Newcastle-upon-Tyne (along with neighbouring Gateshead) is an amazing city, with lots to see and do for kids and adults alike, with its rich industrial heritage and modern status as a centre for science and the arts.
Whether you’re up in the North East for a short break or call Newcastle your home, here are some things for the whole family to do, without having to spend a penny.
Local Heroes
Also known as the ‘Newcastle Walk of Fame’, this trail is the Toon’s answer to Hollywood Boulevard in the US and takes you along the city’s Quayside.
See how many names you can spot, such as Sting, Alan Shearer, the late Sir Bobby Robson and of course, the North East’s favourite sons, Ant & Dec.
Discovery Museum
The Discovery Museum is totally free to enter, with regular science and history exhibitions for the whole family.
Exhibits include one of the first incandescent light bulbs, invented by Joseph Swan (a Sunderland native) and Turbinia, an impressive steamship (the first to be powered by steam turbine) which stretches out over 32 metres!
Angel of the North
Just over the river in Gateshead, about 15-20 minutes from central Newcastle, you’ll find one of the most famous statues in the country, the Angel of the North.
Standing at 20 metres tall, with an incredible wingspan of 54 metres, you’ll probably see the statue as you drive in to Newcastle, although you can also get right up to the bottom of it, with a handy on-site car park next door so you can take some snaps or have a picnic if the weather’s nice.
Ouseburn Farm
Did you know that there’s a real, working farm right in the centre of Newcastle? Not only that, but it’s free to enter too!
The Ouseburn Farm offers up the chance for little ones to meet livestock such as cows, pigs, sheep, goats and more, all while learning a little about life on the farm.
Grainger Market
Grainger Market is a covered market with over a hundred local traders who sell literally everything you could ever want.
Locals have flocked here for their groceries for almost 200 years and it’s where you’ll find some of the most authentic food in the city, as well as plenty of toy shops for the kids!
Jesmond Dene
Newcastle is home to plenty of green spaces, but one of its hidden gems is Jesmond Dene, located about half an hour’s walk away from the city centre in the suburb of Jesmond.
Even though it’s not too far from the city centre, you’ll feel miles away from the hustle and bustle, and it’s a perfect place to relax with a picnic.
There’s also plenty to see and do, including a free petting zoo and the ruins of St Mary’s Chapel.
Great North Museum: Hancock
Another great museum which is totally free to enter, the Great North Museum has been running for over 130 years and explores the rich history of the region, right from the construction of Hadrian’s Wall. There’s also a full replica skeleton of a T-Rex, which is always a big hit with the kids!
Laing Art Gallery
Found opposite the city’s library, the Laing is one of the city’s best art galleries, featuring lots of regular exhibitions from some of the best artists in the world, as well as local pieces too.
There’s also a great children’s area to keep the kids busy, with dressing up and interactive learning.
Bessie Surtees House
Not many people know about this gem, but it can be found just off the Quayside and is free to enter.
It’s actually two old Jacobean homes dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries and a great way to show kids what life was like in the city hundreds of years ago.