Begin at the famous landmark of Grey’s Monument (nearest Metro Station: Monument) and head along Blackett Street towards Blue Carpet Square and the Laing Art Gallery (4 minutes walk).  Browse the permanent art collection which includes paintings by the 19th century Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood group of painters.  The Art on Tyneside walk-through exhibition includes work by the 18th century wood engraver Thomas Bewick.  Check out the current visiting exhibition (allow 1.5 hours).

From the Laing Art Gallery head north up John Dobson Street towards the impressive Civic Centre, cross the road called Barras Bridge and head up the steps to reach the impressive, red-brick buildings of Newcastle University (10 mins walk). An impressive double brick archway leads into The Quadrangle where the Museum of Antiquities (terrific for Hadrian’s Wall history - allow min 45 minutes) and The Hatton Gallery – allow 30 mins) are based.  This Gallery is the permanent home of the internationally renowned Kurt Schwitters’ Merzbarn.  

Return to Barras Bridge and turn right to head along Haymarket.  Entrances to the Eldon Garden Shopping Centre loom ahead.  Why not treat yourself with a bit of retail therapy amongst the designer brands and specialist shops before continuing along Haymarket to its junction with Gallowgate.  Turn right here and walk towards the landmark Chinese Arch which stands at the entrance to Chinatown in Stowell Street. (University to Chinatown walk is 12 mins – unless you succumb to the shops!)

Continue with your walk through China Town going along Stowell Street until you reach a narrow left turn beneath an archway which leads to the peaceful Blackfriars area.  Every city should have a green oasis – this is one of Newcastle’s.  A little bit of history tucked away amongst the 21st century buzz.  Chill out for a moment in the grounds of this former monastic settlement and take a stroll around the old cloister area to find small craft shops and a restaurant housed in the old medieval stone buildings.   An interpretation board near the restaurant will tell you more (allow 15 mins).

Exit Blackfriars via the arched tunnel at Blackfriars Restaurant, turn right and walk to Stowell Street and then turn left to walk through West Walls, the longest stretch of medieval town wall still surviving.  With West Walls on your left head downhill to enjoy some of the terrific outdoor art found all over NewcastleGateshead.  The sophisticated lines of the sculpture “Ever Changing” is a perfect counterbalance to the medieval town walls.   (Blackfriars to sculpture – 3 mins).

Cross to The Journal Tyne Theatre side of Westgate Road and to the left of the theatre and its neighbouring building is Thornton Square where yet another work of art decorates the pavement.  “Tyne Line of Txt Flow” is a 140m long, narrow line of continuous text set into the pavement.  It even wanders over the seating in the Square!  

From Thornton Square it’s easy to visit Dance City where you can check out the latest performances at this, the largest National Dance Agency outside of London.  Or drop by for a coffee in the ground floor café.

Cross St James’ Boulevard to reach Discovery Museum (three mins walk from Dance City).  A terrific venue to explore Tyneside’s amazing achievements in the world of science and technology.  The world famous “Turbinia”, the first boat in the world to be powered by a steam turbine engine, is the Museum’s biggest exhibit.  Hands-on interactive displays are great for adults and children alike.  (Allow 1.5-2 hrs)

Alternatively, try the Centre for Life in Times Square which explains all you want to know about DNA and life itself – and does it in a fun, accessible way.    

Continue east from the Centre for Life passing the Central Station and in 5 minutes reach St Nicholas’ Cathedral (Church of England).  Allow 30 mins to discover the charms of this ancient church, enjoying its peace and quiet before visiting the Cathedral’s near neighbour,  the Castle Keep (allow min 45 minutes).

Retrace your steps to the Cathedral, turn right along Mosley Street and pause at the bottom of Grey Street to marvel at the breathtaking grandeur of one of the most famous streets in England for architecture.   Elegance, symmetry and fine workmanship make this honey-coloured street a real feast for the eyes.  And, talking of feasts, there’s plenty of fab cafes and restaurants to explore along its length.

With your back to Grey Street walk down Dean Street which leads into Side and follow the footpath on the right hand of Side as it curves round the corner beneath 17th century black and white timber framed buildings.  Reach Bessie Surtees’ House on Sandhill (4 mins from Grey Street) and pop inside to the first floor museum dedicated to Newcastle’s most famous love story between beautiful Bessie Surtees and her not-so-popular-with-her-parents-lover, John Scott.   Read what happened to them in the museum (allow 20 mins)

Exit the museum, cross the road and walk over the historic red and white Swing Bridge. Pause in the middle to take in the view. Bridges, bridges everywhere and the iconic architecture of Sir Norman Forster’s The Sage Gateshead beckoning you on.  

At end of Swing Bridge turn left along South Shore Road and follow the sloping uphill path to the west entrance to Gateshead’s international music venue.   Go inside and enjoy the walk through the main Concourse to enjoy the ballooning architecture overhead and brilliant views across Newcastle’s skyline. The Sage Gateshead offers guided tours (min 1 hour).

Exit at the east end of The Sage Gateshead and head downhill to enjoy the exhibitions in BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art (allow min 1 hour).   Gateshead Millennium Bridge leads you elegantly onto Newcastle Quayside for some well earned refreshments from one of the trendy bars and restaurants.

Great choice.  Great day out!

Why this route...?

NewcastleGateshead is so compact that you can walk virtually everywhere and whilst it’s impossible to see it all in just one day (so, why not stay longer…?) this route will give you a real taste for the variety on offer.

Other related attractions...
• Biscuit Factory
• City Sightseeing Bus Tour
• St James Park Football stadium tours (advance booking required)

More 'Must See' Guides...