41 fun things to do in Newcastle
Newcastle has long been one of Britain’s most iconic cities – home to 2000 years of history, a proud industrial heritage, a thriving nightlife scene and, of course, the famous Geordie accent. Head northeast and prepare to be charmed!
If you’re in Newcastle for the first time, there’s a fantastic range of things to see and do. Football and culture fans alike can take a tour of Newcastle’s famous St James Park and Stadium of Light, while history buffs can explore some incredible museums, like the Great North Museum.
In Roman times, Newcastle was a fort on Hadrian’s Wall, called Pons Aelius. Later in Saxon times, the area was known as ‘Monk Chester’. William the Conqueror like Hadrian before him recognized its strategic importance. In 1080, he gave his son the job of building a ‘New Castle’, in addition to the building of St. Nicholas’ Cathedral. Today, these two buildings are among the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
Before getting stuck into the nightlife, try some of these activities perfect for Stag & Hen do’s. Head to Ghetto Golf for a fun experience and a great selection of cocktails, or battle it out at this outside laser tag experience.
Making the trip up north with the family? Not to worry, as there’s plenty of family friendly activities that’ll keep the kids amused for hours. Get up close and personal with birds of prey at this Falconry in Newburn, or head to this ancient Roman fort that’ll capture their imagination.
Fun facts about Newcastle
- Newcastle Central Station was opened in 1850 by Queen Victoria and was the first railway station in the world with a roof. It is one of only six Grade 1 listed railways stations in the UK.
- Newcastle’s many inventions include the windscreen wiper. Invented by a Newcastle United fan, Gladstone Adams, as he drove home in a storm from a cup final match in 1908. Gladstone Adams. The original prototype for his wiper is on display in Newcastle’s Discovery Museum.
- In 1879, Mosley Street became the world’s first public road to be lit by the incandescent light bulb invented by Sir Joseph Swan. Thomas Edison and Sir Joseph Swan both independently invented versions of the lightbulb between 1860 and 1880. After a court battle to name the original inventor of the lightbulb, it was Swan’s patent that was upheld in court.
- Rowan Atkinson was born in Newcastle. Some other famous faces you might recognise from Newcastle are Cheryl Cole, and Ant & Dec.
