Top 10 attractions when in Newcastle

1. Victoria Tunnel

One of the most highly-rated Newcastle tourist attractions is Victoria Tunnel tours, which plunge you some 26 metres beneath the city. The subterranean tunnel was built between 1839 and 1842 for transporting coal and stretches for 2.4 miles. It was used as an air-raid shelter during the Second World War.

2. Discovery Museum

The captivating Discovery Museum focuses on the area’s maritime, scientific, and technological prowess. Explore a range of exhibits including the Turbinia ship to learn more about Newcastle’s local history and importance, both within the UK and worldwide.

3. Newcastle Castle

Originally built by Henry II between 1172 and 1177, there has been a fortification on this site since Roman times. The landmark which lends the city its name, the Castle Keep and Black Gate are the most prominent remaining structures to visit.

4. St James’ Park

Another fortress in Newcastle is the city’s iconic football ground, St James’ Park. Home of Newcastle United since 1892, the stadium is one of the biggest in the UK and a must-visit for sports fans. Even better if you can bag a ticket to see the Magpies playing in front of their passionate Toon Army.

5. Great North Museum: Hancock

Just a short stroll from St James’ Park, this museum was formed in a 2006 merger and reopened as the Great North Museum: Hancock, on the back of a significant redevelopment a few years later. If you love natural history and discovering more about ancient civilisations, this museum is your go-to place.

6. The Biscuit Factory

You may think this would be the place to pay homage to baked treats, but the Biscuit Factory is actually the UK’s largest commercial art, craft and design gallery. It was founded within a Victoria warehouse from the 1870s that used to produce biscuits. Today, the Factory is all about devouring contemporary art.

7. Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art

Another highlight for contemporary art enthusiasts, this converted flour mill is now home to one of Newcastle’s top cultural attractions. Sitting on the south bank of the River Tyne next to the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, the views from the Six Riverside restaurant perfectly complement the ever-changing programme of events and exhibits.

8. Beamish, the Living Museum of the North

Around nine miles south of the city centre not far from Washington, this open-air museum offers a unique experience. It provides more than a glimpse back into the everyday lives of people from both urban and rural North East England. It is a bridge between the peak of the Industrial Revolution and modern times.  

9. Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum

The North East is rich in Roman history, with Hadrian’s Wall not far from Newcastle and great for walks and hikes. The Segedunum fort in Wallsend is the perfect place to delve deeper into the area’s fascinating ancient heritage.

10. Angel of the North

If you’re searching for the most famous Newcastle tourist attraction, the Angel of the North is hard to beat. A quite literal highlight of the skyline as you approach the city from the south, Sir Antony Gormley’s sculpture is the largest in Britain at 20 metres tall and 54 metres wide.

Whether you already live in the area or you’re moving to Newcastle for the first time, the city has a vibrant property market that includes a selection of fantastic new build homes. Don’t miss our Bedewell Court development for brand new 2 and 3 bedroom houses, designed with convenient living in mind and built to exacting modern standards.