Trains From Potters Bar to Newcastle

Save money when you travel to Newcastle by train

Railcards offer great value for money if you travel by train, saving you up to 1/3 on most rail fares. You can find out more about our range of Railcards on the Railcard website(external link, opens in a new tab).

If you plan ahead and buy Advance tickets you can also get great deals on rail fares.

Find out more ways to save money on your train ticket.

Plan your trip to Newcastle

Newcastle upon Tyne is a vibrant city, famous for the iconic Tyne Bridge, passionate football supporters, and legendary Geordie hospitality. There’s something for everyone in the Toon, from history buffs and culture vultures to families seeking adventure and foodies hunting for their next great meal.

The city also hosts spectacular annual events like the Great North Run – the world’s largest half marathon – and the Newcastle Pride festival. With its stunning quayside setting, world-class museums, thriving nightlife, and proximity to both Hadrian’s Wall and the Northumberland coast, Newcastle serves as the perfect gateway to exploring England’s magnificent North East.

Newcastle for kids and families

Newcastle offers brilliant family-friendly attractions to keep children entertained and engaged.

• Newcastle Castle: step back in time at this stone fortress and former prison built between 1168 and 1178. Situated on the site of a Roman fort, it offers stunning views and a glimpse into the city’s origins. Get 2FOR1 entry to Newcastle Castle with National Rails Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab) when you go by train

• Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books: housed in a beautifully renovated Victorian mill, this unique museum dedicated to British children’s books is a magical place where stories come to life, with exhibitions, workshops, and plenty to inspire young readers.

• Life Science Centre: enjoy interactive science exhibits, planetarium shows, and hands-on experiments that make learning fun for all ages

• Great North Museum: Hancock: marvel at dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian mummies, and live tropical animals in this award-winning natural history museum

• Ouseburn Farm: visit a working city farm where children can meet friendly animals and learn about sustainable farming

Free things to do in Newcastle

You don't need to spend a fortune to have a fantastic time exploring this historic city.

• Laing Art Gallery: located in the city centre, the Laing Art Gallery is Newcastle’s oldest gallery and a hub for historic, modern, and contemporary art

• Jesmond Dene: often called the jewel in the crown of Newcastle’s parks, Jesmond Dene is a beautiful green space packed with historic and natural features

• Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art: housed in a renovated flour mill on the NewcastleGateshead Quayside, the Baltic is a prominent contemporary art gallery

• Quayside Sunday Market: every Sunday, the Quayside transforms into a bustling local market. Take in the waterside views as you potter around the stalls

• The Tyne Bridge: Take a leisurely walk across this iconic structure for stunning views of the River Tyne and the city skyline

Newcastle, city of culture

Newcastle’s cultural scene boasts many world-class venues and performance spaces. The Theatre Royal Newcastle stages everything from West End musicals to cutting-edge drama, whilst the intimate Live Theatre champions new writing and local talent. Music lovers flock to the O2 Academy Newcastle for big shows, while the Glasshouse International Centre for Music across the river hosts classical concerts and folk performances in its stunning Norman Foster-designed building.

Comedy enthusiasts shouldn’t miss The Stand Comedy Club, where both established and emerging comedians perform nightly. The independent Tyneside Cinema is known for its art deco interiors and eclectic programming. Plus, Antony Gormley’s 20-metre-tall Angel of the North sculpture is just a short trip away in nearby Gateshead.

Sport in Newcastle

Newcastle United dominates the sporting landscape, with their black and white stripes creating a sea of passion at St James’ Park on matchdays. Beyond football, Newcastle Falcons rugby team plays at Kingston Park, and the city’s sporting calendar peaks with the Great North Run each September, when thousands of runners tackle the half-marathon route from Newcastle to South Shields. For those wanting to get active themselves, the Quayside offers excellent cycling and running routes along the Tyne, and the nearby Northumberland countryside provides world-class hiking and outdoor adventure opportunities.

Shop till you drop in Newcastle

Newcastle caters to every shopping style and budget.

• Eldon Square: right in the heart of the city, one of the UK’s largest city-centre shopping centres features high-street favourites, department stores, and food options

• Grainger Market: dating back to 1835, this historic Grade I listed indoor market is perfect for unique gifts, vintage clothing, and local specialities

• Northumberland Street: Newcastle’s top shopping street, lined with major brands and independent retailers

• Ouseburn Valley: discover independent boutiques, vintage shops, and artisan studios in this creative neighbourhood

• Central Arcade: an architectural gem, this Edwardian shopping arcade is home to a selection of boutique shops, cafes, and independent retailers

Newcastle’s food hot spots

Sample local delicacies like pan haggerty (a dish of sliced potatoes, onions, and cheese) and a saveloy dip (a sausage sandwich with pease pudding, stuffing, mustard, and dipped in saveloy brine!), or explore a range of cuisines across the city.

• Jesmond: this trendy neighbourhood offers excellent gastropubs, contemporary European restaurants, and cosy coffee shops

• The Baltic Quarter: experience innovative dining in converted warehouses, where creative chefs serve modern British cuisine with international influences

• Grainger Market: sample local delicacies including pease pudding, stottie cakes, and freshly baked goods from traditional family-run stalls

• Chinatown: explore authentic Asian cuisine in one of the UK’s largest Chinese quarters, with excellent restaurants serving Cantonese, Szechuan, and South East Asian dishes

Find out more about Newcastle

Discover even more things to do and places to go in Newcastle on our Visit Newcastle by Train page.