10 Best Family Things to Do in Newcastle-upon-Tyne
What to Do for Fun in Newcastle-upon-Tyne with Your Kids?
You’ll find a host of family things to do in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, a university city in northeast England. Kids with an interest in history can explore the city’s many ancient castles and Roman forts. On clear days, you can explore open-air museums and enjoy zip-wire rides and treetop rope-walks. If it rains, there are lots of indoor attractions for families with children of all ages. Check out this guide on Newcastle-upon-Tyne’s family-friendly places for a memorable holiday in this charming city.
1. Newcastle Castle
The building that gave the city its name
Categorías: Familias, Historia
Newcastle gets its name from the fact that a brand new castle was built in AD 1080, on the site of a long-abandoned Roman fort. Improved and updated through the following centuries, it was a major frontline stronghold in the various medieval wars between England and Scotland, but last saw action during the English Civil War and the Siege of Newcastle in 1644. Still among the oldest buildings in the city, Newcastle Castle now hosts an excellent museum as well as frequent special events.
Dirección: Castle Garth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1RQ, UK
Horario: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Teléfono: +44 (0)191 230 6300
Newcastle Castle
2. Namco Funscape
Bowling, arcades and soft play all under one roof
Categorías: Familias
For a day of non-stop excitement, take the family to Namco Funscape, part of the Newcastle’s biggest shopping centre, the Metrocentre. Challenge each other to a game of bowling and see who’s the best at driving the high-speed dodgems. Climbing walls and an extensive soft play are fun for all ages, even including the smallest toddlers.
Gamers will spend hours on the claw games, race-car simulators and classic beat-em-ups, with plenty of prizes available. If you need a break while the kids are running riot, kick back in the café and treat yourself to burgers and pizza while catching a live sports game on the big screen.
Dirección: 244 Metrocentre, Gateshead NE11 9XY, UK
Horario: Daily from 10 am to 11 pm
Teléfono: +44 (0)191 406 1066
Namco Funscape
3. Go Ape Matfen
Treetop adventures and family fun
Categorías: Familias, Fotos, Aventuras
If you’re looking for activities designed to pump up the family’s adrenaline levels, Go Ape Matfen doesn’t disappoint. On a fine summer’s day, you can make like Tarzan on a rope swing, zoom down zip wires and clamber between treetops at this adventure park in the countryside. If you’d prefer to keep your feet on the ground, enjoy some friendly competition with an axe-throwing session and see who can get the biggest score.
Go Ape Matfen is on the same grounds as Matfen Hall, a lovely 17th-century estate with over 300 acres of beautiful parkland to explore.
Dirección: Matfen Hall Hotel, Matfen, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE20 ORH, UK
Horario: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +44 (0)1603 895 500
Go Ape Matfen
4. Victoria Tunnel Tours
A well-preserved 19th-century wagonway
Categorías: Familias, Historia
The Victoria Tunnel is a 19th-century wagonway that runs from the Town Moor to the Tyne River. It was constructed to transport coal from a nearby colliery to the river, and it was converted into an air-raid shelter in 1939 for the citizens of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. During a guided tour, you’ll find out how the tunnel was constructed and gain an insight into life in the tunnel during World War II.
The Victoria Tunnel is frequently voted as one of Newcastle-upon-Tyne’s best attractions. Visitors must book a guided tour in advance to explore the 2.25-mile tunnel, though you can also learn about its history through virtual online tours.
Dirección: Ouseburn Valley, 51 Lime St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2PQ, UK
Horario: Tour times vary
Teléfono: +44 (0)19 1261 6596
Victoria Tunnel Tours
5. Discovery Museum
Exciting science and local history museum
Categorías: Familias, Historia
Looking for something educational to engage young minds or keep your kids happy on a rainy day? Try Discovery Museum, Newcastle-upon-Tyne’s museum that showcases the area’s science and technology history. Its top attractions include the steam-powered <i>Turbinia</i>, once the fastest ship in the world, and an incredible a prototype of the BAE Systems Challenger 2 tank.
It’s not just displays and hands-on exhibits at the Discovery Museum, either. There’s a packed calendar of events including LEGO workshops, toddler play spaces and museum trails.
Dirección: Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4JA, UK
Horario: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm
Teléfono: +44 (0)191 232 6789
Discovery Museum
6. Exhibition Park
Beloved public park within the Jesmond area
Categorías: Asequible, Familias
When you need a breath of fresh air during your city explorations, take the family to the beautiful Exhibition Park accessed from the Haymarket bus and metro stops. This vast green space is a favourite for those looking for a place to wander and relax. Stretch a blanket out onto the grass and enjoy the verdant scenery and the swans gliding across the charming boating lake.
When it’s time to get active again, challenge each other to a game of tennis, basketball or even croquet. Your kids will love burning off energy at the playground, while older ones will have a blast zooming around the skatepark. Stop at botanical-themed Urban Green Café for ethically sourced coffee and fresh sandwiches.
Dirección: Claremont Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4PZ
Teléfono: +44 (0)191 232 8520
Exhibition Park
7. Life Science Centre
Never-ending science-based fun
Categorías: Familias, Historia, Fotos
Newcastle Upon Tyne has a long history of invention and innovation, and The Life Science Centre draws on this heritage to bring the steam age and space age to life. You and the kids will make amazing memories exploring the centre’s themed zones and attractions, so much so that we recommend setting aside the whole day to explore.
From creating chemical reactions to navigating spaceships to watching a thrilling show in the planetarium, the activities are endless. Rumbling bellies will be satisfied by the onsite café and mementos like science kits and toy dinos can be found in the gift shop.
Dirección: Life Science Centre Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4EP, UK
Horario: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Teléfono: +44 (0)191 243 8210
Life Science Centre
8. Beamish Museum
England’s first regional open-air museum
Categorías: Familias, Historia, Fotos
The Beamish Museum displays life-sized exhibits spanning the heyday of the Roman Empire up to the 19th century, when Newcastle was one of Britain’s industrial powerhouses. Costumed re-enactors are on hand to entertain and tell stories in vivid detail, and kids will love riding the antiquated steam train or an old-fashioned electric tram at this open-air attraction.
Treat the family to locally made traditional sweets and chocolate and stock up on award-winning creams and solid perfumes from an authentic 1900s chemist. If you’re having too much fun to go home, you could even spend the night in one of the museum’s wonderful Georgian-style cottages.
Dirección: Regional Resource Centre, Beamish DH9 0RG, UK
Horario: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +44 (0)191 370 4000
Beamish Museum
9. Stephenson Railway Museum
Charming museum with 19th and 20th-century trains
Categorías: Familias, Historia, Fotos
Train fanatics young and old will have a fantastic time at the Stephenson Railway Museum in North Shields. An impressive range of steam locomotives are on display, including the one of the world’s oldest: “Billy”. Animated films and interactive media tell the story of these incredible inventions.
On selected days, your family can ride on a 1950s passenger steam or diesel train and it’s an excellent opportunity to grab selfies of this memorable day out. Check online for details about special events like puppet shows, dinosaur days and live performances.
Dirección: Middle Engine Lane, Wallsend, North Shields NE29 8DX, UK
Horario: Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm (Closed Monday–Friday)
Teléfono: +44 (0)19 1277 7135
Stephenson Railway Museum
10. Seven Stories
Seven floors of literary fun
Categorías: Asequible, Familias
Seven Stories, also known as the National Centre for Children’s Books, is a visitor centre and museum that celebrates the best of children’s literature. Exhibitions include interactive displays, illustrations and a large collection of books from over 250 authors. Children can also learn how to create their own stories.
There’s always something exciting going on, from craft workshops to author talks to live performances, so you and your family are guaranteed to have a magical time. You can’t leave without paying a visit to the onsite bookshop, or without sampling the literary-themed milkshakes in the cafe.
Dirección: 30 Lime St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2PQ, UK
Horario: Thursday–Tuesday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Wednesday)
Teléfono: +44 (0)300 330 1095
Seven Stories
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