The North East has so much to offer, I have found it to be much more than just the centre of Newcastle. If you want to explore the surrounding local areas there is so much to discover, I’ve listed 10 of the exciting things you can do for the perfect North East day trip.
1. Beach
The North East has some of the best beaches in the UK, and lucky enough for students from Northumbria they are only a short metro ride away. All three of the beaches I have listed below are between 20-30 minutes’ metro ride away, all costing a mere £5 return ABC metro zones. It’s best to explore these beautiful beaches in the summertime.
Long Sands Beach – Tynemouth: With beautiful coastline and great beaches, Tynemouth is the perfect destination to spend the day. The sandy beaches can be explored all year round, but it’s even better if you pick a super sunny afternoon!
Roker & Seaburn Beaches – Sunderland: Dubbed one of the best beaches in the North East – you’d be silly not explore these sandy shores. With excellent places for food, be sure to try the Fish & Chips they won’t disappoint!
Marsden Beach – South Shields: Steeped in history, spending time on this picturesque beach is fantastic, with little caves and rock pools – exploring is a top priority on your visit to Marsden Beach.
2. Intu Metro Centre
One of the biggest shopping centres in Europe, if you love indulging in retail therapy – this will be a fun-filled day. Be sure to arrive early to make the most of the day, with a whole host of food restaurants you are spoilt for choice.
How to get there: Bus
Time from city centre: 21 minutes
Cost: £3.90
Recommend time of year to go: All year
3. Castles
Alnwick Castle
This picturesque castle is brilliant for a day out, around 45 minutes from Newcastle city centre, its ready to explore, rich with history and full of character – it is one not to be missed.
How to get there: Car
Time from city centre: 42 minutes
Cost: Castle admission £14.40
Recommend time of year to go: All year round
Bamburgh Castle
Situated on the Northumberland coastline, it really is the perfect summer day out. Easily accessible by car, bring a picnic and make a day of it.
How to get there: Car
Time from city centre: 1 hour
Cost: Castle admission £10.95
Recommend time of year to go: All year round
4. Northumberland Countryside
Head into the Northumberland countryside, take your adventures to Hexham, where you can explore this quaint town and discover the original Hadrian’s Wall.
How to get there: Car
Time from city centre: 30 minutes
Cost: Free
Recommend time of year to go: Spring
5. Surfing at Tynemouth
Featuring twice on my list is Tynemouth, it is an unbelievable place to Surf when the weather is permits. You can take lessons here, so beginner levels are welcome. You can surf pretty much all of the year, but I’d recommend trying it out in the warmer summer months!
How to get there: Metro
Time from city centre: 23 minutes
Cost: Surfboard and Wetsuit Bundle £15 for 2 hours
Recommend time of year to go: Summer
6. Theatre Royal
Situated in the city centre of Newcastle, the theatre royal is fantastic. Located on the lovely grey street, you can enjoy evening drinks and excellent food before heading in for the show.
How to get there: Walk
Time from city centre: Located in the city centre
Cost: Tickets for show average from £20 - £50
Recommend time of year to go: Winter weekends are my favourite
7. Seahouses & The Farne Islands
Travel up the Northumberland coast to Seahouses and travel across to the Farne Islands accessible by boat. The landscape and scenery here are fantastic, one of the most beautiful locations in the North East. I wholeheartedly recommend spending a day here, making the most of the natural beauty that is the Northumberland coastline.
How to get there: Car
Time from city centre: 1 hour
Cost: Boat trips to the islands range for £15 - £45
Recommend time of year to go: Summer
8. Matfen Hall
I love Matfen Hall, it has something for everyone! From Golf to Spa days and even GoApe for budding adventurers. It’s the perfect day out, open all year round. I’d choose spring time to go, to make the most of the quieter periods where savings can be made.
How to get there: Car
Time from city centre: 24 minutes
Costs:
Golf: £17.50
Spa: £99 - £200
GoApe: £33
Recommend time of year to go: All year round
9. Kielder Water and Forest Park
One of my favourite locations in the North-East Kielder has it all. The forest is spectacular, a real natural beauty, and the water sports here are incredible. It has something for everything, and if you want to spend longer than a day the accommodation on offer is first class!
Distance from city: 1 hour 20 minutes
How to get there: Car
Cost: £10 for Canoe rent, Accommodation prices vary.
Recommend time of year to go: Summer
10. Beamish Museum
Beamish is genuinely unique, get a first-hand experience of the true history of the North-East. Another of my best-loved locations in the North east, when I visited it was magnificent, it was super sunny day also, so I personally would try to explore over the spring and summer months!
Distance from city: 22 minutes
How to get there: Car
Cost: £14 student concession
Recommend time of year to go: Spring or summer
Well, that draws a close to my 10 favourite North Easy days out. I hope its inspired some of you to visit some of these places during your time at Northumbria!
