The Gateshead Millennium Bridge reflected in the River Tyne, with the Tyne Bridge and The Glasshouse behind

Newcastle and Gateshead

Tyne bridges, Grainger Town, the Ouseburn and the coast at Tynemouth

Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead face each other across the River Tyne, joined by a run of bridges from the High Level Bridge of 1849 to the tilting Millennium Bridge of 2001. On the Newcastle side, the castle that gave the city its name stands above the Quayside, and the classical streets of Grainger Town lead up to Grey's Monument. On the Gateshead bank, BALTIC and The Glasshouse face the city across the river.

This guide covers four areas: the Quayside and Gateshead Quays, Grainger Town and the city centre, the Ouseburn valley and Jesmond, and Tynemouth and North Shields on the coast, which the Tyne and Wear Metro links to the city centre.

  • NaciónInglaterraNorth East England, in the county of Tyne and Wear
  • Main stationNewcastleon the East Coast Main Line; National Rail lists LNER as the station manager
  • Local transportTyne and Wear Metrorun by Nexus; serves the airport, Central Station and the coast
  • River crossingShields FerryNexus gives the North Shields to South Shields crossing as seven minutes

With kids in Newcastle and Gateshead

Animal attractions, railways, science centres, beaches and caves from our Newcastle and Gateshead guide, grouped by type. We hold no age ratings or child prices: check each place’s own site for age limits, height rules and family tickets.

Animals and wildlife

Science and discovery

Beaches and swimming

Practical help: travelling with children and where to stay in Newcastle and Gateshead.

Itinerarios

Planifique sus días

Rutas cortas que enlazan las zonas.

The Gateshead Millennium Bridge over the River Tyne
One day

Bridges, castle and Grainger Town

  • Morning — Start at Grey's Monument, walk down Grey Street and browse the Grainger Market.
  • Midday — Visit the Castle Keep and Black Gate, then drop down to the Quayside.
  • Afternoon — Cross the Millennium Bridge to BALTIC and return over the Tyne Bridge.
  • Evening — Walk east along the river to the Ouseburn for a pub with live music.
Longsands beach at Tynemouth
By Metro

A day on the coast

  • Morning — Take the Metro to Tynemouth and visit the priory and castle on the headland.
  • Lunch — Eat on Front Street or by King Edward's Bay.
  • Afternoon — Walk Longsands to Cullercoats, or head upriver to the Fish Quay and the Shields Ferry.

Cómo llegar

Arriving in Newcastle and Gateshead

Newcastle has an international airport on the Metro network and a main-line station in the city centre. Always check the operator for current times, fares and disruption.

En avión

Newcastle International Airport has its own station on the Tyne and Wear Metro, which runs to Central Station and the city centre. See our airport page for details.

En tren

Newcastle station (Central Station) is on the East Coast Main Line, about 268 miles north of London King's Cross. National Rail lists LNER as the station manager. Check journey times and fares with National Rail.

Tyne and Wear Metro

The Metro links the airport, Central Station, Monument, Gateshead, Jesmond and the coast at Tynemouth and Cullercoats. Nexus sells Pop Pay As You Go cards for Metro travel.

Shields Ferry

The Shields Ferry crosses the Tyne between North Shields and South Shields; Nexus gives the crossing time as seven minutes.

We do not publish timetables or fares. Journey details on this page come from the operators' own websites.

Recorra el centro a pie

Grainger Town, the castle and the Quayside are close together, but the streets between them are steep. The Gateshead bank is a walk across the Millennium Bridge or the Tyne Bridge.

Metro to the suburbs and the coast

Use the Metro for Jesmond, Byker, Gateshead and the coast. Tynemouth, North Shields and Cullercoats each have a station.

Accesibilidad

National Rail lists step-free access category B2 for Newcastle station, with lifts. The Metro has a separate accessibility page on the Travel North East website.

Mejor época para ir

Newcastle and Gateshead through the year

Newcastle is a year-round city break; the coast is at its best in the longer days of late spring and summer.

Primavera y veranoDe abril a septiembre

Longer days for the beaches at Tynemouth and Cullercoats, walks in Jesmond Dene and eating outside on the Quayside. Check opening days at seasonal sights such as Tynemouth Priory and Castle.

Autumn and winterOctober to March

A good time for the museums, galleries and theatres. Some coastal sights open on fewer days, so check before you travel.

Preguntas frecuentes

Conviene saber antes de viajar

Is Gateshead part of Newcastle?

No. Gateshead is a separate town on the south bank of the Tyne, but the two face each other across the river and are linked by several bridges and the Metro. BALTIC and The Glasshouse are on the Gateshead side.

How do I get from the airport to the city centre?

Newcastle International Airport has a station on the Tyne and Wear Metro, which runs to the city centre and Central Station. Check Travel North East for times.

Can I visit the coast without a car?

Yes. The Metro runs to Tynemouth, North Shields and Cullercoats, and the Shields Ferry crosses the river from North Shields to South Shields.

¿Dónde alojarse?

Grainger Town and the Quayside have the widest choice of hotels and are within walking distance of most sights. Jesmond and Tynemouth have a few smaller hotels and guest houses.

Nearby places

Guides near Newcastle and Gateshead

Our closest other guides, by straight-line distance between centres. Road and rail distances are longer: check a journey planner.

More in England · Places A to Z · Getting between regions

Créditos fotográficos

Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits