9 of the Best Day Trips from Newcastle by Train

Charming, fun and full of surprises, Newcastle is a city where there’s plenty to see and do. But break away from the “Toon” for a good few hours and you can find yourself in another equally fun and fascinating destination – perfect for those moments you fancy a change of scenery.

So, grab your Railcard, hop on the train and prepare yourself for an incredible day trip from Newcastle. 

1. Alnwick 

Despite being half an hour from Newcastle, Alnwick is a world away from the city. Whether you’re here to tour the historic castle(external link, opens in a new tab) – even more famous thanks to its starring role in Harry Potter – or dine out in one of the largest treehouse restaurants(external link, opens in a new tab) in the world, the market town has some special experiences up its sleeves. 

The local wildlife, too, sets Alnwick apart. Keep your peepers peeled for puffins, seals, dolphins, osprey and plenty more creatures that call the Northumberland coast their home.  

Nearest station: Alnmouth 

Journey time: approximately 30 minutes 

2. Berwick-upon-Tweed 

With much of Berwick-upon-Tweed’s history alternating between English and Scottish rule, this town is as unique as they get in Britain. So unique in fact that many locals describe themselves as having a third nationality! 

For a look back at the town’s at times turbulent past, take a walking tour of its former prison, castle and perimeter walls. For a taste of the modern Berwick, hit the town’s restaurants for local salmon and more incredible seafood, often accompanied by unbeatable views across the mouth of the River Tweed.  

Nearest station: Berwick-upon-Tweed 

Journey time: approximately 45 minutes 

3. Corbridge 

The Romans may not have got much further north, but they certainly left their mark on Corbridge. The Corbridge Hoard, on display at the English Heritage Roman Town(external link, opens in a new tab), contains some of the country’s oldest examples of armour, tools and weaponry.  

Today, the town is just as renowned for its independent businesses. So, if you’re looking to shop outside the usual chain stores, this is the place to take your pick of artisan bakers, one-off clothing boutiques and more. 

Nearest station: Corbridge 

Journey time: approximately 40 minutes 

4. Durham 

If you’re heading to Durham, make the city’s cathedral(external link, opens in a new tab) your first port of call. The UNESCO World Heritage Site sits on the banks of the River Wear and promises spectacular views and a huge helping of history.  

To see the best of the city in one trip, book one of the daily tours around the cathedral, the old city and the castle. And you can get 2FOR1 entry when you travel by train! With the sights successfully seen, head to Hamsterley Forest to unwind in acres of woodland.  

Nearest station: Durham 

Journey time: approximately 15 minutes 

5. Edinburgh 

Another city, another castle(external link, opens in a new tab) – and Edinburgh really takes some beating. Walk the grounds at your own pace or take a guided tour to check out the country’s oldest crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny. For more treasures, hit the National Museum(external link, opens in a new tab). With over 20,000 pieces on display, it’ll keep you pleasantly occupied for as long as you want. 

As the sun starts to set, there’s no better place to be than Arthur’s Seat – the scenic views across the city are well worth the hike it takes to get up there.  

Nearest station: Edinburgh 

Journey time: approximately 1 and a half hours 

6. Hartlepool

The historic maritime city of Hartlepool is a dream for lovers of all things seafaring. When you’re not walking the boards of HMS Trincomalee(external link, opens in a new tab), the marina is the place to be. Stunningly reproduced to reflect its 18th-century roots, today it’s a hive of bars and bistros.  

If you fancy some unusual sightseeing, check out the Hartlepool Monkey Memorial, a tribute to the primate who famously met an untimely end in the town.  

Nearest station: Hartlepool 

Journey time: approximately 50 minutes 

7. Hexham 

Get a healthy dose of history in Hexham with a visit to Vindolanda(external link, opens in a new tab), where you can view the world-famous Writing Tablets and the remains of this once vital military post. One of the world’s most important Roman archaeological sites, its regular excavations continue to reveal new treasures. 

Hexham is also the perfect starting point for a trip to Hadrian’s Wall. Hop off the train and onto the regular bus service for easy access to even more incredible Roman history.  

Nearest station: Hexham 

Journey time: approximately 30–45 minutes 

8. Leeds 

For a change of shopping scene, head for The Arcades in Leeds. Think independent boutiques, art nouveau shopfronts and plenty of luxury. It doesn’t matter if you don’t find what you’re looking for, the beautiful malls are well worth the visit anyway. 

When it’s time to recharge, the 'foodie capital of the North’ has you covered. Take your pick of street food stalls – Trinity Kitchen is the place to be – Michelin-starred restaurants and almost everything in between.  

Nearest station: Leeds 

Journey time: approximately 1.5 hours 

9. York 

Take the train to York to taste your way through hundreds of years of history at York’s Chocolate Story, where you’ll learn about the artisan producers and household names that made the city home – and get a good helping of free samples, too! Travel by train and you can get 2FOR1 entry as well.

Check out what’s on at the Racecourse(external link, opens in a new tab) before you head here. There are regular race days between May and October, as well as a year-round calendar packed with markets, festivals, gigs and all kinds of events. For shopping, head to the Shambles. 

Nearest station: York 

Journey time: approximately 1 hour