Newcastle upon Tyne Things To Do – Attractions & Must See

Newcastle upon Tyne Things to Do

Newcastle upon Tyne, or more commonly known as Newcastle, is among the most populous cities in England. With its long history, view of the River Tyne, and amazing architecture, there are many attractions to see and things to do when visiting.

Newcastle Castle

The castle in Newcastle sits overlooking the River Tyne. A Roman fort previously stood on the same site, but the castle itself was built in 1080 by Robert Curthose. This castle gave its name to the city.

High upon the steep banks of the Tyne, the old castle keep still maintains a watch over the city’s lifeblood. There’s not much else left of the castle that gave the city its name, but the keep that guarded the bridge over the Tyne and the Black Gate still remain. From its vantage point high above the river, the keep gives a great view of the Quayside from its ramparts.

China Town

Newcastle’s small Chinatown is centered on Stowell Street, home to many Chinese restaurants and a few supermarkets. While small compared to those in other cities, it is worth a visit to get a feel for a different aspect to Newcastle. While there have been Chinese inhabitants in Newcastle for decades, and Chinese restaurants since the middle of the twentieth century, it was only in the late 1970s that Stowell Street acquired its first Chinese supermarket. This market was swiftly followed by a number of restaurants. A traditional Chinese arch and guardian lions mark the entrance. The main road has lanterns hanging from the walls, and the restaurants also have external decor in a Chinese style.

The Riverside

The River Tyne has always been at the heart of Newcastle’s prosperity, and a walk along The Quayside is a must for any visitor to the city. There are seven bridges of across this stretch of the river. Two of the most famous, the Tyne and Millennium Bridges, provide for a very enjoyable walk. Tyne Bridge was built in 1926. At that time, sitting at 389 meters long, it was the longest single span bridge in the city. It is not anymore, but it became a symbol of Tyneside and a highlight to the city.

The Quayside’s fortunes have ebbed and flowed every bit as much as the Tyne itself over the centuries, and today it’s probably looking better than it has done for a very long time. This used to be where the Keelmen loaded their Keelboats with coal for export to London and elsewhere, while imported goods were brought in from places like Rotterdam, Hamburg and Copenhagen. A market sprang up selling all manner of things and that tradition still survives here every Sunday morning.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne.