June 22, 2024
Looking for a great day out without the hassle of driving? Our guide to the 10 best day trips from Newcastle by train has you covered. Whether you're into peaceful beaches, lively towns, or stepping back in history, there's a perfect spot just a train ride away.
This article takes you through each destination, showing you what to see and do and giving tips on how to enjoy each trip to the fullest.
Berwick-upon-Tweed is a charming town on the edge of the Scottish border, just under three miles from the train station to Scotland. Historically, it has frequently changed hands between England and Scotland and has been a battleground many times. Despite its tumultuous past, Berwick has been a part of England since 1482.
Taking the train to Berwick-upon-Tweed offers a picturesque introduction to the town. The railway line runs along the coast before curving left over the impressive Royal Border Bridge, crossing the River Tweed. Near the train station, you can explore the remnants of Berwick Castle, which played a crucial role in the 13th century as a defensive fortification. Although much of the castle was dismantled to make way for the railway, parts of its walls still stand.
Another significant historical feature is the Town Walls and Ramparts, which encircle the town. These days, rather than serving as fortifications, they offer a scenic walk around Berwick, providing expansive views.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Berwick boasts a beautiful coastline that is perfect for walking the dog, exercising, relaxing by the sea, and listening to the waves.
Regular train services run from Newcastle to Berwick-upon-Tweed, usually with two trains per hour—one by LNER and one by CrossCountry—with additional services at peak times. The journey typically takes between 45 and 50 minutes. Most of Berwick’s attractions are easily accessible on foot; you can visit all the main sites leisurely in about two hours.
Alnmouth and Alnwick conveniently link the seaside village and bustling market town to Newcastle. Alnmouth is just a 20-minute walk from the station. Known for its picturesque setting, Alnmouth offers a quiet beach ideal for leisure. The village is dotted with independent cafes and shops, adding to its charm. You can also explore the nearby areas by walking along the bay towards Seaton Point and Boulmer or along the estuary at the start of the River Aln.
Alnwick, in contrast, is a vibrant hub with several attractions. Alnwick Castle, the second-largest inhabited castle in the UK, has gained fame from its appearances in films and TV shows like Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. Adjacent to the castle is the Alnwick Garden, which opened in 2001 and features the striking Grand Cascade and the intriguing Poison Garden. Another highlight in Alnwick is Barter Books, one of Europe's largest second-hand bookshops, famous for rediscovering the "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster.
Trains from Newcastle to Alnmouth run at least once an hour, and the journey takes about 30 minutes. From Alnmouth, you can take the X20 bus to Alnwick, which takes another 20 minutes. Alternatively, direct buses run between Newcastle and Alnwick for those looking to return directly. This setup makes it easy to explore both locations in a single-day trip.
Heading into Hadrian's Wall Country, Corbridge is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. The village is home to remnants from the Roman era, making it an ideal destination for day trips from Newcastle. A 10-minute walk from the village centre takes you to the Roman Bridge. This ancient structure was part of Dere Street, a Roman road connecting York to Scotland, and has been out of use since around AD 670.
Corbridge Roman Town is nearby for those keen to delve deeper into Roman history. Once the northernmost town of the Roman Empire, it offers a glimpse into the lives of soldiers stationed along Hadrian’s Wall.
When planning to walk along the river towards Hexham, it's important to note that this route is part of the Tyne Train Trails. These trails link various stations along the Newcastle to Carlisle line.
If you plan to walk this trail, wear appropriate footwear to navigate challenging sections, such as overgrown paths or large puddles.
To reach Corbridge, take a Northern train from Newcastle; the journey typically lasts about 40 minutes. From Corbridge station, it’s just a 10-minute walk to both the river and the village centre.
Tip: If you do this day trip pop in and say hi to us at Grants Bakery.
Just one stop from Corbridge on the train line is Hexham, a town rich in history and the perfect next stop on a day trip from Newcastle. A highlight of Hexham is the Abbey, founded in AD 674, and the present building was completed in 1250. It's a magnificent example of historical architecture and a testament to the town's long-standing religious significance.
Another notable attraction in Hexham is the Old Gaol, one of the oldest purpose-built jails in the country, dating back to around 1332. Today, it serves as a museum, offering a glimpse into the town's medieval past without the risk of being locked up!
Hexham also serves as a gateway to further explorations of Roman Britain. Bus AD122 stops directly outside the station and takes visitors to prominent Roman sites like the Housesteads and Vindolanda forts.
Getting to Hexham is straightforward, and Newcastle has frequent train services. From Monday to Saturday, up to three trains per hour make the journey, with the fastest taking around 30 minutes. This accessibility makes Hexham an ideal destination for anyone exploring more of Northumberland's rich history.
Morpeth, located just a short train ride from Newcastle, is one of the easiest day trips to plan. The journey takes less than 20 minutes and brings you to the main town in Northumberland.
Morpeth is perfect for a relaxing day out, especially with attractions like Carlisle Park. This park is beautifully maintained and offers plenty for visitors, including rowing boats available for hire on the river. One of its standout features is the Floral Clock, a fully functioning clock adorned with flowers, a local landmark since 1972.
The Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum is a must-visit if you're looking for something unique. Located in the Tourist Information Centre, the museum offers insights into the diverse world of bagpipes, from the well-known Scottish bagpipes to the mellower Northumbrian pipes. It's an ideal spot to spend a fascinating half-hour learning about this traditional instrument.
To get to Morpeth, Northern operates regular hourly trains from Newcastle, with some long-distance services also making stops. It's just a ten-minute walk from the station to the heart of the town and its main attractions.
If you want to enjoy the great outdoors, consider a day trip to Seaham, one of the most refreshing outings from Newcastle.
Seaham marks the start of the 11-mile Durham Coastal Footpath, which stretches to the outskirts of Hartlepool. It's an excellent spot for a walk, offering plenty of fresh North Sea air to clear the mind.
Closer to town, Seaham offers several beautiful beaches linked by a promenade. Seaham Beach, Seaham Hall Beach, and Glass Beach are all excellent choices for a leisurely day by the sea. You can also visit the Lighthouse and the Heritage & Lifeboat Centre to learn more about the area's maritime history. While the experience can be weather-dependent, Seaham's charm is undeniable.
Getting to Seaham is straightforward: Northern operates an hourly train service from Newcastle that takes about 30 minutes. Alternatively, the 60 bus connects to and from Sunderland, where more frequent Metro services can take you back to Newcastle. From Seaham station, it's a 10-15 minute walk to the seafront, making it easily accessible for a day trip.
Hartlepool, steeped in naval and maritime history, makes for an engaging day trip from Newcastle, particularly if you're interested in experiencing a slice of Georgian England.
A key destination in Hartlepool is the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Here, you can board HMS Trincomalee, the oldest floating British warship. The museum doesn't just showcase ships; it recreates an entire 18th-century seaport experience, offering a comprehensive look at maritime life during that era.
Adjacent to this is the Museum of Hartlepool, which is free to enter. This museum delves into the town's history and its maritime heritage, providing a deeper understanding of the area's past.
While visiting, don’t miss the PS Wingfield Castle displayed at the back, another fascinating piece of Hartlepool’s maritime story.
Getting to Hartlepool is convenient with Northern’s hourly train service from Newcastle, taking about 45 minutes. Grand Central also offers connections to Sunderland, where you can access Metro services in Newcastle. Both the Museum of the Royal Navy and the Museum of Hartlepool are just a 15-minute walk from Hartlepool station, making them easily accessible for visitors.
Shildon might not be widely recognised as a tourist hotspot, but thanks to the Locomotion - National Railway Museum. It is a must-visit for rail enthusiasts, history buffs, and those curious about trains. This museum is considered a younger sibling to the main National Railway Museum in York, which opened in 2004.
Located in a region pivotal to the development of modern railways, the museum stands near the former site of Timothy Hackworth’s Soho Works. This facility was integral to the Stockton and Darlington Railway operations, the world’s first public railway, launched in 1825. The museum stretches over an open-air site about 1km long, with the main exhibitions and activities concentrated around the Main Hall.
Locomotion offers an array of exhibitions chronicling the evolution of rail transport from its early days to the present. Among the displays, you might even encounter the infamous Pacer train, a common sight on northern tracks until about 2019.
One of the best aspects of visiting Locomotion is the free admission, which allows visitors to explore leisurely. The only charge is for train rides within the museum grounds.
To get there, frequent trains run from Newcastle to Darlington, where you can catch an hourly service from Northern to Shildon. The journey to Locomotion takes approximately an hour, and conveniently, Shildon station is located right at the museum site.
This charming seaside town boasts various independent shops, cafes, and a picturesque beach.
Saltburn Beach is a delight whether you're there to enjoy a rare sunny day or just for a seaside stroll. It features a 208-metre-long pier with classic amusements, colourful beach huts, and a unique Cliff Lift. For those looking for a longer walk, you can follow the beach to Redcar, about four miles away, and conveniently catch a train back.
A noteworthy mention is Saltburn Bank, a steep, zig-zagging road known for its challenging drive. Though you won't need to navigate it as a train traveller, it gained some fame from a memorable snowy incident in 2010.
Getting to Saltburn is straightforward. There are three trains per hour from the station: two Northern trains each hour to Middlesbrough and Darlington and an additional hourly TransPennine Express service to Middlesbrough. From these locations, you can easily connect to Newcastle. The walk from Saltburn station to the seafront takes about 10 minutes, making it an accessible and appealing destination for a day out.
Whitby is arguably one of the most iconic destinations on this list. It's renowned for its picturesque seaside charm and literary connection to Bram Stoker's "Dracula." It's a favourite among people from the North East and beyond, with many fond memories tied to trips from Newcastle to this delightful town.
The train station in Whitby is conveniently located right next to the harbour, where you can explore maritime history by boarding the Bark Endeavour and learning about Captain Cook's adventures. During my latest visit, I strolled down Sandgate and tackled the famous 199 Steps leading up to the majestic Whitby Abbey and the Church of St Mary, offering stunning views of the town and coast.
A walk along Whitby Beach is a must, though be mindful of the tides as the beach can disappear under the waves at high tide!
Whitby is also famed for its fish and chips, with many establishments vying for the title of best in town. The Magpie Cafe is a popular choice, though be prepared for a queue, especially during peak times.
Reaching Whitby by train involves five daily services operated by Northern. Two of these are direct connections from Newcastle, while the others require a change at Middlesbrough. The journey, which takes around three hours, traverses the scenic routes of the Esk Valley and Durham Coast, making the trip as enjoyable as the destination itself.
