Newcastle is an iconic city, with loads to see and do. However, it’s not just the city itself that lures tourists in. There’s an abundance of great places for day-trippers to visit too. Whether you want to check out close-by cities, head to the coast, or visit a nature reserve, this region has everything. Enjoy local wildlife, take in the beautiful scenery and find out more about the history of Newcastle’s surroundings. A day trip from Newcastle in your hire car is a great way to explore everything that the northeast of England has to offer.
1. Durham
- Distance from Newcastle: 18 miles
- Travel time from Newcastle: Around 33 minutes
- Suggested route: Take the A1 and A167
- Great for: Cathedrals and castles
Durham is a great place to visit, with so much history to offer. With a UNESCO World Heritage castle, pretty river walks, and a fabulous cathedral, you’ll never run out of things to do in this great northern city. You can also take in the Botanic Garden, which is great throughout the seasons.
It’s easy to get to Durham from Newcastle. Take the A184 until you reach the A194. This will join into the A1. Once you get to the A167 you’ll just need to follow this road all the way to Durham.
SIXT’s top tip: Take a guided tour of Durham Castle, to ensure that you get the most out of your visit to this splendid landmark.
2. Heddon-on-the-Wall – Hadrian’s Wall
- Distance from Newcastle: 8 miles
- Travel time from Newcastle: Approximately 15 minutes
- Suggested route: Take the A167 and A69
- Great for: Historical walking
If you’re short on time, a day trip to Hadrian’s Wall could be just the answer. With the wall stretching across a vast distance, you can head to Heddon-on-the-Wall, which is only a short distance from the city centre. Once you arrive you can enjoy a fabulous walk alongside Hadrian’s Wall, which is a former defensive fortification from the Roman era.
Take the A167 and A191 out of Newcastle, then take the A69 the rest of the way until you reach Heddon-on-the-Wall.
SIXT’s top tip: Take a picnic with you to enjoy along the way, there are some great places to stop along the River Tyne.
3. Kielder Forest Park
- Distance from Newcastle: 51 miles
- Travel time from Newcastle: Around 1 hour 20 minutes
- Suggested route: Take A69 and A68 in Northumberland National Park
- Great for: Fresh air
If you want to escape the city for the day, there’s no better place than Kielder Forest Park, which is a great place to immerse yourself in nature. At the park, you can go sailing, water skiing and canoeing on the man-made lake. There are lots of cycling and walking routes too, so you can explore at your leisure. With picnic spots aplenty, you’ll be able to have the perfect day from beginning to end.
To get to the park take the A696 towards Otterburn, from where you can take the A68 the rest of the way towards Butteryhaugh and Kielder Forest Park.
SIXT’s top tip: Break up the journey by stopping at Belsay Hall, Castle, and Gardens along the way, which is the perfect picturesque pit stop.
4. Lindisfarne/Holy Island
- Distance from Newcastle: 60 miles
- Travel time from Newcastle: Around 1 hour 20 minutes
- Suggested route: Take the A1 northbound
- Great for: Island escape
Head off on a unique day trip to Holy Island (also known as Lindisfarne), which will make you feel like you’ve entered a fairy tale. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, you can only reach it when the tides are out. Offering great beaches, a castle, and even a winery you can have a great day out at this iconic island.
Follow the A167 out of Newcastle until you reach the A1, which takes you all the way up to West Mains. Then follow the Holy Island Causeway over to the island.
SIXT’s top tip: There are several foods and accommodation options on the island, should you want to visit for longer than one day.
5. Tynemouth
- Distance from Newcastle: 10 miles
- Travel time from Newcastle: Around 20 minutes
- Suggested route: Follow Coast Road
- Great for: Beaches
If you want to escape to the seaside for the day, there’s no better place than Tynemouth. It’s close, clean, and has a cracking coastline. Head to Long Sands Beach for some sunbathing, surfing, or a beach walk. You can enjoy refreshments on the beachfront too, so you won’t get hungry during your trip.
It’s a quick 20-minute trip to the beach from Newcastle. Just follow Coast Road until you hit Beach Road, which will take you the rest of the way to your destination.
SIXT’s top tip: Spare some time to visit Tynemouth Priory and Castle, which is a medieval coastal ruin that has interactive displays.
6. Northumberland Country Zoo
- Distance from Newcastle: 26 miles
- Travel time from Newcastle: Around 36 minutes
- Suggested route: Take the A1 and A697
- Great for: Animal lovers
What better way to put a smile on the face of your whole family than to take them to the zoo. Northumberland Country Zoo has a range of animal species that you can interact with. From lynx and armadillo to arctic fox and otter, it has the lot. The zoo also raises vital funds for the conservation of endangered species, so it’s a great place to visit if you want to support the future of rare animal species.
Depart Newcastle on the A167 towards the A1. Once you’re on the motorway, continue for half an hour or so until you reach the zoo.
SIXT’s top tip: Check out the Scottish Wildcats, which are an extremely rare species. With only 300 left in the wild, they are considered the most endangered animal in Britain.
7. Alnwick Castle
- Distance from Newcastle: 38 miles
- Travel time from Newcastle: Around 48 minutes
- Suggested route: Take the A1 northbound
- Great for: History lovers
Take in one of the most famous castles in the northeast and enjoy a magical day with the whole family. Inhabited by the Duke of Northumberland, this castle has opened its interior and exterior to the public. There’s also a range of great activities on offer for children. From broomstick training to dragon hunting, this is the perfect trip for kids and their imagination.
Take the A167 and A1 northbound towards Alnwick. Once you reach the town, follow signs for the castle.
SIXT’s top tip: Keep an eye on the events schedule, as there are lots of Harry Potter-themed events as the castle was used in the filming of the famous series.
8. Beamish, the Living Museum of the North
- Distance from Newcastle: 11 miles
- Travel time from Newcastle: Around 25 minutes
- Suggested route: Take the A1, A692, A6076, and the A693
- Great for: Stepping back in time
A great day out for kids and adults is to Beamish, which is a ‘living museum’ that transports tourists back in time. With an ancient coal mine, a Victorian school, an old pub, and a 1910s tram all on offer, you can experience what it was like to live over a century ago.
Take the A184 southbound from Newcastle until you reach the A1, which you’ll stay on briefly until signs for the A692. Take this road towards Sunniside, from where you’ll join the A6076. Once you reach the A693 you can follow signs for the time machine town.
SIXT’s top tip: If you’ve got a sweet tooth then check out the old-school sweet shop, which sells classic sweets from back in the day.
9. Washington Wetland Centre
- Distance from Newcastle: 10 miles
- Travel time from Newcastle: Approximately 22 minutes
- Suggested route: Take the A184, A195 and A1231
- Great for: Nature lovers
Enjoy a day amongst nature at the Washington Wetland Centre, which is over 100 acres of land brimming with wildlife. With a range of otters, birds, dragonflies, and much more, you’ll be able to spend the day educating your kids (and yourself) on the importance of natural habitats. There’s also a large play park for children, so you can break up the day a bit for them.
Leave Newcastle on the A184 until you reach Lingey Lane, which will take you to the A195. Continue on this road until the A1231 where you see signs for the wetlands centre.
SIXT’s top tip: Remember to pack some snacks and drinks, as there are limited food options available at the wetlands centre.
10. Angel of the North
- Distance from Newcastle: 6.6 miles
- Travel time from Newcastle: Around 14 minutes
- Suggested route: Head south on the A184 and A1
- Great for: Iconic landmarks
A trip to Newcastle wouldn’t be the same without checking out the Angel of the North. This iconic landmark is set on the hill overlooking the A1, so is seen by everyone travelling north. Installed in 1998, this art piece has gone on to win many accolades. You can climb up the hill to get closer to the landmark, where there are picnic benches for you to enjoy your lunch.
Leave Newcastle via the A184 to join onto the A1. Once you see the Angel of the North (it’s hard to miss) take the turning onto Durham Road where you can park.
SIXT’s top tip: There is limited parking at the bottom of the hill, so be sure to arrive nice and early to avoid the peak visiting time.
