Port guide: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK

Cool Britannia’s northern capital has transformed itself from a gritty industrial city into a trendy cultural and gourmet getaway.

Who goes there

The Millennium Bridge at Newcastle-upon-Tyne.Credit: Michael McGowan

Fred Olsen, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent Seven Seas and Silversea are among lines that visit Newcastle, while small British company Ambassador Cruise Line, launched in 2021, uses it as a home port. Most ships are on cruises around the British Isles, but some are sailing Norway itineraries, and some link Britain with other destinations on the continent.

Sail on in

If you’d rather be tucking into your breakfast omelette then you could probably get away with ignoring the arrival, since Newcastle city is well inland and out of sight. You do though sail through large breakwaters and into a short section of the Tyne; sailing a river in an ocean ship is always exciting because high decks give you a great view over the riverbank action.

Berth rites

Port of Tyne International Passenger Terminal is at North Shields 15 kilometres from the city centre. You’ll find tourist information and a seating area but not much else, as most passengers are hurrying into the city. Royal Quays mall nearby will supply you with shops and restaurants if needs must. You’ll have to rely on a cruise-line shuttle or taxi to get into town; the nearest metro station (Percy Main) is a 20-minute walk away.

Going ashore

Start off on the trendy downtown riverfront, where the tilting-span Millennium Bridge competes for attention with Sage Gateshead concert hall and BALTIC Centre, housed in a former flour mill and one of the country’s best modern art galleries. The 1928 Tyne Bridge upstream is a scaled-down version of Sydney Harbour Bridge. In the city centre, discover revamped Georgian architecture and the busy shopping drags that radiate from elegant Grey Street. Check out the impressive Laing Art Gallery, then plunder the Biscuit Factory, a gargantuan commercial art space with shops selling glassware, furniture, paintings and more.

Don’t miss

Learn about Newcastle’s fascinating chequered history.Credit: NewcastleGateshead Initiative

Fascinating Great North Museum, especially its interactive recreation of Hadrian’s Wall and artefacts highlighting Roman life in England, although the museum displays a bit of everything from Egyptian mummies and dinosaurs to Inuit kayaks and fossil collections. If you have a more scientific mind you could opt for the excellent Discovery Museum instead, which explores the region’s history of engineering, industry and shipbuilding.

Get active

Newcastle is easy to get around by bicycle and has many established cycle routes. Both banks of Newcastle-Gateshead Quayside are flat and will lead you towards the Northumbrian countryside in one direction and coast in the other. For something different, CBK Adventure Co offers guided tours by kayak or paddleboard along the River Tyne.

Best bites

Northern England is no longer just about fish and chips. Newcastle has three Michelin-star restaurants, with House of Tides showing how traditional dishes such as beef in claret or fish pie can be transformed into contemporary, upmarket treats. (The other two Michelin restaurants are Solstice and Pine.) Blackfriar’s, housed in a former medieval Dominican friary, also showcases the best of British in dishes such as Northumbrian beef, pork belly and honey-glazed duck breast. Most of its ingredients are locally sourced.

Further afield

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to excursions beyond the city, which include cathedral city Durham, splendid Alnwick Castle and Beamish Museum, which brings together historic buildings from northeast England enlivened by costumed guides and actors. Nut top of the list should perhaps be Hadrian’s Wall, once the Roman Empire’s northern limit. Its chief sights include fort ruins at Vindolanda and Housesteads and the Roman Army Museum. A walking track along the Wall provides superb scenery.