14 Fantastic Sightseeing Tours in Newcastle
Explore the city and all it has to offer with our round-up of the best Newcastle tours
We can all agree that Newcastle is a pretty amazing city – steeped in history, home to amazing cultural landmarks and with a fantastic local food and drink scene to boot.
It’s an amazing place to explore – whether you’re a local wanting to learn more about your hometown or a tourist visiting from further afield – and to celebrate our fair city we’ve rounded up some of the best tours to enjoy in Newcastle.
Newcastle Gateshead Toon Tours
One of the best ways to see any city’s sights is, of course, by open-top bus and that’s exactly what Toon Tours offers. Operated by local bus company Go North East, the Toon Tours bus passes by some of Newcastle and Gateshead’s most iconic landmarks – Grey’s Monument, Newcastle Castle and The Glasshouse included – and passengers can hop on and hop off at any point on the route. Tours usually run between May and October, but the Go North East team are prepping the Toon Tours bus for its summer season so stay tuned!
St. James Park, Newcastle, England, United Kingdom, Photo/Map: Arne Müseler / arne-mueseler.com / CC-BY-SA-3.0
St James’ Park Rooftop Stadium Tour
The home of Newcastle’s beloved Toon Army, a visit to St. James’ Park is a must-do football fans both local and visiting and this tour lets you see the stadium from a whole different perspective. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you’ll ascend to a walkway on its iconic cantilever roof 150 feet above the pitch and be wowed by panoramic views of Newcastle before returning pitch-side for an exclusive pit stop at the team dugout.
Tipple in the Tunnel
Tipple in the Tunnel is a wine tasting with a difference. A collaboration between Hotel du Vin and Ouseburn Trust, it starts at the hotel bar with a glass of fizz before guests embark on a mini-tour of the historic Victoria Tunnel – a former wagonway under the city streets once used to transport coal to the River Tyne. There, you’ll learn about the tunnel’s history before sampling three wines chosen by a Hotel du Vin sommelier. Considering the tunnel is rumoured to be haunted, a bit of Dutch courage might come in handy!
Newcastle Castle Evening Tour
Yes, Newcastle actually has a castle – the clue is in the name! – although it’s not really that “new” anymore, of course! A grand reminder of the city’s medieval past, the imposing Norman fortress is steeped in history and its Castle Keep roof offers stunning panoramic views of Newcastle and beyond. Take an evening tour of the castle and soak up its rich history before taking to the roof and seeing the city lights twinkle as twilight sets in – you won’t be disappointed!
Newcastle Cathedral History Tour
If you’re exploring Newcastle Castle then you’ve no excuse not to pay a trip to its equally imposing and historic neighbour Newcastle Cathedral. Dating back to the 14th century, the grand Gothic building cuts a dominating form across the city’s skyline and is home to one of the largest ledger stone collections in northern England. Cathedral volunteers run regular tours of the magnificent building, uncovering fascinating stories of its rich history from its medieval origins to the present day.
Grey's Monument, Copyright Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, Public Domain
Grey’s Monument Tour
If you’ve got a head for heights, then a trek to the top of Grey’s Monument is a must! Built in 1838 to commemorate Northumberland-born 19th century prime minister Charles Grey (of Earl Grey tea fame), the monument towers 130 feet above Newcastle’s grand Grey Street and those willing to brave its 164 steps can join Newcastle City Guides to the very top for breathtaking, bird’s-eye views of the city.
Grainger Market Food Tour
Opened in 1835, Grainger Market has been serving the people of Newcastle for almost two centuries and in recent years it’s become a foodie hotspot thanks to the community of food traders that have set up shop there. This two-hour tour takes you on a tasty journey through its alleys, sampling food and drink from across the globe lovingly cooked up by its local vendors. Trust us – you’ll leave knowing why it was voted “Britain’s Favourite Market.”
Tyne Bridges & Quayside Kayak Tour
For something that’ll certainly get your blood pumping, join CBK Adventures for a tour of the River Tyne by kayak! You’ll see the city from a whole different angle as you paddle past the bustling Quayside and beneath the iconic bridges that span the Tyne, discovering fascinating facts about Newcastle’s history from CBK’s expert guides along the way.
‘Til Death Do Us Part Ghost Walk
Explore the grim and grisly side of Newcastle’s history with this award-winning tour from Newcastle Ghost Walks. Led by a paranormal investigator, you’ll be regaled with terrifying tales and local lore of witches, killers, ghosts and more before retreating to Newcastle Castle’s Black Gate – once the site of an execution pit – to try and summon a spirit that haunts the area. Not for the faint-hearted!
Blackfriars, Photo by Visit Britain-NGI, Public Domain
Blackfriars’ History Tour & Lunch
Located in a former Dominican friary dating back to the 13th century, Blackfriars Restaurant is not only a local dining favourite but boasts history in spades too. Explore both its colourful history and delicious food with this 45-minute tour exploring its grounds – including what’s believed to be the oldest dining room in the UK! – followed by a three-course lunch with wine and coffee.
Newcastle Pub Tour
Enjoy a tipple or two in the Toon with a tour of the city’s most iconic pubs, courtesy of Newcastle Tour Company! A must-do for lovers of beer, you’ll stop by at least four pubs on this three-hour tour while sampling some fantastic local ales and beer and discovering facts about Newcastle’s pub scene both past and present.
The Lit & Phil Behind the Books Tour
Bookworms assemble! As the largest independent library outside of London, The Lit & Phil is a must-do for lovers of literature and behind its grand Regency façade lies a treasure trove of books – over 200,000 in fact. Join one of its experienced tour guides and wander its stately halls while learning of its rich history and links with local pioneering greats like George Stephenson and Joseph Swan – and soaking up that old book aroma!
Silent Disco Walking Tour
Forget sightseeing – this is “sight singing”! The brainchild of Silent Adventures, this tour ain’t for shrinking violets and invites party animals to don their dancing shoes and serenade the people of Newcastle as they sing their hearts out to bops, big hits and classics from across the decades. Headphones are included!
Tyne Theatre & Opera House Guided Tour
A jewel in Newcastle’s cultural crown, Tyne Theatre & Opera House has been entertaining Geordies since the Victorian era and this one-hour tour takes you behind the scenes of this beloved institution. Explore its lavish auditorium and understage area – home to one of the few surviving examples of Victorian wooden modular stage machinery in the country… and resident ghost Bob Crowther!
Newcastle has so much to offer – great food and drink, amazing cultural venues and history in droves – and there’s no better way to take a deep dive into all things Toon than with a tour, so get booking!
Main image: Grainger Street atop the Toon Tour Bus, Photo by Kevin Gibson/Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, Public Domain
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