Sports and Activities

Experience the passionate roar of thousands of spectators at a live football match. Be part of an epic Mexican wave during a live rugby tournament or cheer on a fast-paced basketball game from the edge of your seat.

NewcastleGateshead is the perfect place to watch a wealth of live sport all year round from football, rugby and cricket to athletics, basketball and horse-racing. Newcastle’s iconic city-centre stadium, St James’ Park – the home of the Toon Army – is a must-visit attraction for football fans who can not only watch a live match but can also relish the opportunity to walk the hallowed ground as part of a popular behind-the-scenes stadium tour. Check out the latest football fixtures from the region's top clubs along with other footie-themed activities and events, or find out more about Newcastle United's St James' Park and Sunderland AFC's Stadium of Light.

Over the years, Newcastle has become a respected sporting hub for live rugby – both rugby union and league. Major sporting events in the rugby union and league calendars have taken place in the North East including England international matches, Rugby World Cup 2015 matches and Betfred Super League Magic Weekend which will make its return for the fifth year in May 2020. The Rugby League World Cup 2021 will also see the opening men’s ceremony and game played at Newcastle’s St James’ Park.

Newcastle is home to two top level Rugby clubs with Newcastle Falcons and Newcastle Thunder representing rugby union and rugby league respectively.

Sport is played at a world-class level in NewcastleGateshead from nail-biting athletics at Gateshead International Stadium to cricket at Durham Cricket Club. Fans of sport will enjoy a visit to Newcastle Eagles’ state-of-the-art sports venue where Britain’s most successful basketball team play regular matches to dedicated supporters.  Cheer on tens of thousands of participants and elite athletes cross the Tyne Bridge every year at the Great North Run, or… why not lace up your trainers and be part of the world’s best half marathon?

Get active in NewcastleGateshead and take part in a range of sporting activities that will get your heart racing. Try something a little bit different and explore the beauty of the North East coastline with CBK’s Adventures. Choose from kayaking, paddle-boarding and guided tours along the River Tyne – activities are suitable for all abilities. Test your strength and dexterity at Ouseburn Valley’s indoor climbing wall. Make a new, four-legged friend at nearby Stepney Bank Stables where horse-riding lessons are available all year round.

Choose from dance workshops, fitness classes and top-notch gyms at a range of leisure centres and sports venues across NewcastleGateshead. Many of the city’s hotels are also kitted out with excellent gym and fitness facilities to help you keep health and well-being at the forefront of your city break experience.    

If you’re looking for something a little more sedate, hop on a bike and use pedal-power to discover Newcastle’s easily navigatable city or venture a little further afield along the River Tyne heading west towards Northumberland or east towards the coast. The epic Coast to Coast route from Whitehaven on England’s West coast to Tynemouth on the North East coast cuts along NewcastleGateshead’s iconic Quayside. Whether you’re brave enough to take on the full route or want to dabble with peddling along the River Tyne and out to Tynemouth for a more manageable route – you’ll enjoy picturesque scenes as the countryside changes from quiet hills and open spaces, to slick city landscapes before opening out to the mouth of the Tyne. You don’t have to own a bike to cycle round NewcastleGateshead! The Cycle Hub on Newcastle Quayside has a great selection of top-quality bikes available for hiring which means you can feel the wind in your face for just a few hours or borrow a bike and enjoy a week-long ride with the family.

There are plenty of leafy parks and gardens in NewcastleGateshead to breathe in the fresh air, take a mindful walk or take your dog for a stroll.

NewcastleGateshead and the North East is home to some of the country's finest golfing spots, with beautiful countryside and stunning views. Thrill-seekers looking for an adventure near Newcastle can swing from the trees at Go Ape, Matfen Hall in Northumberland or hike beside the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hadrian’s Wall.