Excursion Explore newcastle on foot tour at Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle is a vibrant mix of the contemporary, cultural, stylish and historic and famed across the world for its warm welcome. As the capital of the northeast of England, Newcastle shares 2,000 years of history with its neighbour on the south bank of the River Tyne, the town of Gateshead.

This half-day tour will show you just how much Newcastle has to offer in terms of culture and historic places of interest, taking you to some of the sites that give the city its unique appeal.

Alight your coach in the historic part of Newcastle and stroll to Grainger Town to see stunning classical architecture. Designed in the 1830s by the internationally renowned Richard Grainger, it is the historic jewel of Newcastle upon Tyne and includes Grainger Market, the Theatre Royal, Grey Street and many more architectural treasures.

Pause at the famed Grey’s Monument where Newcastle’s most beautiful and architecturally important streets meet, Grey Street and Grainger Street. The monument was erected in 1838 to commemorate Charles Grey, the second Earl Grey, a local politician and Prime Minister (1830 – 1834).

Venture into Grainger Market to see the smallest Marks & Spencer shop in the world. Opened in 1895, it is the last surviving Penny Bazaar shop that was the foundation of the Marks & Spencer empire. Walk through Central Arcade and see exquisite ceramics and Edwardian décor.

Heading towards the river (River Tyne) visit  the Cathedral Church of St Nicholas, the Cathedral for the Church of England Diocese of Newcastle and the seat of the Bishop of Newcastle. This magnificent building dates from the 13th and 14th centuries. Its Lantern Tower has been a prominent landmark in Newcastle for centuries and is the Cathedral's most distinguishing feature. Despite the modern developments that surround the Cathedral, its tower remains one of the most iconic structures in Newcastle.

Marvel at Newcastle Castle, a robust Norman Castle built by Robert Curthose, the eldest son of William the Conqueror. This medieval fortification stands on the site of the fortress that gave this city its name.

Re-join you coach and venture across the River Tyne to Gateshead Quays to admire spectacular views of the river and its bridges including the Tyne Bridge and the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. This stunning state of the art footbridge spans the River Tyne, and its unique design allows tall ships to pass underneath by raising the footpath.  

See The International Glass House, an innovative live music venue and centre for music education.  One of the newest landmarks on the River Tyne, it is the first performing arts venue designed by Norman Foster’s architectural team.  Step inside the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, housed in a former flour mill silo.

Return to Port of Tyne with your guide/coach or remain in the city and return to the port at your leisure (by taxi).

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Grainger Town, Grey's Monument, Grainger Market, Central Arcade, Church of St Nicholas, Newcastle Castle, Gateshead Quays, Sage Gateshead, Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art

Note

Please note: The activity level is moderate, with paved pathways, cobbled areas, and some steps at Gateshead Quays and in the city centre. The tour is not recommended for wheelchair users. The total walking distance is up to 3 km, with a 2 km walking segment in Grainger Town, St Nicholas Cathedral, and Newcastle Castle (viewed from the outside). Comfortable clothing and footwear appropriate to the weather are recommended.