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Day Trips From Newcastle by Train

Hop on a train from Newcastle to the surrounding areas, with stunning scenery and bustling towns to explore

There’s tons to see and do in Newcastle (see our Visit Newcastle by Train page). But if you fancy venturing a bit further afield, see our pick of destinations that you can get to by train from Newcastle for a short day trip.

From quiet walks to scenic countryside, historic buildings, culture, restaurants and shopping, you’re bound to find something to enjoy.

You can plan your train journey here, and don’t forget if you have a Railcard you can get 1/3 off your rail fares.

Find even more day trips from Newcastle inspiration here.

Day trips from Newcastle in 1 hour or under

Durham

Built on both sides of the River Wear, Durham is probably best known for Durham Cathedral(external link, opens in a new tab), completed in the early 12th century, and Durham Castle(external link, opens in a new tab), an ancient Norman fortress, which together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Take a walk around the ancient woodland in Durham University’s 10-acre Botanic Garden(external link, opens in a new tab) or wonder at the banana trees in the glasshouses.

Nearest station: Durham

York

In this beautiful historical city north east of Leeds, you will find plenty of great restaurants and lively bars, alongside the 13th century marvel that is York Minster(external link, opens in a new tab) and a Cold War Bunker(external link, opens in a new tab) with blast-proof doors that was in active service from the 1960s to the 90s.

For something less claustrophobic, a cruise along the River Ouse is a perfect way to enjoy the city, especially at sunset. You can get 2FOR1 tickets for City Cruises York(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Days Out Guide when you go by train.

Nearest station: York


Berwick-upon-Tweed

One of the most important fortified towns in the UK (it was part of Scotland for more than 3 centuries before being captured by the English in 1482), Berwick-upon-Tweed sits at the mouth of the River Tweed and is surrounded by the remains of a medieval castle.

Walk around the largely intact Berwick-upon-Tweed Castle and Ramparts(external link, opens in a new tab) or follow in the footsteps of LS Lowry on The Lowry Trail(external link, opens in a new tab), which offers a guided tour of the artist’s favoured holiday destination.

Nearest station: Berwick-upon-Tweed

Day trips from Newcastle in 1 to 2 hours

Edinburgh

The capital city of Scotland is dominated by the iconic Edinburgh Castle(external link, opens in a new tab), which sits on top of an extinct volcano and appears to guard the city. Walk the cobbled streets and enjoy its art galleries and world-class restaurants or book tickets for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe(external link, opens in a new tab) in August.

Visit the National Museum of Scotland(external link, opens in a new tab), which has plenty of interactive displays and games or the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh(external link, opens in a new tab), home to over 13,500 species of living plants.

Nearest station: Edinburgh

Doncaster

Awarded city status in 2022, Doncaster boasts the Yorkshire Wildlife Park(external link, opens in a new tab), which offers a walk-through animal adventure that takes in polar bears, big cats, red pandas and rhinos, and the Doncaster Dome(external link, opens in a new tab), which has over 50 activities including a 7-pool water world and a split-level ice rink.

Meanwhile, Cusworth Hall(external link, opens in a new tab), a Grade I-listed building, is set in acres of historical parkland and is perfect for a picnic.

Nearest station: Doncaster

Middlesbrough

Located north of the spectacular North York Moors National Park(external link, opens in a new tab), Middlesbrough is also close to a beautiful coastline with sandy beaches and long promenades.

Visit the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art(external link, opens in a new tab) – known locally simply as ‘MIMA’ – to see a carefully curated collection of art of British and international artists dating back to the mid-1800s, or take a walk around the 30-acre Albert Park(external link, opens in a new tab).

Nearest station: Middlesbrough

Sheffield

Once world famous for its steel production, this vibrant South Yorkshire city has plenty of things to do and see. Visit Sheffield Botanical Gardens(external link, opens in a new tab), which has 18 different gardens linked by twisting pathways or paddleboard on the city’s waterways with DC Outdoors(external link, opens in a new tab).

You can explore the city’s history either at the Cholera Monument(external link, opens in a new tab) – visible across the city, it is a memorial to the people who died during the 1832 cholera outbreak – or at the Kelham Island Museum(external link, opens in a new tab), which shows what it was like to live and work in Sheffield during the Industrial Revolution.

Nearest station: Sheffield

Scarborough

This seaside town, the largest on the Yorkshire coast, is all about long walks on gorgeous sandy beaches. Take the coastal path to Filey Beach(external link, opens in a new tab), 9 miles south of Scarborough, to experience one of the best beaches in the UK.

For a more relaxed day out, marvel at the whitewashed Vincent’s Pier & Scarborough Lighthouse(external link, opens in a new tab) and have fun at Luna Park(external link, opens in a new tab), which has old-fashioned favourites from dodgems to carousels.

Nearest station: Scarborough

Leeds

Located in the heart of the UK, Leeds is a dynamic city packed full of culture and with plentiful restaurants, cafes and shops, all easily accessible on foot.

Regarded as the unofficial capital of Yorkshire, it has a world class music venue, First Direct Arena(external link, opens in a new tab), the wonderful Roundhay Park(external link, opens in a new tab), 3 miles north of the city centre, and Hyde Park Picture House(external link, opens in a new tab), one of the oldest cinemas in the UK.

Nearest station: Leeds

Find out more

Plan Your Journey

Get 1/3 off train fares with a Railcard

  • Save up to 1/3 off your trips when you travel by train with a Railcard

  • From children to seniors, over 20 million people in Great Britain can save with a Railcard. See which one is right for you

  • Buy yours today for just £35 and you’ll make the cost back in 1 or 2 trips! 

Offers are correct at time of publication but subject to change.

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