Newcastle

Known as the gateway to the north, Newcastle (also known as Newcastle upon Tyne), is one of the most renowned cities in North England thanks to its culture, architecture and welcoming atmosphere. 

On Ferryhopper, you can find the best vacation tips for the city of Newcastle, what to do and see, and how to get there by ferry! Find the crossing that suits you best and book ferry tickets to Newcastle online!

A walking trail along the Quaysides of the River Tyne

Holidays in Newcastle

With excellent new art galleries, spectacular bridges, a magnificent concert hall, and a growing number of fine restaurants, hotels and bars, Newcastle is so much more than simply England’s most northern city.

Since 2015, the town has experienced a gastronomic revolution, with a rapidly evolving food and drink scene. It is also home to some of the world's widest urban green spaces, including Town Moor, which is, in fact, larger than Central Park in New York. 

Therefore, whether you’re a football fan, a nature lover or a nightlife enthusiast, Newcastle has become a great destination for a city break and boasts the combination of city, coast and countryside.

How to get to Newcastle

You can travel to Newcastle by car, train, plane or ferry. 

The most exciting way to approach Newcastle is by ferry from Amsterdam, admiring beautiful views of the North Sea. Discover more about ferries to Newcastle below!

Newcastle is also easily reached by train, since it’s located on the main rail line between London and Edinburgh. Another option is to fly directly to Newcastle's International airport, located approximately 10.5 km north of the city. The airport is linked to town by the Metro, which runs every 8 to 15 minutes.

What to do in Newcastle

Newcastle is all about the Quayside, one of the city’s most bustling areas where visitors can find the renowned Tyne Bridge. 

Start your holidays in the city by crossing the Millennium Bridge into Gateshead and checking out the Baltic Centre and the Sage. Then take a bus out to the Ouseburn Valley to visit the Biscuit Factory and, if you’re traveling with children, Seven Stories - the center for children’s books. Back in the elegant Victorian center, visit the Laing Art Gallery and the Life Science Center. Then stop for a coffee or a drink at one of the numerous great cafes in the city.

For splendid views over Newcastle, the city’s 12th century castle is a must-visit! If you have time to spare, Anthony Gormley’s iconic Angel of the North statue, located in Gateshead, just outside the city center, is also worth checking out. 

Oh and if you’re into football, St James' Park Stadium is an excellent venue for experiencing the unique atmosphere of an English football match.

The imposing Angel of the North statue by Anthony Gormley

Sightseeing in Newcastle

However long you decide to stay in Newcastle, there are several must-see sights in this vibrant and exciting city that you simply cannot afford to miss out on. 

Here you can find a list of the top sightseeing in Newcastle: 

• The Newcastle Castle, with splendid views over the city
• The Biscuit Factory, the largest independent commercial art, craft and design gallery in the UK
• The Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas, the most northern Cathedral in the country
• The Tyne Bridge, one of the city’s most iconic structures
• The Laing Art Gallery
• The Theatre Royal
• The Gateshead Millennium Bridge
• The Baltic– Centre for Contemporary Art
• The Life Science Center 
• The Discovery Museum
• The Merz Barn Wall, the world’s most decorated farm building
• The Angel of the North, in Gateshead

The Gateshead Millennium Bridge linking Newcastle's thriving north bank with Gateshead Quays

Nightlife in Newcastle

Thanks to its energetic, 42,000-strong student population, Newcastle has always had a reputation as a party city. A night out in Newcastle, is the alpha and omega of every visit. Just ask the Geordies (the locals).

To start the night with a few beers, head to Osbourne Road at Jesmond. Then, if you’re wondering what the most vibrant areas for a Saturday night out are, the Quayside and Honeysuckle precinct (Newcastle's waterfront entertainment area), are your top options. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for Newcastle's most glamourous party quarter, visit the Diamond Strip. 

Additionally, during your holiday escape in Newcastle, don’t forget to catch a show at Civic Theatre, which hosts a range of musicals, plays, concerts, and dance events each year.

Food in Newcastle

Newcastle is home to one of England’s best food scenes. It has some very special 'northern' delicacies that have evolved from the area’s working class past. 

Here are a few dishes and products to try during your stay here:

• panackelty (filled with meat and root vegetables)
• pan haggerty (thinly sliced potatoes mixed with fried onions and cheddar cheese)
• craster kippers (smoked herring soaked in brine)
• pease pudding (split yellow peas and spices cooked with bacon or ham)
• bacon floddies (bacon, grated potato and onion shaped into a small patty)
• singing hinny (a famous sweet bread similar to a scone)
• stottie cake (a round bread loaf)
• chevington cheese

Pan haggerty, a must-try food when in Newcastle

Useful information about Newcastle

Newcastle is guaranteed to satisfy all of your needs, with several visitor amenities throughout the city.

In terms of accommodation, Newcastle has everything from budget to top end hotels. While most luxury hotels are located in the city center close to the Tyne river, the bulk of Newcastle’s budget and mid-range accommodation is concentrated in the northeastern suburb of Jesmond. 

As for medical services in Newcastle, you can find numerous clinics, health stations and emergency services.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Newcastle

Find some useful phone numbers for your trip to Newcastle below:

• Newcastle Police Station: +441912146555
• Newcastle General Hospital: +441912738811
• Newcastle Tourist Office: +441912778000
• Newcastle taxi services: +441912986040
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Newcastle

Newcastle is a compact, walkable city. And the best way to explore it on foot is by crossing the Seven Bridges. 

There’s also a large bus network, but the best means of getting around is the excellent underground Metro. The Tyne and Wear Metro system is great-value and has over 60 stops and 2 interconnecting lines, the green and the yellow. 

For a convenient and sustainable way to travel around the city, try riding a Neuron e-scooter. With over 100 stations and a number of well-marked cycle paths, you can easily reach a number of famous landmarks and neighboring suburbs this way.

Tip: purchase the DaySaver for unlimited Metro travel for one day or the DayRover for unlimited travel on all modes of transport in Tyne & Wear for one day.

Aerial view of Newcastle with the Tyne Bridge and Sage Gateshead standing out

Ports in Newcastle

The port of Newcastle, more commonly known as the port of Tyne, is one of the UK’s most popular cruise and ferry ports. The port, which has been around since at least 1275 and is located in the North Shields neighborhood, now handles over 4.4 million tons of cargo annually.

Its award-winning International Passenger Terminal has facilities to be able to handle up to 2,000 people at any one time and is located just 13 km from the center of Newcastle. From here, the Percy Main metro station is just a 15 minute walk and the East Coast Mainline railway station a 20 minute drive. 

Moreover, a variety of stores, cafes and facilities can be found at the nearby Royal Quays shopping outlet.

Newcastle ferry: schedules and tickets

Traveling to Newcastle from Amsterdam is a rather popular ferry connection between the UK and the Netherlands throughout the year. The ferry route is operated by DFDS. 

• Amsterdam - Newcastle ferry: there is at least 1 daily ferry from Amsterdam to Newcastle year-round. Ferry frequency may vary depending on the season and the estimated travel time is around 16 hours.

Important: all ferry routes are operated by conventional ferries that have cabins and garage spaces, and offer pet tickets.

Breathtaking view of the port of Tyne in the late afternoon

Where to book ferry tickets to Newcastle online

The stunning city of Newcastle awaits you! On our interactive Map of ferries, you can discover all available schedules, find the one that best suits your needs and book your ferry tickets to Newcastle, England on Ferryhopper!