A city defined by community pride, Newcastle has grown and innovated for centuries, becoming the home of shipbuilding, glassmaking, and mechanised pottery manufacture, as well as the first ever locomotive factory. Today, Newcastle is humming with cultural activity, welcoming locals, and a thriving food scene.
A trip to Newcastle is the best way to appreciate the hype. So why not catch a train with CrossCountry and experience the city’s history? Join us as we discover Newcastle’s heritage, nightlife, scholarly innovation, natural beauty, and passionate football fanfare. And if that’s not enough, Newcastle is also the birthplace of Greggs!
Train tickets to Newcastle
Taking a train to Newcastle is simple. You can reach the city by train with CrossCountry, planting you firmly in the city centre and within walking distance of some of the city's most beloved attractions, like Newcastle Castle and the Discovery Museum. We recommend booking an Advance Ticket before the day of travel so you can find the best prices. Alternatively, explore our train tickets to find the best ticket type for your trip.
If you’re travelling to Newcastle with the kids, don’t forget your Family & Friends Railcard. You can save up to a 1/3 on your own travel and 60% on tickets for children ages 5-15. Check if you’re eligible or explore Railcard options with CrossCountry.
Popular Routes to Newcastle
Newcastle is adored by locals and visitors alike. It is one of the most popular destinations on our network, and we run direct services to Newcastle station from across the country. Below are some of our most popular routes, along with the fastest journey times.
FAQs
There is just one main train station in the city:
Newcastle Central Station is located in the heart of the city. Getting off the train, you’re minutes from the hustle and bustle - you will find cafes, restaurants and bars from the moment you leave the station.
Newcastle is serviced by its own airport - Newcastle International. It is super easy to get to from Central station. Simply hop on the Metro for around 40-minutes and you’ll have made it.
Our cheap train ticket page has lots of suggestions on ways you can save money on your train to Newcastle. A few of them are by travelling off-peak, booking in advance and comparing single journeys. Also, investing in a railcard or looking at student deals may help too.
If you have any further questions about the station in Newcastle, check out our station guide.
Experience Newcastle
Places to eat in Newcastle
If you’re not familiar with some of Newcastle’s local specialities, like stotties, craster kippers, and pease pudding, the culinary options alone are a great reason to pay a visit. There is a wide variety of places to eat in Newcastle, as the city is overflowing with traditional pubs, street food markets, restaurants, and cafes waiting to show you a bit of Newcastle’s warm hospitality.
Begin with Grainger Market, a five-minute walk from Newcastle station, where you’ll find the best of Geordie comfort food. From ham and pease pudding stotties to Newcastle Brown Ale pies, the market is a great starting point for a foodie tour. Also, inside the market, you can find plenty of global food stalls offering a taste of China, India, Ethiopia, France, and more.
Newcastle has a fantastic selection of pubs, restaurants, and cafes dotted around the city. The Tyne Bar is a local favourite with an impressive drinks selection, buzzing live events, and a colourful menu great for sharing options. For a special treat, book a table at Cook House, a casual dining gem with locally sourced ingredients on Foundry Lane. Finally, for the perfect flat white, head to Pink Lane Coffee, the go-to caffeine destination in the city centre.
Places to stay in Newcastle
Newcastle has an excellent mix of wallet-friendly and more lavish accommodation options, making it the perfect weekend getaway for all budgets. For example, Jesmond Dene House has the air of a country retreat in the city. It’s the perfect boutique escape to enjoy fine dining, luxurious rooms, and a refreshing breath of fresh air. Or, just steps away from Newcastle station, enjoy a night at the County Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in the city and oozing with Victorian opulence.
There are also lots of accommodation options where the price is right. Alongside favourite hotel chains, there are welcoming bed & breakfasts and hostels for backpackers, too. No matter where you choose to stay, you can expect friendly service and a comfortable night's rest.
Please note: CrossCountry is unable to support with any hotel related queries or booking requests. For further information, please contact the hotels mentioned directly.
Heritage and culture in Newcastle
Whatever your plans are in Newcastle, there is culture and heritage in every brick and on every cobblestone. The city boasts some of the best live music venues, theatres, museums, and galleries in the country. The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art can be found on the Quayside in Gateshead. It’s a hotspot for artistic expression, creative workshops, exciting talks, and family activities. You can spend hours here appreciating art that uplifts and inspires.
Since 1788, the Theatre Royal has been delighting visitors with comedy, tragedy, opera, panto, ballet, and more. Throughout its lifetime many stars have graced its stage, from Laurence Olivier to Dame Judi Dench, and more recently, Sir Ian McKellen. Why not get dressed up to the nines and see an unforgettable show?
If you’re eager for a taste of Newcastle’s famous nightlife, don’t miss Boiler Shop, an iconic venue housed in what was once the world’s first locomotive factory. Its electric atmosphere makes it one of the most beloved institutions in the Northeast.
Shopping in Newcastle
Newcastle is one of the best places for a shopping spree in the North of England. Within the city centre, you’ve got Eldon Square, an oasis of your favourite brands; Metrocentre, one of the biggest shopping centres in the UK; and the bustling Northumberland Street, Newcastle’s main hight street. Shopping in Newcastle is truly one of the best ways to pass an afternoon in the Northeast.
For a relaxed day of boutique shopping, be sure to catch the Metro to Jesmond. Among lush green parks and charming Victorian architecture, there’s a treasure trove of independent shops to buy clothes, gifts, and more. It’s also a great place to visit if you love finding unique bargains in charity shops.
Finally, voted Newcastle’s ‘Favourite Small Retailer’, Flea Circus in Heaton is a department store of independent and local sellers – visitors can enjoy getting lost in its eclectic mix of vintage, antique, and unusual items.
Visit Newcastle for the Great North Run
Discover the Great North Run in Newcastle with CrossCountry.
Free Things to do in Newcastle
Explore museums, farms, parks, and viewpoints, all free in Newcastle
