Visiting Newcastle-upon-Tyne - What to See and Do

(Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England)

Newcastle is an attractive, cosmopolitan and dynamic city with a wealth of attractions and things for visitors to see and do. The largest city in the north-east of England, Newcastle was once a major industrial centre and is now a regional hub for business, leisure, sports, culture and the arts.

Its rich heritage is reflected in the fact that the city centre has more listed historical buildings than any other city in the UK. Other attractions include first-class museums and art galleries, beautiful surrounding countryside, superb shops and restaurants and a vibrant nightlife.

Ten things you must do in Newcastle

• Join a tour of the city centre, taking in some of Newcastle's most interesting sights. Bus and walking tours are available from several companies.
• Step back in time with a visit to one of Newcastle's excellent museums such as the Discovery Museum, Museum of Antiquities, Hancock Museum, Life Science Centre or the Morpeth Bagpipe Museum.
• Spend a night at the theatre. Newcastle has a number of excellent theatres which stage operas, dance, musicals, drama and comedies.
• Soak up the sun at nearby Whitley Bay, a popular seaside resort with a sandy beach, promenade, bars and restaurants, and St Mary's Lighthouse.
• Enjoy the wonderful art on display at galleries such as the Buddle Arts Centre, Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Hatton Gallery and Laing Art Gallery.
• Take a trip on the nearby Tanfield Railway, the oldest railway in the world at almost 300 years old, with beautiful restored steam trains.
• Take the kids to the Blue Reef Aquarium in nearby Tynemouth. The aquarium is home to many different underwater species and has an underwater tunnel and an enthralling otter display.
• Stroll around the city and enjoy some of Newcastle's landmarks and historical buildings such as the Tyne Bridge, Gateshead Millennium Bridge, 11th-century New Castle and St Mary's Cathedral.
• Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city at one of Newcastle's many green and serene spaces such as Jesmond Dene Park, Gibside Gardens, Exhibition Park or Washington Waterfowl Park.
• Dine at one of Newcastle's many outstanding restaurants. Afterwards, sample the city's vibrant nightlife with a few drinks at a pub or nightclub.