Newcastle is one of northern England’s most vibrant cities, brimming with history, culture and lively night life. But it is also the gateway to the northeast, a perfect base for exploring the wider region. Here are some of the best day trips from Newcastle, including market towns and coastal villages, historic castles and Roman remains, and the unspoilt Northumberland countryside.
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Planning A Day Trip From Newcastle
There are plenty of places within easy reach of the city centre. You can walk alongside the River Tyne to the Quayside with its bridges, bars and restaurants. And you can take the city’s excellent metro service to the popular seaside town of Whitley Bay or to Tynemouth with its historic castle and priory.
But the city also has the whole of Northumberland and the northeast on its doorstep. Many places can be reached by public transport, with frequent train services to places like Morpeth (an ancient market town with Saxon roots), Hexham (with its abbey, shops and restaurants) and Alnmouth, a coastal village with excellent walking routes. For a longer day out you could even take the train to Edinburgh (journey time just over 1½ hours) or to York (1 hour and 20 minutes).
And, if you choose to hire a car, there is no limit to your exploration of the coast and the countryside.
Berwick-upon-Tweed
The border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed has a unique blend of English and Scottish history and culture. Wander through the narrow streets and walk around the very well preserved Elizabethan town walls. Stroll alongside the River Tweed and look out for birds, seals and a whole wealth of other wildlife. Or follow the Lowry Trail to see the inspiration for some of L S Lowry’s most famous paintings.
Berwick is 100 km from Newcastle. There are regular trains and the journey takes around 50 minutes.
Durham
Durham is one of northern England’s most beautiful small cities. It is dominated by its cathedral, built in the Middle Ages to house the remains of St Cuthbert and of the Venerable Bede. Together with the castle it forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site (according to UNESCO Durham Cathedral is “the largest and finest example of Norman architecture in England”).
The city itself is full of old cobbled streets, hidden alleyways, independent shops and cafés. And you can take a peaceful walk along the River Wear.
Durham is one of the easiest day trips from Newcastle. It is 29 km away, and about 12 minutes by train.
Beamish
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North is an award‑winning open‑air museum. Set in 500 acres of countryside and forest, it features recreations of regional life in different time periods from the 1820s to the 1950s. Visitors can wander through relocated historic buildings, chat to staff in period costume, and engage in immersive experiences.
Here you can ride trams and buses, go underground in an original coal mine, explore life on the home front, and even have a 1950s hairdo. There are two fish and chip shops, an old-fashioned pub serving specially brewed beer, and a bakery selling traditional cakes and pastries. You’ll also find special events showcasing aspects of the region’s history, making it a great place for both families and history lovers.
Beamish is 20 km from Newcastle. The journey by train and bus takes just over an hour.
Hadrian’s Wall And Roman Britain
The most famous Roman landmark in Britain, Hadrian’s Wall stretches across the width of northern England from Newcastle to the Cumbrian coast. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it features milecastles, forts, museums, and panoramic views across unspoilt moorland. Segedunum Roman Fort marks the original start of the wall in Newcastle itself, but one of the best places to see still-standing parts of the fortification is at Housesteads (55 km).
If you are using public transport you can take the train to Hexham then catch the AD122 Hadrian’s Wall Bus which links up several sites along the wall, including Housesteads, Chesters Roman Fort and Vindolanda.
There are two other Roman sites close to Newcastle. Arbeia is a riverside fort in South Shields (18 km; around 15 minutes walk from South Shields metro station). And Corbridge Roman Town was an important garrison town of the Roman era (32 km; train and bus from Newcastle).
Northumberland National Park
The Northumberland National Park is a massive area of forest, hills and moorland covering more than 1000 sq km. This is the least populated of England’s national parks, with numerous hiking trails, historic sites, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Most accessible from Newcastle are the areas around Hadrian’s Wall and Kielder Water & Forest Park, based around a large man-made reservoir. The AD122 bus from Hexham passes through The Sill, a discovery centre in the national park very close to Sycamore Gap.
Lindisfarne
Lindisfarne is one of Northumberland’s most atmospheric places. Home to centuries of pilgrimage and the dramatic Lindisfarne Castle, this is also a rich natural landscape. To add to its mystery, the island is cut off from the mainland by the tides twice a day.
Lindisfarne is 100 km from Newcastle. You can drive or take a bus from Berwick on Tweed – either way remember that you can only approach the island at low tide, and be sure to check tide times in advance.
Read more: A Visit To Lindisfarne, Northumberland’s Holy Island.
Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh Castle is best known for its dramatic location rising from the beach, and for its appearance in many film and TV productions. Yet, with a rich history from its origins as an Anglo-Saxon fortress to its reimagining as a Victorian family home, it is much more than just a photo stop from the sands.
Visit the castle for its magnificent state rooms, special exhibitions, and panoramic views. Bamburgh is 83 km from Newcastle – you can get there by car or by train and bus.
Read more: Sea Views And History: Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland.
Alnwick Castle
One of Northumberland’s most visited attractions, Alnwick Castle combines medieval grandeur with family-friendly experiences. This is the second-largest inhabited castle in the country, seat of the Duke of Northumberland for more than 700 years. But it is also well known for its film and TV appearances, and featured as Hogwarts School in the first two Harry Potter films.
Visitors can explore the historic castle and grounds, or participate in all manner of activities including broomstick training, medieval crafts and sword fighting. The town of Alnwick itself is a lively market town with cafés and shops, including the famous Barter Books, housed in a former railway station.
Alnwick is 56 km from Newcastle. A 15 minute bus ride takes you there from the nearest railway station at Alnmouth. The castle is a short walk from the town centre.
