Newcastle city centre / Quayside
Newcastle Cathedral · Photo: Benjamin Smith
A walkable Newcastle day that starts under the cathedral's lantern spire, crosses the Tyne on the tilting 'blinking eye' bridge and follows the river east into the Ouseburn valley. Lunch is among the pigs and goats at a free city farm, and the afternoon goes underground on a guided tour of a Victorian coal-wagon tunnel that sheltered people in the Blitz.
Landmark · 10:00–10:40 (40m)
Free wander inside the city-centre cathedral; check for services or events before you go.
The city-centre cathedral with its distinctive lantern spire, free to wander in, with a cafe and regular exhibitions and events. A short indoor stop between the Castle and the Quayside.
Photo: Benjamin Smith
Landmark · 10:50–11:15 (25m)
Walk down to the river and cross the pedestrian bridge to the Gateshead side and back; the tilt itself is only scheduled in summer.
The pedestrian 'blinking eye' bridge across the Tyne, which tilts upwards to let boats pass. Watching a scheduled tilt is a free, quick thrill for children and links the Quayside to BALTIC.
Photo: JimmyGuano
Farm · 11:35–13:15 (1h40m)
Free city farm in the Ouseburn valley; lunch at the on-site Cafe Beam (open to 15:00) or a picnic.
A small working city farm in the Ouseburn Valley, a short walk from the Quayside, with pigs, sheep, goats, poultry and other animals plus growing gardens. Entry is free and it pairs easily with Seven Stories and the Victoria Tunnel next door.
Photo: ouseburnfarm.org.uk
Landmark · 13:30–15:30 (2h)
Pre-booked guided tour of the Victorian wagonway tunnel and air-raid shelter; pick the shorter tour for 7-8 year olds.
A 19th-century coal wagonway tunnel running under the city, later used as an air-raid shelter, explored on volunteer-led guided tours run by the Ouseburn Trust. Tours are by booking and suit curious older children more than little ones.
North EastDurham City
Start with the best free view of the cathedral and castle from a hillside park by the station, then explore the Norman cathedral with its family trail and undercroft cafe. Finish out of town at the riverside ruins of a medieval priory where Durham's monks once retreated.
Wharton Park → Durham Cathedral → Finchale Priory
North EastBardon Mill / Haltwhistle
Climb up to the best-preserved fort on the Wall for costumes, replica objects and sweeping moorland views, warm up with lunch and a rooftop walk at the free national park discovery centre, then finish at a hands-on museum about the life of a Roman soldier.
Hadrians Wall and Fort → The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre → Roman Army Museum
North EastSouth Shields / Whitburn
Climb a red-and-white striped Victorian lighthouse, run about on open clifftop grassland, then drop down to a cove where a giant sea stack is crowded with seabirds. Finish with a fish supper on the South Shields front.
Souter Lighthouse and The Leas → Marsden Bay → Colmans Seafood Temple
