Quayside and River Tyne; from Newcastle: Exploring Quayside to Ouseburn on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Exploring Quayside to Ouseburn on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Exploring Quayside to Ouseburn on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Exploring Quayside to Ouseburn on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Exploring Quayside to Ouseburn on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Exploring Quayside to Ouseburn on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Exploring Quayside to Ouseburn on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Exploring Quayside to Ouseburn on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Exploring Quayside to Ouseburn on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Exploring Quayside to Ouseburn on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Exploring Quayside to Ouseburn on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Exploring Quayside to Ouseburn on Slow Down, See More
Photo by Paul Shawcross
  • By Paul Shawcross

Experience the heart and soul of Newcastle by exploring the bustling Quayside and the recently revived Ouseburn district where the Ouseburn, a tributary of the Tyne enters the big river. Discover architectural and engineering marvels, like the Swing Bridge built by Lord Armstrong to enable large ships to reach his factory further upstream and the Millennium Footbridge or Blinking Eye – amidst other iconic landmarks.

From the magnificent Tyne Bridge above the Quayside, stroll to the vibrant cultural hub of Ouseburn, the whole neighborhood expertly blends the old and the new. This itinerary in England explores some of Newcastle’s rich history, lively cultural scene, and charming riverside panoramas, serving as a testament to the city’s relentless evolution and spirit.

NOTE: You will need to obtain your ticket to the Victoria Tunnel in advance.

Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Tyne Bridge, A167, Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Gateshead Millennium Bridge, South Shore Road, Gateshead, UK

Pitcher & Piano Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Ouseburn, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

The Cluny, Lime Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Victoria Tunnel Tours (advance booking essential), Ouse Street, Byker, Valley, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Ouseburn Farm Charity Ltd, Ouseburn Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Seven Stories, Lime Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Sage Gateshead, Sage, Saint Mary's Square, Gateshead, UK

Quay Ingredient, Queen Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Ouseburn Viaduct, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

The Biscuit Factory, Stoddart Street, Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Before Breakfast in Newcastle-upon-Tyne

from on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Exploring Quayside to Ouseburn on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Exploring Quayside to Ouseburn on Slow Down, See More
Photo by Paul Shawcross

Stroll Quayside

Walk onto the Quayside to view the bridges and the Sage Gateshead from the East and absorb the magnificent panorama. This is especially stunning on a sunny morning.

Best Places for Breakfast in Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Quay Ingredient

Underneath the Tyne Bridge, Quay Ingredient is a small independently run coffee house just off the Quayside. Just the place for a hungry breakfast seeker, the homemade food proves very popular, so be sure to arrive early. (Closed Wed.)

No 1 Queen St Cafe

Underneath the Tyne Bridge, the place is renowned for its filling so-called ‘Bellybuster’ breakfast said to be the best in town especially on a cold day! Good selection of drinks and friendly staff. Interesting decor and Victorian ambience.

Best Things To Do in the Morning in Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Quayside towards the mouth of the Ouseburn where there are some great photo opportunities. Note the Barage and proceed into the Ouseburn district.

Biscuit Factory

Visit one of my favorites, the Biscuit Factory, a contemporary art gallery which has a coffee shop and restaurant. The paintings and sculptures are quite diverse but you are sure to find something you like! Many of the artists are actually based on the premises.

Seven Stories National Centre for Childrens Books, Newcastle
Photo by Paul Shawcross

The Choice is Yours

Seven Stories is the National Centre for Children’s Books, dedicated to children’s literature, housed in a restored Victorian Mill with seven levels. A wonderful place for the young and not-so-young. Café on the premises.

Ouseburn Farm is a community-led project with a barn, fields, and meadows providing a perfect environment for sheep, pigs, chickens, and goats. There is a regular feeding and petting schedule which makes it ideal for young children who can be safely introduced to the animals. There is a café on site with homemade food. Check out the nearby Ouseburn Viaduct which carries East Coast Train Main Line.

Neither Seven Sisters nor Ouseburn Farm requires an advance ticket.

 

Best Places for Lunch in Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Ouseburn’s Village Green also has a nice picnic area.

from Newcastle: Exploring Quayside to Ouseburn on Slow Down, See More
Photo by Paul Shawcross

The Cluny

A bar (regularly listed in the world’s top 100), eatery, and music venue. Starting as a Flax Mill later a Whisky bottling plant, (hence the name), it serves a variety of great food including tapas, dogs, wraps, burgers, nachos, and sandwiches.

The Ship Inn

Located at the bottom of Stepney Bank this old Pub, is so-called due to the maritime heritage of the Ouseburn. Serves a good selection of food, vegan and vegetarian dishes, fish & chips, falafel, nachos, burgers, and Sunday Lunch.

Best Things To Do in the Afternoon in Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Victoria Tunnel Ouseburn, Newcastle
Photo by Paul Shawcross

Victoria Tunnel

The Victoria Tunnel is a subterranean wagonway opened in 1842 to bring coal under the streets of Newcastle from the Spital Tongues Colliery to ships on the River in horse-drawn chaldrons of 53cwt/5936lbs each till the coal ran out in 1860. During WW2 the Tunnel was used as an Air Raid Shelter and in 2010 the southern end was opened to the public for guided tours.

Best Places for Dinner in Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Pitcher & Piano Pub and Restaurant, Newcastle
Photo by Paul Shawcross

Pitcher & Piano

This modern restaurant and bar on the Quayside overlooking the Sage Music Centre on the Gateshead bank of the Tyne is just the place to finish off your visit to the neighbourhood.

Chart House

A ground-floor bar with a first-floor bistro above serving large and small plates using carefully sourced ingredients inspired by the Maritime Spice Route sailed by the men who came here to buy their charts.

Subscribe!

Be the first to know when new itineraries drop. We promise not to overwhelm your inbox.

Best Places to Stay in Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Hampton by Hilton

In the center of Newcastle adjacent to Grainger Town. An easy walk to restaurants, the train station, and the iconic Quayside. Have a drink in the lounge and enjoy free hot breakfast and WiFi.

Malmaison Hotel, Newcastle
Photo by Paul Shawcross

Malmaison

Located on the banks of the River Tyne and housed within a former Co-operative Society warehouse, Malmaison features 122 luxurious rooms and suites with power showers, comfy beds, super-fast Wi-Fi, plus all the amenities you’ll need.

Share this itinerary!

Theatre Royal Grainger Town, Newcastle from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town