10 best day trips from Newcastle by train

Days out by train from Newcastle are a delightful way to see some of the most impressive sights around the North of England and Scotland. From the Northumberland coastline and medieval towns to national museums and foodie bonanzas, there are so many incredible places to visit near Newcastle that you’ll have a hard time choosing. And why choose just one destination? With single fares starting below £2, exploring cities and towns near Newcastle by train is an affordable and convenient way to experience some of Britain’s best days out.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the best things to do around Newcastle, whether you’re looking for your next city shopping spree or a majestic cathedral. All aboard!

Durham: Medieval city

Durham Cathedral

With an iconic cathedral, a famous university and so much history to explore, Durham is a great day trip from Newcastle for all the family. From the train station, it’s only a short walk to the city centre from where you’ll have access to hundreds of years of history all around you.

Start at Durham Cathedral, which is free to enter and magnificent to behold. From there, you can set off walking along the River Wear for miles, taking in ancient woodland that offers a scenic escape and an abundance of wildlife. The river meanders around the cathedral, Durham Castle and all through the medieval city, acting as your tour guide.

Buddings botanists can choose between the Botanic Garden and Crook Hall Gardens, an English country style garden around a sandstone house. In the summer, sports fans might enjoy a day of cricket at Chester-le-Street, home of Durham County Cricket Club. However you spend your day, you can make it a full one when travelling by train, with fast, frequent trains back to Newcastle running until late.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Edinburgh: Culture capital

Calton Hill

Newcastle is a great starting point for a day trip to Edinburgh. Scotland’s capital and one of its most culturally vibrant cities ranks as one of the most affordable day trips from Newcastle, with single fares starting below £2.

Visit the unmissable Edinburgh Castle, an imposing structure that has been occupied by humans since at least the Iron Age. To get a full picture of Edinburgh, climb Calton Hill, recommended by locals for its panoramic views over the city. Or, enter a world of discovery at the National Museum of Scotland, with thousands of unique objects to peruse across multiple galleries, then take a stroll along Princes Street to browse independent shops and artists. Edinburgh has everything you need for a varied and lively day trip from Newcastle.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

York: Historic streets

York Minster

If you are looking for a history-rich day trip from Newcastle, York is a leading contender. The historic city boasts one of the most famous streets in Britain and some of the country’s most impressive buildings.

The Shambles is a narrow street with preserved medieval buildings that overhang the street, almost meeting in the middle. Harry Potter fans will enjoy seeing the street that many say inspired Diagon Alley in the magical books and films, and will have the chance to buy wizarding memorabilia in shops all along the Shambles. Then move onto York Minster, one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals that has graced York’s skyline since the seventh century.

Rail enthusiasts will want to head straight to the National Railway Museum, which features displays of iconic rail vehicles alongside thousands of unique railway-related objects. A day trip from Newcastle to York is fast and cheap and offers so many possibilities.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Alnmouth: Northumberland coastline

Alnwick Castle

Alnmouth is a quaint coastal village in Northumberland with access to some of England’s most stunning beaches. Head to the wide, sandy Alnmouth Beach, which stands out for its unspoilt beauty and calm expanse. Stroll around Alnmouth Bay to reach Seaton Point, a natural beauty spot with exquisite views of the North Sea. For a laidback afternoon, Alnmouth high street is the place to go, with several beautiful tea rooms to relax in.

If you’re feeling more active, walk or catch a bus to Alnwick, four miles from Alnmouth, where you’ll find Alnwick Castle,  the second-largest inhabited castle in the UK. This popular castle can trace its roots back to the Norman period and, in recent years, has played a major role in TV and films such as Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. Nearby Alnwick Garden impresses visitors with its majestic Grand Cascade water feature, while bibliophiles will want to visit one of the largest second-hand bookshops in Europe.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Hexham: Gardens and history

Sycamore Gap

Hexham is a charming town with plenty of outdoors spaces and gardens to explore. On a day trip from Newcastle, you’ll have abundant time to discover the historical town and maybe venture further to nearby Roman forts.

Visit The Sele, an expansive area of greenery perfect for picnics a stone’s throw from the town centre. Look out too for beautiful floral gardens as you make your way to Hexham Abbey, an awe-inspiring seventh-century building with remarkable architecture that encompasses sculptures and painted wooden panels, as well as hosting a renowned craft fair.

Another of Hexham’s top historical attractions is Hexham Old Gaol, England’s first purpose-built prison, with its roots in the 1300s. Within the building today, you’ll find The Border History Library, home to an intriguing collection of photographs, books and music. An ideal choice for places to visit near Newcastle with history and green spaces.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Leeds: Shopping spree

A day trip from Newcastle to Leeds takes just over an hour and gives you access to an abundance of shopping, food and cultural highlights. The self-proclaimed foodie capital of the North, Leeds is packed with award-winning restaurants, vibrant street food, bustling pubs and independent eateries aplenty. If you’re looking for unique dining experiences and diverse cuisines, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

If you’re in the market for retail therapy, shopping opportunities abound. The city boasts a wide range of beautiful arcades, starting with Grand Arcade, home to big brands and local goods, as well as the iconic century-old animated Potts Clock. Try also Queen’s Arcade, Victoria Quarter or Thornton’s Arcade.

Culture lovers can follow the Street Art Trail to explore the best of Leeds’ renowned street art scene. And the whole family will enjoy a visit to the Royal Armouries with its extensive exhibition of arms and armour from across the world. For a big Yorkshire city, Leeds is compact, making it possible to experience a huge amount in a single day.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Berwick-upon-Tweed: Border town

Lindisfarne Castle

A charming town on the England-Scotland border, Berwick-upon-Tweed offers a delightful day trip to see its medieval remnants and stunning Northumberland coastline.

The remains of Berwick Castle tell a fascinating tale of Anglo-Scottish warfare. Previously at the forefront of defending the town from intruders, the remnants of this 13th-century castle are rich in history and free to visit. From the castle, follow the Town Walls and Ramparts on a complete circuit of the town, before heading down to see its impressive coastline.

Travelling by train from Newcastle to Berwick-upon-Tweed is cheap and easy, with fares starting from just £3. Best of all, the views from the train are magnificent, as the line sticks to the coast, then crosses the majestic Royal Border Bridge over the River Tweed. An unforgettable journey to kickstart an inspiring day out from Newcastle.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Carlisle: So much to see

If you like scenic train journeys, you’ll love the direct train from Newcastle to Carlisle. The views along the 80-minute route are splendid, as you weave through English countryside. And, once in Carlisle, there is so much more to see!

A visit to Carlisle Castle, built by William Rufus in 1092, is a must. This well-preserved medieval monument has an intriguing legacy to discover and is excellently maintained by English Heritage. While at the castle, we recommend a descent to the dungeons to see the famous ‘licking stones’. Then learn more about Carlisle’s history at Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life, which can be found on the Castle grounds.

Next, head to A World in Miniature Museum, a quirky experience that will give you a new perspective on everyday objects. With plenty of parks and open spaces to enjoy at your own pace, time spent exploring Carlisle is a unique and memorable day out near Newcastle.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Seaham: Hunt for sea glass

Glass Beach

The lively harbour town of Seaham is a perfect destination for a bracing day trip from Newcastle. As the starting point of the 11-mile Durham Coastal Footpath, it is the ideal place to spend time in the great outdoors and embrace some North Sea air.

On Glass Beach, join the locals in scouring the beach for sea glass, man-made glass discarded into the sea from Seaham’s many bottleworks and glass making factories during the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

The East Durham Heritage & Lifeboat Centre provides a rich historical experience for visitors interested in the turbulent history of the town lifeboat service, with the George Elmy, a renowned tragedy lifeboat, on permanent display. Seaham also boasts a wide selection of lively bars and restaurants to visit before getting the train back to Newcastle.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Morpeth: Northumberland town

Simonside Hills

One of the quickest day trips from Newcastle by train, Morpeth is the main town in Northumberland. Combining cobbled streets with trendy bars and modern shopping centres, it is a delightful day out from Newcastle that can be reached in under 15 minutes.

Sanderson Arcade offers abundant shopping opportunities, while Carlisle Park provides an escape to beautiful and colourful surroundings. At the edge of Carlisle Park, don’t miss the Floral Clock, an immaculate floral display that doubles as a working clock. Then walk along the River Wansbeck, crossing stepping stones or even trying some romantic river rowing.

Do you know your Scottish Bagpipe from your Northumbrian Pipe? You’ll be sure to learn something new in the Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum. Housed within a 13th-century Grade I listed building, the museum has more than 120 sets of pipes to compare from all across Europe.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Ready to go?

With so many top destinations accessible within a single day, Newcastle is an ideal place to start incredible days out by train. From coastal bliss to busy cities, there are plenty of day trips from Newcastle that won’t cost the Earth. Pack a cagoule and water bottle, and enjoy a day wandering medieval streets, rugged coastlines or Roman forts all around Northern England and Scotland. And remember: if you want the best prices on day trips from Newcastle, book in advance with Trip.com.