This self-guided walking tour of Newcastle documents the route I followed when my Dad came to visit me in the North East for the first time recently.
I planned our day out in Newcastle meticulously to ensure Dad would get to see all of the top places of interest in Newcastle Upon Tyne on a straightforward scenic walk around the city.
I have to admit that I was more than happy to play tourist in the city and enjoyed this walk around some of Newcastle’s landmarks just as much as my old man did.
We covered the historic old town of Newcastle as well as the ever-evolving Quayside and even Toon gems like the Bigg Market!
Follow this easy self-guided walking tour of Newcastle’s landmarks for the best day out in the capital of the North.
Check out my guide to the perfect big weekend in Newcastle
My Newcastle Walking Tour Route
1. Monument
We started our day out in Newcastle at Monument metro station. Coming up the steps, you’re treated to a magnificent 360 view that encompasses some of Newcastle’s most impressive architecture.
Grey’s Monument spikes the skyline high above you while Grey Street and Grainger Street roll out in front of you, so it’s the perfect place to start your walking tour of Newcastle.
Completed in 1838, Grey’s Monument is one of the top landmarks in Newcastle. It commemorates local man Earl Grey, who was prime minister from 1830 to 1834.
On select dates, you can actually climb to the top of Grey’s Monument. I’m dying to do it!
2. Central Arcade
From Monument, we walked down Grainger Street and slipped into Central Arcade. The spectacular mosaics, stained glass and vaulted roof make it one of the most jaw-dropping sights in Newcastle’s city center.
You’ll find some local independent businesses inside, including a music shop that’s been there since 1908. Fun fact: the arcade was built as a corn exchange in 1837 but never actually used as one.
3. Grainger Market
Now for another Grainger Street marvel! When you walk through Grainger Market, it could be any date over the past 50 years. The indoor market has been serving Newcastle’s locals for more than 200 years and is now a listed building.
This is the place to grab a bite to eat (the mac and cheese stall gets my vote), shop vintage clothes or buy Geordie-themed gifts. You can also visit the world’s smallest M&S there.
4. Grey Street
Back out in the daylight, cut through Market Street and saunter down the iconic Grey Street. This is my favourite street in the city, not least because it’s lined with bars and restaurants that make it one of the best places to go in Newcastle. No, I love it for the architecture!
The grand Georgian buildings go back to the 1830s. It was crowned the 8th most Instagrammed street in England and it’s easy to see why. One of my favourite pieces of architecture is the Cathedral Buildings, which are easy to spot because of their pink hue.
5. Theatre Royal
You’ll pass Theatre Royal as you head down Grey Steet. Another Grade 1 listed building, the theatre dates back to 1837. The interior was redesigned after a fire but the façade has stayed the same.
6. Newcastle Castle
Further down the hill, you’ll reach Dean Street. Tucked away in a gap between two buildings are the Dog Leap Stairs. Climb these, and you’ll get to Newcastle Castle. This Norman Fortress is the city’s namesake. You need to book tickets online in advance to go inside. There’s a vast 43ft high Great Hall, the Castle Keep and plenty of passageways to explore.
I haven’t been inside yet, but I believe it’s worth a visit from the views alone! Buy your tickets online in advance here.
7. High Level Bridge
Are you ready for the best view of Newcastle’s Quayside? I’ve always looked at aerial view pictures of the Tyne and wondered where the photographer took them and now I know! Opened in 1849, High Level Bridge is one of the best photo spots in Newcastle and it’s just a few minutes walk from the castle via St Nicholas Street.
The view of the other bridges and across to Gateshead are unrivalled, don’t you think?
8. Sage Gateshead
On the other side of the water, you can visit Sage Gateshead. It’s the ‘bubble building’ that serves an events space for the North. It’s open to the public during from Thursday to Sunday, but it’s worth checking what’s on before your visit to Newcastle in case there’s anything exciting happening.
9. BALTIC
Just past the Sage is the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, which is housed in an old flour mill. There’s an excellent restaurant inside called Six and the BALTIC runs free walking tours on Thursdays at 10am (booking essential).
10. Millennium Bridge
I love that this Newcastle walking tour takes you over both the oldest and newest bridge in the city! I was pretty proud of myself when I realised the route I’d hastily planned when my Dad announced he was coming to visit ticked that box.
From outside the Sage, cross the ‘winking eye’ back to Newcastle.
11. Newcastle Quayside
There’s always something going on at the Quayside. If you’re visiting Newcastle at the weekend, you’ll should time your visit to coincide with the Sunday market.
During the summer months, the ‘Quayside Seaside’, complete with sand and deck chairs, takes over. This Autumn, they’ve got an Urban Garden set up where you can grab a coffee or an alcoholic drink. It’s a lovely place to sit and people watch!
12. Newcastle’s Cathedral
Once you’ve exhausted the possibilities on the Quayside, head back uphill to The Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas. Founded in 1901, the building got cathedral status is 1882. It’s not quite as impressive as nearby Durham Cathedral, but still worth a look!
13. Bigg Market
The walk from the Quayside to the Bigg Market should take no more than 15 minutes but you can obviously stop to refuel wherever you like on the way. Located in a Middle Ages marketplace, the Bigg Market is the epicentre of Newcastle’s nightlife scene.
I just had to take my Dad for a drink in the quintessential Toon pub The Beehive, where trebles are £2.95 and I was the only woman in the establishment. We also had a drink in Newcastle’s oldest pub, The Old George Inn. It dates back to 1582!
From there, Dad and I went to a few more pubs so I’ll spare you the details of every place we stopped and skip straight to the next big Newcastle landmark…
14. St James Park
A nine-minute walk from the Bigg Market will bring you to St James Park, the city’s football stadium. You can book a stadium tour if you’re a fan.
15. Central Station
Skip St James Park if you’re not interested in football and end your walk around Newcastle at Central Station. If you’re ready for dinner at this point, I recommend Blackfriar’s, which is the oldest dining room in England. We went recently for the two-course lunch menu and it was truly exquisite.
Book one of these Newcastle tours
Best day trips from Newcastle
If you’re keen to see more of the North East, I strongly recommend reading my guide to the best things to do in Durham as it covers the city itself, the countryside and the coast. You might find my guide to Durham’s best restaurants helpful for planning where to eat too.
You might be surprised to learn that there’s a ton of fun things to do in Sunderland! I’ve written a list of my favourite Sunderland restaurants in my adopted home city.
Alternatively, head over to Tees Valley – it’s off the beaten path but it’s a great destination for foodies.
Visiting the North East in summer? Tynemouth and Cullercoats are my go-to for a day at the coast.
Check out this wider England sightseeing itinerary if you’re visiting Newcastle as part of a longer trip to this country.
Find a place to stay in Newcastle on Booking.com
Booking.comI’ve personally stayed at Roomzzz Newcastle and thought it was a perfect base for exploring the city. For those keen to escape the buzz of the city, check out these luxurious glamping sites in the North East or check in to one of my favourite spa hotels in the North East.
More places to go in NE England
Romantic places to stay in Northumberland
Let me know how you get on with my self-guided walking tour of Newcastle! I think it includes a decent amount of landmarks and because it ends in an area that’s full of pubs and restaurants, it’s easy to find a place to refuel after all those steps.
When Dad and I did this walk around Newcastle, we managed 14,000 steps but we did a fair bit of wandering off the route I’ve documented here, so I reckon 10k is more accurate.
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afkoin says
Loved reading this!