Things to do & places to visit in Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom

Tyne and Wear #34 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.52 based on 40.9k traveler reviews, of 43 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 8:14.

Top things to do (44)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Victoria Tunnel (2.561 reviews)
- Story time in a damp underground tunnel shouldn't be this fun!
Monday: 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites

Guided tours of the fully preserved 19th century coal waggonway and WW2 air-raid shelter. Pre-booking is essential and tickets can be booked online through our website or by telephone during office hours. Tours every day, check the website for details. Our extensive Covid-19 precautions have been assessed by Visit Britain and we have been awarded "Good to Go" certification. See more..
5.0 The Escape Key (1.300 reviews)
- Brilliant experience for the family
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

The Escape Key is a premium escape room centre located in an atmospheric warehouse in the historic Gallowgate area (the place where witches were once hanged) of the city. We aim to give you the best possible experience with the quality of our games and the service we offer our customers. Play The Plague or Witch overlooking the ancient graveyard or try to save the world from Armageddon! The Electric City game is based on Newcastle's heritage as the first city in the world to be lit by electric light. We also offer two outdoor escape adventures. Rosie's Charm and Thirteen Ghosts played using our app on the streets of Newcastle. See more..
5.0 EXIT Newcastle (1.123 reviews)
- 10/10
Monday: 9:30 AM - 10:00 PM Escape Games • Missions • Game & Entertainment Centers

My favourite escape room so far. My friend and I took on the Attic. We had never done horror escape room and it definitely brought in an extra element. My friend was bricking it before we even went it and the host told us afterwards her screams had scared another group - sorry if it was you . We won’t give any spoilers, but everything matters! Wish I could forget the clues and do it again. Will definitely be coming again. The host was really friendly and built up the fear factor before we started See more..
5.0 The Flight Experience (464 reviews)
- New owners, nice guy, good experience.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

The Flight Experience, formerly The 737 Experience boasts two full scale flight simulator - Boeing 737-800 & Airbus A320. Based just a 10-minute walk from Newcastle City Centre. Our simulators use only the best industry hardware, software and visual setup to make it the most immersive simulator in the North of England. See more..
5.0 CBK Adventures (459 reviews)
- Paddleboarding (private lesson)
Monday: Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Water Sports • Sightseeing Tours • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Kayaking & Canoeing

We booked a private SUP lesson. This was our first lesson, and we really enjoyed it. Dan was our instructor, and he was excellent, he was so knowledgable and friendly throughout our lesson. He went through all the basics with us and made sure we knew specific safety aspects to help keep ourselves and others safe on the water. We had plenty of time on the water as well. The private lesson is great value for money, especially if you want to avoid bigger groups, my wife has Asperger's and this was perfect for her. We will definitely be back in the future to hire some paddleboards. See more..
5.0 Riverside Falconry (352 reviews)
- Bird handling experience
Monday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Tours

My partner booked us a session here as a Christmas present and after a few Covid and avian flu delays we finally made it and brought the kids along too. We had a great time at Riverside Falconry with John, whose passion and knowledge shone through during our session. He has a great bond with his birds and it’s clear that his philosophy of keeping them flying and active rather than leaving them in an aviary for days on end leaves them in fantastic condition. We got to know the backstory of all the birds we handled, including Bruno, the kestrel who until very recently identified as female and Smudge, the geriatric owl with a rediscovered need for speed. Lennon the gyrfalcon was stunning as was Monty the eagle owl; though my youngest was a bit unsure of Monty, John helped my eldest hold him briefly which was great. The private session meant everything was relaxed and informal. We’ll definitely be returning soon for a Hawk Walk. Highly recommended! See more..
5.0 Endless Adventure North East (316 reviews)
- Great experience, will be back again to try others!
Monday: 7:30 AM - 9:30 PM River Rafting & Tubing • Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Bike Tours • Climbing Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

Got a tandem rafting experience for for my fiance's birthday, was just the two of us and two intructors (Phil & Harry). We had an absolutely amazing day! We were given plenty of safety equipment & safety briefs along the way, but we were given loads of opportunities to just have fun with it ourselves which was what we wanted. We felt well looked after all the way through and we'd highly recommend if you're new to adventuring and wantin to get your feet in the water (no pun intended)! See more..
5.0 Body & Mind Massage Therapy (308 reviews)
- Felt like flying after this life changing treatment!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Spas

There are few things in life as important as physical and mental health, yet in our busy and stressful lives, so many people forget to look after their own wellbeing. Established in 2012, we called ourselves “Body & Mind” to reflect the benefits that authentic Thai massage can bring to physical and mental health. In as little as 30 minutes, we can help alleviate many of life’s stresses, strains and anxieties. Fast approaching our 6th Birthday, we have treated thousands of happy customers, many of which return again and again. See more..
5.0 Red Beard Tours (279 reviews)
- Why you should book this walking tour
Walking Tours

This was a really interesting walking trip that introduced us Southerners to a history of Newcastle and its importance in history of England. From mediaeval forts and friaries to the history of the growth of Newcastle from the wealth of coal, the Victorian era, the invention of the steam locomotive, the origins of modern shopping, it’s music alumni and street art. It was an amazing trip through the ages and I would recommend it to anyone who visits the city but also anyone who is born in or lives and works in Newcastle, if you are working in hospitality you would gain so much to talk about with customers to promote the great city. Rob ‘Red beard’ is not from Newcastle but has adopted the city and lives and breathes his love for it. An excellent communicator and funny too. Well worth the money. Thank you Rob. See more..
5.0 Iles Tours (220 reviews)
- Wonderful experience
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Walking Tours • Sightseeing Tours

We did the Northumberland street and Grey’s monument tour. It was wonderful. We took our very young daughters along too and they enjoyed it too. The tour guide: Alex - is so well informed, he shared some wonderful tales and kept us very interested throughout. A must see especially for those residing in Newcastle - it just make it much more meaningful. See more..
5.0 Lundgren Tours (219 reviews)
- 1000/10 points
Monday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Night Tours • Sightseeing Tours

If you are looking for amazing opportunities to explore Newcastle's surroundings and want to spend a day full of fun I can highly recommend Lundgren Tours. I have been to several trips and must say that city as well as hiking trips have been well organized and provided the best spots to see. Rob is a great tour guide who doesn't bother you with boring historical facts but provides interesting and funny facts that stick in your head (or he reenacts historical events himself). Most of the destinations are hard to reach by public transport so attending Lundgren Tours´ trips are a great opportunity to visit the Lake District or castles at the East Coast. My personal highlight was the multi-day hiking trip which consisted of 3 full days in the Scottish Highlands. See more..
5.0 Thai Orchid Spa and Massage (192 reviews)
- A pure joy!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spas

Thai Orchid Spa and Massage have recently moved into new spacious premises in the centre of Whitley Bay (we were previously located in Monkseaton). We provide a range of effective treatments under the expert guidance of our highly trained team. Each session is tailored specifically to your requirements, ranging from gentle oil massage to firm, deep tissue traditional Thai massage. We offer luxury spa treatments including: • Traditional Thai Massage • Foot Massage • Indian Head Massage • Herbal Oil Massage See more..
5.0 Adventure Sunderland (109 reviews)
- Great value for money, no pressure fun!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Climbing Tours • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Kayaking & Canoeing

Jaz and Ben took us out stand up paddle boarding - there was 5 of us - 2 adults, 14yrs, 13yrs and 8yrs. From the off they made us feel comfortable and at ease asking us to fill in waivers on arrival. You get the use of a wet suit, helmet if required, a life jacket and a paddle board. They talked us through the safety aspects well and took us out on to the water. My youngest son fell over in the waves just as we were walking out, then became a hysterical snot monster before we even started but they were amazing with him - taking turns ferrying him around the whole time until they managed to persuade him to stand up on his own! The rest of us were gently encouraged rather than pressurised to stand up. I never made it up on my feet but I had fun trying! They made it a great experience and one I’d definitely do again. £20pp is amazing value given its 2 hours of fun, loan of the equipment and instructor time/help. They do so many other fun activities in the centre too. See more..
5.0 The Strategy (103 reviews)
- Wonderful wonderland!
Monday: 12:00 PM - 7:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Live escape game venue in Sunderland, UK. Come and join us to take part in one of our live escape rooms. Anyone from the age of 8 years and above is welcome to take part. Anyone under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an adult. See more..
4.5 Quayside (3.245 reviews)
- Very nice meal and waitress service.
Monday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Historic Sites • Neighborhoods

The meal and the service provided by the waitress was very good. Been there on numerous occasions. We entered the premises and seeing no-one at the bar other than a member of staff pouring drinks we walked towards her and my wife told her we've a table booked for 1 o clock. The woman greeted us in a loud voice, pointing towards the entrance, "Can you wait up there, there is a sign". No please. It was quite embarrassing as people dining looked up. Yes there was a sign which we didn't see. Once there we were met by a pleasant young lady and escorted to our table. The meal was good. Shame about the welcome. A birthday treat spoiled. See more..
4.5 Gateshead Millenium Bridge (2.229 reviews)
- A walk over the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges

As it was a lovely day we decided to take a walk over the bridge and along the Newcastle Quayside. We arrived by car and parked the car in the car park beside the Sage theatre on the Gateshead side of the bridge. The car park fee cost us approx. £2.50 for up to three hours. The car park is adjacent to the bridge and is quite spectacular on first sight. There is no fee to cross the bridge and, as you can see by on of my photo's, provides a great view of the other bridges across the Tyne. We continued walking over to the Newcastle Quayside and, because it was a Sunday morning, there was a market selling everything from fast food to antiques. This made our visit all the more enjoyable on the day. There are also plenty of cafe's and pubs on Quayside for anyone who would like refreshments etc. I think it's a lovely place to visit in good weather. Not so sure if it's windy / raining etc. See more..
4.5 The Angel of the North (2.221 reviews)
- Stunning!
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

My new bride had this on her “bucket list” of places to see and we were not disappointed. The installation is beautiful and breathtaking in size. Firstly it is FREE to visit and there is ample FREE parking Despite us thinking there was going to be quite a hike involved, it turns out the car park is basically at the same level, with easy slope walkways to the sculpture. Making it easily accessible to all including wheelchair users. See more..
4.5 The Discovery Museum (1.726 reviews)
- Interesting
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Science Museums • History Museums

It’s free to get in to Discovery Museum, which is a massive space showcasing the best of Tyneside’s heritage over three floors and extensive galleries crammed with inventions, world-firsts, model ships and interactive activities for curious kids – and adults! Telling the story of Newcastle and its people from Roman times through to the present day Discovery Museum champions the spirit of the north east area. With events on all year. Closed on Bank Holidays. See more..
4.5 St James' Park (1.725 reviews)
- Excellent stadium tour
Sports Complexes

Delve into Newcastle United's history all the way back to the late 1800s by joining us on a tour of the iconic St James' Park. Accompanied by a tour guide you will visit areas of the ground reserved for players and officials only, including the Home Dressing Room, Media Suite, Director's Box, and more. Tours last approximately 90 minutes, and run daily at 11.30, 12.30, And 14.30, At a cost of £15 an adult, £12 a concession, and £8 a junior. See more..
4.5 Sage Gateshead (1.321 reviews)
- Good to be back.
Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

Sage Gateshead is music centre rooted deeply in the North, with an international profile. We are for audiences, for artists, for the North and for the long term. See more..
4.5 Jesmond Dene (1.306 reviews)
- Connect with nature
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Parks • Scenic Walking Areas • Waterfalls

Jesmond Dene is the jewel in the crown of Newcastle's parks and green spaces. The Dene is packed full of historic and natural features and masses of wildlife, flowers and ancient woodland for everyone to enjoy. See more..
4.5 Grey Street (1.227 reviews)
- Beautiful street
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Grey Street in Newcastle is without a shadow of a doubt one of the most beautiful streets in this city. Constructed in the early Victorian era,around about the late 1830's ,the architecture along this street is so beautiful and diverse, running from the impressive Greys Monument down to Dean Street, some notable buildings along Grey Street include Theatre Royal ( 1837 ) Central Arcade ( 1906 ) and many more beautiful buildings. The street was constructed by Richard Grainger and designed by John Dobson and when completed in 1837 was described by Prime Minister Gladstone as the finest modern street in the United Kingdom. The street is a joy to walk down if you enjoy grand architecture but is also home to many pubs, bars and restaurants, its just a fabulous street, a street both myself and my twin brother Stephen really enjoyed visiting, its most definitely well worth checking out if you're in the area or planning to visit Newcastle. See more..
4.5 Roker & Seaburn Beaches (1.133 reviews)
- Very easily accessible and everything you could need for a great day on the beach
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Beaches

We visited on a cloudy friday in May for a stroll along the beach and out along the pier to the lighthouse. The pier is a lot longer than it looks! and took us a good 20 minutes to walk there and back. I'd love to do the lighthouse tour sometime and walk to the lighthouse through the tunnel! but unfortunately the tours only run a couple of days a week. There is a convenient large carpark right next to the beach and pier (think it was Sunderland City Council - Harbour View). The cost is 60p per hour or £3 for all day. There are free public toilets to use here too, right next to the kids play area which looked great fun. Also a coupe of fish & chip shops right nearby and ice-cream etc - all the necessities for a good day on the beach! Except the weather which wasn't complying on our visit in May. See more..
4.5 The Tyne Bridge (1.062 reviews)
- HAVE THE TYNE BRIDGE OF YOUR LIFE !
Bridges

This iconic structure that is famous for the Great North Run, is the centrepiece and is something that if you say Newcastle it’s a possibility you say it first. From every vantage point this bridge shows of the city I’ve taken hundreds of pictures to say the least. So in summary this bridge passes the Tyne of your stay in Newcastle. See more..
4.5 Theatre Royal (1.013 reviews)
- Magnificent
Theaters

Myself and partner were there to see Addams Family. Tickets very reasonably priced. Front of house staff lovely and getting inside the building was very smooth. Drinks before the show lovely as were the bar staff. Almost full as far as I could see and it was obvious folk were happy to be back to this beautiful venue. Show was utterly magnificent. Funny and songs and dancing superb. Actors were special. I would say 80% of audience wore masks and I would recommend a trip here to anyone. We will be back regularly as per usual. See more..
4.5 National Glass Centre (991 reviews)
- Fabulous Building right by the docks. Great Glassblowing demonstrations and cafe serves wonderful food.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Based in a unique, contemporary glass and steel building, the National Glass Centre houses exhibition galleries, artists' studios and production facilities, a craft & design shop and an award winning café/restaurant. National Glass Centre is part of the University of Sunderland. We deliver a programme of changing exhibitions, education programmes and events for schools, families, adults and children. We are dedicated to exploring ideas through glass and providing opportunities for people to be creative, enjoy themselves and feel inspired. See more..
4.5 Newcastle Castle (966 reviews) from $11.25
- More To See Than You'd Think
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Castles • History Museums

Steeped in history this imposing Norman fortress, in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, is a rugged reminder of northern England's turbulent history. This was no baron's stately home. Newcastle Castle is a grim reminder of royal authority where armies gathered and criminals were imprisoned and executed. It is where the story of Newcastle began, the reason the city got its name and has the most commanding views over the city and the River Tyne. Open for the public to explore and enjoy our rich and varied history Newcastle Castle takes the safety of public and staff very seriously. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic we have introduced a number of measures to keep you safe whilst you explore, discover and enjoy. See more..
4.5 The Great North Museum (899 reviews)
- Great couple of hours
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Journey through 350 million years of evolution to discover the story of our planet and its people. From the pretty to the poisonous, the terrifying to the tiny, explore the wonder and diversity of our world at the award winning Great North Museum: Hancock. See more..
4.5 St. Mary's Lighthouse and Visitor Centre (882 reviews)
- See the seals- well worth the walk
Visitor Centers • Lighthouses

Reached between the tides via a short causeway, St. Mary's has all the fascination of a miniature, part-time island. The Lighthouse, completed in 1898 on a hazardous coast for shipping, remained operational until 1984 when it was superseded by modern navigational techniques. Since then the Lighthouse and former keepers' cottages have been operated as a visitor centre by North Tyneside Council. The surrounding Nature Reserve contains an area of rockpools, clifftop grassland, a beach and newly created wetland habitats.Wherever possible we are open seven days a week between May and September, and during weekends and school holidays in the winter. However, it is not possible for us to open on some days because of tidal conditions. The stated opening times can also be subject to variations on occasion due to weather affecting the times of the tide. See more..
4.5 Stadium Of Light (848 reviews)
- Magnificent stadium
Arenas & Stadiums

I am a Sunderland fan but I live out of the country and hadn't been to a game since Christmas 2019. It was brilliant to be able to travel again and be back in the ground now that the COVID pandemic is under control. The stadium is magnificent, there are great views of the pitch from any angle. For away fans, the ground is 10 minutes' walk from the main train station, or less from two nearer metro stations. Lots of buses. Loads of street parking too but watch out for the residents-only areas and their £60 fines (these are clearly signposted), just park a couple of streets further away. There is also free park & ride. I was here for SAFC v NCFC. The atmosphere was great. Pity we got sucker punched at the end! See more..