Cheap things to do in Newcastle

Cheap trains to Newcastle

With plenty of fun, free activities and discounted days out for those looking for a bargain, Newcastle is a city of character and culture – and is not to be missed! 

Save yourself up to 60% on rail travel by purchasing an advance purchase ticket with Northern. Available up to 12 weeks in advance, and with last minute bargains available 15 minutes before travel, you can save yourself some extra spondoolies to enjoy while you are on your trip.

Visit National Rail to find out the list of dates currently available for booking our Advance tickets.

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Walk the River Tyne

Start your day trip to Newcastle with a walk along the famous Quayside. Home to a host of bars, restaurants and countless opportunities for the ‘gram, Quayside is also a place to absorb the history of this fantastic northern city.

Opened in 2014 and added to every year, The Newcastle Walk of Fame, also known as the Local Heroes Trail, lies along Quayside and offers celeb-spotters the opportunity to celebrate the most inspiring people from the city, with bronze plaques along the footpath.

Galleries & Museums in Newcastle

At just a 7 minute walk from the station and with entry for free, the Discovery Museum showcases the best of Tyneside’s vast heritage over multiple floors. Crammed with extensive exhibitions and interactive displays, the Discovery Museum is a true family favourite with something for curious children and adults alike.

Feast your eyes upon an internationally acclaimed collection at Laing Art Gallery. With free entry you can delight in some of Britain’s best oil paintings, watercolours and ceramics. There’s something for everyone at the Laing Art Gallery – including an interactive learning space for under 5s to play.

Ways to buy cheap train tickets

Activities in Newcastle

There's plenty to do in Newcastle Gateshead, from the glory of St. James' Park to guided tours that tell the story of this historic city. Immerse yourself in the history of Newcastle with visits to Grey's Monument, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Angel of the North, all of which are free to see. There's also the city's namesake, Newcastle Castle, with a singular ticket giving you access for 365 days. 

Get sporty in Newcastle Gateshead's with the collection of fun activities within the city; including rock climbing, paddle boarding, and more, there's plenty on within the city for you and friends to get active with. 

Feeling more bookish than sporty on your trip? That's no issue for a city like Newcastle, with the Lit and Phil store home to 160,000 books. The store is considered a hub for all things literature within the North-East hosting a range of poetry readings, book signings, and lectures that are open to the public.

The North East's hub is full of cheap and free opportunities to have a great time. Travel with Northern and get right into the heart of the city easier and cheaper.

Shopping in Newcastle City Centre

If shopping is more your thing then Grainger Market is a fabulous place to go. Hosting over 100 multicultural vendors, selling everything from fruit and vegetables to antiques, the bustling atmosphere is hard to beat.

If you love taking a trip to an outdoor market then Quayside Sunday markets is the place for you. A standing feature of the city, the markets have been part of local culture since the 1700s. With stalls selling everything from handmade jewellery to fresh food, even if you’re not buying, it’s well worth a visit to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy performances from the street artists which make the Sunday markets such a special weekly event.

Cycling routes in Newcastle

Want to take in the city of Newcastle from two wheels? Take your bike on the train and explore the city at speed through the many routes that have seen a new lease of life with the reconstruction programs. Heaton Park and Jesmond Dene are great options for an easy family cycle through these scenic areas located right in the centre of the city. Looking for something more intense? Then the "C2C" route, or the Reivers Route, is a great option for those more experienced cyclists that will take you along the East coast. 

You can also ride your bike to the station and park it there for free - perfect for helping you Go Do Your Thing For Less in the city of Newcastle Gateshead.

How to take your bike on a train.