Explore Newcastle
A modern, thriving destination in the heart of North-East England, Newcastle is home to over half a million people. From majestic rolling countryside to our stunning coastline, awe-inspiring castles and ancient ruins to our vibrant cultural scene, our region gives delegates the opportunity to see and do all.
What to do
Newcastle is a vibrant city with many interesting areas to explore and things to do and has been voted UK’s favourite place 2021. Stunning architecture, fantastic shopping and leisure opportunities, exciting night-life, inspiring heritage, 2,000 years of history and passion for sport – it’s all here for you to explore.
Our favorites
We have included a map with main attractions, transportation links and entertainment here.
Some of our favourite places to visit…
- Grainger Market – Newcastle’s historic indoor market, Grainger Market, opened to the public on 24 October 1835. The covered market is situated in the centre of Newcastle, a stone’s throw away from Grey Street and the city’s iconic Grey’s Monument. Grainger Market was named winner of ‘Britain’s Favourite Market’ in Great British Market Awards 2020. It is a Grade I Listed Market, which retains much of the stunning light and airy architecture that was designed by John Dobson. Known for its unique hidden treasures, Grainger Market is also home to Marks and Spencer Original Penny Bazaar, the world’s smallest Marks and Spencer store.
- Quayside – here you can find lots of restaurants, bars, stunning views of the river Tyne and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art (which used to be a flour mill) which is just over the Gateshead Millenium foot bridge.
- Jesmond Dene – located in the leafy suburb of Jesmond, Jesmond Dene is a unique haven of peace and tranquillity. It is a narrow wooded valley that follows the river Ouseburn between South Gosforth and Jesmond Vale. Near the entrance of Jesmond Dene, just off the Coast Road is Millfield House you can find a cafe and toilets, a large picnic area and a Pets Corner.
- Ouseburn – Once known as the cradle of the industrial revolution, recent regeneration has transformed Ouseburn to become Newcastle’s cultural quarter and one of the most vibrant creative communities in the North East. Home to artists, musicians, designers, printmakers, brewers and even sheep, Ouseburn is a thriving community that attracts an eclectic crowd. Ouseburn is also home to an urban farm and Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books. At the heart of Ouseburn is the entrance to the Victoria Tunnel, an underground waggonway that was once used to transport coal to the Quayside for transportation and later was used as an air raid shelter during the Second World War.
- Tynemouth – If you want to visit the beach, take a short metro from Newcastle to Tynemouth Station. On a Saturday or Sunday the metro station hosts the famous Tynemouth Market, where you can pick up toys, books, vintage clothing and bric and brac, alongside delicious street food and locally roasted coffee. The historic Tynemouth Priory and Castle cuts a dramatic silhouette against the sky perched atop the cliff with King Edward Bay nestled below. You can find some excellent fish and chips here, or something more sophisticated at the famous Riley’s Fish Shack.