Day Trips in Newcastle by Train

There are a lot of big, bustling and vibrant cities in the UK, but few are as beloved as Newcastle. Home to the welcoming Geordies, nightlife and being a social hub of Northern England, it’s easy to see the appeal. With strong accents and a zest for life, those in Newcastle welcome visitors with open arms, providing everything you need to live life to the fullest and enjoy everything the popular city has to offer.

One of the best ways to get the most out of your trip to Newcastle is to climb aboard the Northern Railway. With frequent, comfortable services to nearby towns and day trip destinations, it’s the easiest and most scenic way to explore the region, all without the hassle of driving or parking.

With such an expansive Northern Railway network, along with regular trains to and from the city, exploring Newcastle and the surrounding areas is a breeze.

North England travel: getting to and from Newcastle

With its mix of industrial heritage, vibrant culture, and riverside beauty, Newcastle-upon-Tyne is easy to reach with direct trains from London King’s Cross taking just under 3 hours, while Newcastle International Airport connects the city to destinations across Europe and beyond, with a quick Metro ride into the city center.

The city’s main rail hub, Newcastle Central Station, is located right in the heart of things, and within walking distance of the Quayside, Grainger Market and key landmarks like Grey Street. The station is fully accessible and well equipped, with shops, cafes, ticket offices, accessible facilities and seating areas.

Northern Railway in Newcastle

Northern Railway is a key operator in the region, offering frequent, reliable services to coastal towns, countryside escapes and historic sites, all of which are perfect for day trips from Newcastle. Trains are comfortable and modern, with wifi on many routes and power sockets to ensure you’re fully charged upon arrival.

As a big part of the North England travel routes, traveling to and from Newcastle by train is an enjoyable experience. You can expect scenic rivers, countryside views and glimpses of the coast.

With so much to see and do around Newcastle, it can be hard to know where to start. When you’re not heading off on a day trip from Newcastle, here are some of the key things to experience as a visitor to this iconic part of the country.

Explore the quayside and see the bridges

See some of Newcastle’s famous sites by walking along the River Tyne and taking in the famous Tyne Bridge, Millennium Bridge and riverside architecture. It’s a great place to take photos, especially at sunset.

Visit the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art

Located in a former flour mill, this free contemporary art gallery offers exhibitions and stunning views from the top floor. As exhibitions are always changing, there's constantly something new to see.

Climb the keep at Newcastle Castle

Explore the origins of the city’s name with a visit to Newcastle Castle keep. You can enjoy panoramic views from the rooftop and see the city from a new perspective.

Stroll down Grey Street

Often named one of the area’s most beautiful streets, Grey Street is lined with grand Georgian buildings and leads to the impressive Grey’s Monument.

Browse Grainger Market

An atmospheric indoor market packed with local food, vintage finds, independent stalls and traditional Geordie charm. It’s the ‘go-to’ place to shop in the area.

Experience the pub scene

As you might expect from a city that’s known for nightlife, Newcastle has an impressive pub scene. Try a pint in some of Newcastle’s oldest pubs and see why it’s a favorite pastime of locals and tourists alike.

There’s no shortage of day trips from Newcastle, so you won’t be short of choice. Here’s a handful of popular options to add to your North England travel plans.

Durham

You can get to Durham in 11 minutes from Newcastle, making it one of the quickest day trips to do via train. Durham is a beautiful cathedral city with a lot of charm. Whether you’re wandering its cobbled streets, visiting Durham Cathedral and Castle, or enjoying riverside walks or quirky independent cafes, it’s not a day trip from Newcastle that’s going to disappoint.

Tynemouth

To mix things up, swap Northern Railway train travel in Newcastle for the Metro, and head to Tynemouth. Just 34 minutes away, Tynemouth boasts seaside charm and a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Explore Tynemouth Priory and Castle, relax on the sandy beach, and browse the weekend market in the Victorian train station.

Berwick-upon-Tweed

The historic border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed offers dramatic sea views, Elizabethan walls and a unique Anglo-Scottish history. It’s the ideal day trip from Newcastle if you’re interested in walking, exploring and soaking up small town life. With around 64 trains traveling between Newcastle and Berwick-upon-Tweed every day, and the journey only taking as little as 41 minutes, it’s a day trip that’s easy to fit into a busy schedule.

Hexham and Hadrian’s Wall

Hexham is a quaint market town with an ancient abbey and easy access to Hadrian’s Wall, which is a must for Roman history lovers and walkers. Enjoy a day trip to Hadrian’s Wall from Newcastle by taking a Northern Railway train to Hexham, which takes between 30 and 40 minutes, and then getting a bus to the wall itself.

Book your train travel in Newcastle via Northern Railway and explore everything Newcastle, the surrounding areas and the North of England have to offer. Head over to Trip.com and use code NORTHERNUK2025* to get 10% off UK train tickets for day trips to and from Newcastle, as well as other UK cities.

*Offer valid on Northern services only until December 31, 2025, for new registered Trip.com users outside the United Kingdom. This offer can be used in combination with flash sale discounts, welcome offers, and Railcard discounts.

Check out some of our other UK travel blogs, where we look at North England travel, other day trips from Newcastle and things to do in many of the UK’s other popular destinations.

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