Cheap holidays to Newcastle

Newcastle is steeped in stereotypes: football fans, stag and hen parties and students. While city breaks to Newcastle are attractive for these reasons alone, there’s more to the 'Toon and Tyne' than meets the eye.

The beating heart of the Northeast of England, Newcastle is a bustling city set close to stunning coastline and majestic stately homes amid luscious countryside. Newcastle was England’s northern fortress in the Middle Ages and successfully defended attacks from the Scots multiple times during the 14th century. The city’s tough heritage lives on and locals are fiercely proud of the diverse, creative and culture-packed city that Newcastle has become.

Newcastle is located 103 miles south of Edinburgh and 277 miles north of London. Its location and distance from these hubs mean it makes sense to combine a flight and hotel to Newcastle. You can fly direct from London in just over an hour, or from Manchester with a short layover.

You’ll arrive at Newcastle International Airport (NCL), from where you can take a quick metro to the city centre. Many Newcastle locals self-identify as 'Geordies', and they're noted for being a friendly bunch. You’re bound to meet a few during your weekend in Newcastle!

City breaks to Newcastle guarantee fun year round. Newcastle Film Festival takes place at the end of March, featuring screenings from all genres, and July is marked by the annual Festival on the Green in neighbouring Wallsend. The fairground, stalls and live entertainment at Wallsend make it the perfect family day out. The warmer months see a plethora of summer celebrations such as Gateshead Beer Festival and the Mouth of Tyne Festival.

A weekend in Newcastle can be enjoyed during any month, but keep in mind that temperatures vary greatly throughout the year. Summer welcomes average temperatures of 12–14°C, which is ideal if you’re hoping to hit the nearby beaches of Whitley Bay or Bamburgh. Wintertime can see lows of 1–2°C, so wrap up warmly.

Newcastle has become renowned throughout the UK and further afield for its cultural scene and pumping nightlife. Make a trip of it with package holidays to Newcastle, combining interesting daytime activities with an unforgettable night on the tiles.

Nature lovers will adore Jesmond Dene, a stunning stretch of woodland by the river Ouseburn and just minutes from the city centre, or they can venture out to the Northumberland coast for sea breezes and a visit to Dunstanburgh Castle. The pub scene is huge in Newcastle, and locals and visitors alike enjoy what’s on tap at the Tyne Bar, the Bridge Tavern and the trendy Wylam Brewery. Classy cocktail bars are also in abundance on the waterfront. Check out Pitcher & Piano for views of the Tyne Bridge with some tipple in hand.

It would take hours to divulge all activities on offer in Newcastle, though this useful list is a good place to get started:

• Cheer on Newcastle United FC at St James’ Park.
• Educate yourself at an exhibition at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.
• Watch a screening at the independent Tyneside Cinema.
• Check out the curving steel roof at Sage Gateshead cultural centre.
• Admire the iconic 1970s architecture of Ralph Erskine at Byker Wall.
• Peruse the beautiful watercolours on show at the Laing Art Gallery.
• Have a locally sourced pint (with a view) at the Free Trade Inn.

If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Newcastle.

Dining for all tastes

It wouldn’t be an overstatement to describe Newcastle as the gastronomy capital of the North. Dining opportunities and high-quality culinary experiences are not hard to come by in this sophisticated and diverse city.

After booking your flight to and hotel to Newcastle, it’s worth making a few reservations. Head to Francesca’s in Jesmond for rustic Italian fare in a warm family setting. For modern Indian cuisine by the quayside, don’t miss Simla. If you're after something a little more contemporary, check out Dabbawal, which lures in visitors with its high-end street food. Of course, if you venture out to the coast, fish and chips are a must. We recommend Riley’s Fish Shack in Tynemouth.

Geordie treats

If you’re looking to take back a little memento from your trip, check out the Geordie-themed gifts at UpSide Down Presents in the city centre. For something simpler, how about some bottles of Newcastle Brown Ale or a couple of delicious slotties? These are a type of round, flat bread typical to the region. The gift shop at the Baltic also has many tempting treasures and, of course, any football fan will want a NUFC shirt!