowned theatre architect Frank Matchamdesigned a new auditorium, which opened in 1901.
Finally, in 2011, specialists carried out a major restoration that returned the auditorium to its original Edwardian design by Frank Matcham.
Newcastle Castle
To reach the castle walk down Grey Street, cross over Mosley Street and walk down Dean Street. As you walk down to the railway viaduct just on the right you’ll see Dog Leap Stairs. Take a deep breath and climb the stairs and at the top is the castle.
There’s been a castle on this site for almost 2000 years with the Romans being the first to build here. The stone structure that you can see today was built by King Henry II in the late 12th century with the Black Gate being added by Henry III. What remains today are the Castle Keep, the Black Gate and the structures main fortified tower. Tickets and more information can be found here.
The High Level Bridge
Right next to the castle is the High Level Bridge and it offers some of the best views down the river of the city’s famous bridges, including the Tyne Bridge and the quayside. After taking a good few photos I walk back to the castle and head down Castle Stairs to the Quayside.
Newcastle Quayside
Newcastles vibrant quayside always has something going on, there’s a ton of bars, coffee shops and restaurants to take a break at or if you’re there at the weekend don’t miss the weekly Sunday market, a bit of a city institution.
Millennium Bridge
Walking along the Quayside I make my way towards the Millennium Bridge, nicknamed the “winking eye”. It’s the newest bridge to cross the Tyne and crossing it will take you to The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.
The Baltic
The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art opened in 2002 after developers transformed a former flour mill into a vibrant cultural venue. Since then, it has grown into one of the country’s leading arts destinations, offering 2,600 square metres of exhibition space.
In addition to its regularly changing exhibitions, the Baltic features a shop and a café where visitors can relax and browse. Best of all, it offers free entry, so everyone can enjoy the experience.
Click here for more info.
The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
Along with the Baltic, the Glasshouse International Centre for Music (formerly The Sage) sits on the Gateshead side of the River Tyne, a short walk from where we are now. This stunningly modern building is home to the Royal Northern Sinfonia as well as hosting home grown and internationally acclaimed musical talent. If you’d like to visit it’s free and you can click here to find opening times and a schedule of upcoming events.
Keep walking along the Gateshead side of the river until you reach the Swing Bridge. Cross over the bridge, not forgetting to take in those iconic views again and head back uphill into the city centre to Newcastle Cathedral.
Newcastle Cathedral
The Normans founded the church in 1091, at around the same time they built the nearby castle. However, after a fire destroyed the earlier church in 1216, builders completed the structure that stands today in 1350. They designed it in the 14th-century Perpendicular Style and later crowned it with a striking 15th-century lantern spire.
In 1777, restorers carried out extensive work to preserve the building. Eventually, in 1882, the church gained cathedral status and became the seat of the Bishop of Newcastle.
Bigg Market
Just a short walk from the cathedral, you’ll find the Bigg Market, which now stands at the heart of Newcastle’s vibrant nightlife. However, in the Middle Ages, it thrived as a bustling marketplace and played an important role along the historic Great North Road. The market takes its name from “Bigg,” a coarse type of barley that local traders once sold from their stalls.
If you’re ready for a refreshment break, then head to the Old George Inn, Newcastle’s oldest pub, which has welcomed visitors since 1582.
Central Station
From the Bigg Market walk down Pudding Chare then turn right onto Neville Street, a short walk away is Newcastle’s Central Station. Opened in 1850 by Queen Victoria the building is now Grade I listed. The building was designed by architect John Dobson and engineer Robert Stephenson and is known for its pioneering curved wrought iron roof, which was revolutionary at the time, and its Roman Italianate facade.
This is where my guide to what to see and do with a few hours in Newcastle ends. I hope I’ve managed to highlight some of the sights of this amazing city, if you get the chance to go and visit definitely do it, I know you’ll love it as much as I do.
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