Things to do in Newcastle

Whether you live in Newcastle or are just visiting, there are many ways to enjoy a great day out. Newcastle and the surrounding areas of Tyne and Wear and Northumberland offer a varied mix of attractions including:

so whatever your tastes, you are sure to find something to interest you.


What’s on in Newcastle?

NewcastleGateshead website contains information on various events, performances and exhibitions taking place in the local area over the next few months. There is a Special Offers section that lists current offers for restaurants and other attractions.

Get Into Newcastle NE1  has lots of offers, discount vouchers and 2 for 1 deals, events and things to do in Newcastle city centre. Newcastle shops, restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs, cinemas, theatres and attractions are all on the website, with Newcastle event listings and Newcastle city centre money off vouchers.

AccessAble – Newcastle City Council has worked in partnership with AccessAble (formerly DisabledGo) and local disabled people to develop an online Access Guide for Newcastle. The detailed access information provided within the guide will help enable disabled people to assess whether local facilities, such as galleries, museums, parks and gardens, are accessible to their particular needs.

What’s on North East provide an event’s listing for the North East, ranging from cultural activities, to comedy, and children’s activities

Family Explorers North East is a free service helping families to plan their days out and save money. Families are invited to sign up and receive hand-picked recommendations from 24 cultural venues across the North East every week, making choosing days out quicker and easier for anyone caring for children (including grandchildren, and great grandchildren!).

They encourage families to share reviews of their visits so others can see honest and unbiased recommendations from families like them. You will also receive discounts, money saving tips and free tools to make exploring the North East easy, affordable and fun. Sign up for Family Explorers North East and access special offers on their website.


Free things to do in Newcastle

There are many things to do in Newcastle that are free, here are some ideas:


Help to plan your trip to Newcastle City Centre

How Busy Is Toon ?  gives you information to help understand how busy the buses, roads and city centre is. So you feel safe and prepared when planning to visit Newcastle city centre. Visit the website to see:

  • Street images of: Northumberland Street, Grey Street, Barrack Road and Blackett Street, updated every 5 minutes
  • Images of key roads into the city, updated every 15 minutes
  • A real-time map showing the location of every bus operating across Newcastle, searchable by route number
  • Car park spaces available
  • Up-to-date traffic and travel information
  • Information on Electric vehicle (EV) charging locations
  • Walking and cycling routes to help you plan your journey

If you are cycling in the city centre you can see bike parking spaces available from Newcastle city council

If you are travelling by Metro or Ferry with young children, up to three kids aged 11 and under can travel for free on Metro and the Shields ferry all day when accompanied by a fare paying adult over the age of 18.


Check the accessibility of the venue before you visit

AccessAble can help you to plan your trips to places like cinemas, theatres, restaurants, railway stations, hotels and more. They visit and review the accessibility of places in Newcastle. Use their directory of venues to find wheelchair friendly venues, read more about facilities and disabled access available. Such as:

  • photos of the facilities
  • entrance to the building
  • accessible toilets or changing places
  • how easy it is to move around the venue
  • lifts
  • transport and parking
  • dementia friendly
  • quiet or safe space
  • sign language

Last updated: September 15, 2023