Top 3 Itineraries in Newcastle upon Tyne

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Newcastle upon Tyne.

If you only have a few days, Newcastle upon Tyne weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Newcastle upon Tyne offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Newcastle upon Tyne are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Newcastle upon Tyne’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Newcastle upon Tyne offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover England's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Newcastle upon Tyne truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Newcastle upon Tyne belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Newcastle upon Tyne are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Newcastle upon Tyne and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Newcastle upon Tyne itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Newcastle upon Tyne for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Newcastle upon Tyne without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Newcastle upon Tyne!

A scenic 12-day road trip through Newcastle upon Tyne, York, Alnwick, Whitby, and Bardon Mill is one of the best ways to experience England. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 12-day itinerary means that Newcastle upon Tyne can easily be combined with other top destinations in England without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Newcastle upon Tyne, York, Alnwick, Whitby, and Bardon Mill by public transport, renting a car in England opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 12 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Manchester

• Arrival city: Manchester
• Accommodation: hotel in Manchester, e.g., Wilde Aparthotels St Peters Square Manchester
• Sightseeing: Alan Turing Memorial

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Manchester. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Salford and Manchester

• Destinations: Salford and Manchester
• Driving distance: 13.96 km, approx. 1 hour and 7 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Manchester, e.g., Wilde Aparthotels St Peters Square Manchester
• Sightseeing: John Rylands Research Institute and Library, Manchester Art Gallery, The Lowry, and Manchester Cathedral
• Recommended tour: Manchester Afternoon Walking Tour

Set out on a day of discovery and visit John Rylands Research Institute and Library, Manchester Art Gallery, The Lowry, and Manchester Cathedral. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Salford and Manchester, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Windermere, Clappersgate, and Westmorland and Furness

• Destinations: Windermere, Clappersgate, and Westmorland and Furness
• Driving distance: 170.38 km, approx. 2 hours and 34 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Windermere, e.g., Lakes Hotel and Spa
• Sightseeing: Queen Adelaide's Hill, Lake District National Park, and Borrans Park
• Recommended tour: High Adventure: Landscapes and Legends Tour from Windermere

Spend the day exploring Queen Adelaide's Hill, Lake District National Park, and Borrans Park. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Windermere.

Day 4: Experience Grasmere, Keswick, Dockray, and South Lakeland

• Destinations: Grasmere, Keswick, Dockray, and South Lakeland
• Driving distance: 163.47 km, approx. 3 hours and 45 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Windermere, e.g., Lakes Hotel and Spa
• Sightseeing: Castlerigg Stone Circle, Aira Force Waterfall, Friars Crag, National Trust - Tarn Hows, and National Trust - Allan Bank and Grasmere
• Recommended tour: Ten Lakes Full-Day Tour of the Lake District from Windermere

Continue your journey through Grasmere, Keswick, Dockray, and South Lakeland, where you can explore Castlerigg Stone Circle, Aira Force Waterfall, Friars Crag, National Trust - Tarn Hows, and National Trust - Allan Bank and Grasmere. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in York

• Destinations: York
• Driving distance: 184.38 km, approx. 3 hours and 8 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in York, e.g., The Grand Hotel & Spa
• Sightseeing: York Minster, York City Walls, Rowntree Park, and National Railway Museum York
• Recommended tour: North York Moors and Whitby Day Tour from York

Drive through York, stopping to visit York Minster, York City Walls, Rowntree Park, and National Railway Museum York. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in York.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of York

• Destinations: York
• Driving distance: 1.6 km, approx. 22 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in York, e.g., The Grand Hotel & Spa
• Sightseeing: Shambles Market, JORVIK Viking Centre, York Castle Museum, The York Dungeon, and Clifford's Tower, York
• Recommended tour: Shared Walking Tour in York

Spend time discovering Shambles Market, JORVIK Viking Centre, York Castle Museum, The York Dungeon, and Clifford's Tower, York, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Whitby

• Destinations: Whitby
• Driving distance: 79.05 km, approx. 2 hours and 2 seconds
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Whitby, e.g., Sneaton Castle Centre
• Sightseeing: Captain Cook Memorial Museum, Whitby Harbour East Lighthouse, Whalebone Arch, RNLI Whitby Museum, and Whitby Abbey

Explore Captain Cook Memorial Museum, Whitby Harbour East Lighthouse, Whalebone Arch, RNLI Whitby Museum, and Whitby Abbey at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Whitby.

Day 8: Explore Durham

• Destinations: Durham
• Driving distance: 96.5 km, approx. 2 hours and 23 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Durham, e.g., Radisson Blu Durham
• Sightseeing: Oriental Museum, Durham Cathedral, Prebends Bridge, Elvet Bridge, and National Trust - Crook Hall Gardens

Continue your road trip through Durham, enjoying the flexibility to explore Oriental Museum, Durham Cathedral, Prebends Bridge, Elvet Bridge, and National Trust - Crook Hall Gardens and nearby points of interest. As the day winds down, arrive at a new hotel in central Durham.

Day 9: Wander Through Alnwick

• Destinations: Alnwick
• Driving distance: 86.25 km, approx. 1 hour and 26 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Alnwick, e.g., Eveanna
• Sightseeing: Bailiffgate Museum, Alnwick Castle, and The Alnwick Garden

Visit Bailiffgate Museum, Alnwick Castle, and The Alnwick Garden as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Alnwick.

Day 10: Uncover Newcastle upon Tyne

• Destinations: Newcastle upon Tyne
• Driving distance: 59.09 km, approx. 1 hour and 34 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Newcastle upon Tyne, e.g., INNSiDE Newcastle
• Sightseeing: Newcastle Castle, Tyne Bridge, Great North Museum: Hancock, and St. Mary's Cathedral
• Recommended tour: Newcastle True Crime Walking Tour

Continue your exploration of Newcastle Castle, Tyne Bridge, Great North Museum: Hancock, and St. Mary's Cathedral, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure. End the day by checking into a lovely hotel in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Day 11: Journey Through Bardon Mill, Hexham, and Northumberland

• Destinations: Bardon Mill, Hexham, and Northumberland
• Driving distance: 288.64 km, approx. 3 hours and 46 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Manchester, e.g., Wilde Aparthotels St Peters Square Manchester
• Sightseeing: Vindolanda, Hexham Abbey, Housesteads Roman Fort - Vercovicium - English Heritage Site, and Sycamore Gap
• Recommended tour: Manchester City Stadium Tour in England, United Kingdom

Take in the highlights of Vindolanda, Hexham Abbey, Housesteads Roman Fort - Vercovicium - English Heritage Site, and Sycamore Gap, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings. Conclude your day with a stay at a different hotel in the heart of Manchester.

Day 12: Bid Farewell to Manchester

• Departure city: Manchester
• Driving distance: 1.97 km, approx. 25 minutes
• Sightseeing: Science and Industry Museum

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Manchester. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1517 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Newcastle upon Tyne.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Newcastle upon Tyne for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Newcastle upon Tyne with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

With a long list of top-rated attractions in Newcastle upon Tyne and Newcastle upon Tyne's widest selection of tours and activities at your fingertips, it's easy to plan a travel itinerary filled with unforgettable moments and discoveries.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Newcastle upon Tyne without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Newcastle upon Tyne

Arrive in Newcastle upon Tyne and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Exhibition Park.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. The Broad Chare is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Newcastle upon Tyne's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Newcastle upon Tyne by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Town Moor, Grey's Monument, Tyneside Cinema, and Great North Museum: Hancock.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Newcastle upon Tyne. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Newcastle upon Tyne in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Newcastle upon Tyne

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Angel of the North are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Newcastle upon Tyne.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Newcastle upon Tyne. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of England!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Newcastle upon Tyne

Spend your last few hours in Newcastle upon Tyne soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Newcastle upon Tyne in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Newcastle upon Tyne, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Newcastle upon Tyne travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 3-day weekend getaway in Newcastle upon Tyne offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Newcastle upon Tyne itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Newcastle upon Tyne weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Newcastle upon Tyne

Arrive in Newcastle upon Tyne around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Newcastle upon Tyne’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Newcastle upon Tyne with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Gateshead Millennium Bridge early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Great North Museum: Hancock, stopping by Tyne Bridge for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Newcastle upon Tyne and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Depart from Newcastle upon Tyne

Make the most of your last few hours in Newcastle upon Tyne before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Newcastle upon Tyne. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Newcastle upon Tyne itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Newcastle upon Tyne, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Newcastle upon Tyne for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Newcastle upon Tyne in a way that feels truly unforgettable!