A 5-minute drive from the Great North Museum, Seven Stories is home to the best that the human imagination has to offer. Housed in an old Victorian mill, the National Centre for Children’s Books is dedicated to preserving children’s literature at the core of UK culture. This is a must-see attraction if you're here with little ones, thanks to the colorful exhibitions and events, including drop-in creative classes that will fire up kids' imaginations.
Newcastle’s Theatre Royal
For the culture vultures among you, Newcastle’s Theatre Royal offers a busy catalogue of shows catering to all tastes – whether you want comedy, dance, drama, or music. Built in 1837 only to be devastated by fire and then rebuilt in 1901, this grand and enticing theatre opens its doors to 365,000 people a year. Hosting big names like the Royal Shakespeare Company and Rambert Dance Company, this plush thespian’s delight guarantees top-notch entertainment. St James' Park
Written into the very heart and soul of Tyneside is football. Newcastle United's epic home ground, St James’ Park, has been hosting games since 1880 and is currently open to fans looking for a behind-the-scenes tour of the famous ground. While securing seats at the big matches is nigh on impossible, tickets do go on sale for smaller games a couple of weeks before kick off. Aided by a virtual guide, the tours run most days between 11.30am and 2.30pm. For mind-blowing views of the city, rooftop tours of the stadium are also available.
Castle Keep
Castle Keep, a Grade 1 listed building beaming with local history, sits in the city centre at just a 5-minute walk from Bridge Street and the River Tyne. Established by Henry II in 1168, the keep transports visitors to the 12th century for a taste of the city’s Norman heritage, standing as one of the most impressive sites of its kind in the UK. This looming landmark, with its stone arches and royal chambers, is open to the public for most of the year and makes for an enriching family day out.
A night on the town
It's one of the country’s clubbing capitals, so it's no surprise that stags, hens, and committed party animals come to Newcastle in their droves to dive into the loud and thumping nightlife. There are a number of hotspots to check out, including the Quayside and the rampant Bigg Market area. For a more upmarket night out – and one less liable to end with a kebab on your lap – try the ritzy cocktail bars on the Diamond Strip.
