A Guide to Newcastle Quayside

A Guide to Newcastle Quayside

The Quayside Market

Immerse yourself in the friendly atmosphere and Geordie culture of Newcastle at the famous outdoor ‘Quayside Sunday Market,’ which takes place each Sunday between 9am and 4pm. It’s great for some market shopping in Newcastle; with lots of independent traders from all over the region, you’ll be sure to find some unique pieces. From clothing, toys, jewellery, ceramics and more, the Quayside Market is great place to spend an afternoon.

The Quayside Market is also a hub of live entertainment, where you can enjoy performances from street artists and buskers as you stroll down the Quayside. If you’re feeling peckish, there are plenty of food trucks here, where you can stop for a bite to eat. From delicious street food to comforting coffee and cakes, you’re sure to find something to tickle your tastebuds.

Restaurants at Newcastle Quayside

Whether you’re after a quick snack or want to indulge in some fine dining during your stay in Newcastle, there are lots of dining options at the Quayside.

For cheap eats, head to the Swing Bridge; here, you’ll find reasonably priced restaurants such as Sambuca. Expect budget-friendly options and great portion sizes at this popular Italian restaurant.

There are plenty of different restaurants to choose from in the area, from friendly Italian eateries like Sabatini, to the popular Tomahawk Steakhouse. Whatever you fancy, you won’t be disappointed!

Bars in Newcastle Quayside

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a night out on the town or want to relax in the sun with a craft beer in hand, the Quayside will not disappoint when it comes to bars and pubs.

Choose from well-known favourites such as BrewDog and Pitcher and Piano along the Quayside, or for a more intimate setting with delicious cocktails, spend an evening at Tiger Hornsby. This stylish bar also hosts live music and sets from resident DJs.

The Quayside Seaside

Relax in Newcastle at the Quayside seaside! Every year between Autumn and Spring, you’ll find this stretch of the Quayside transformed into a seaside paradise complete with deckchairs, palm trees, beach huts and golden sand. Simply sit back and watch the world go by at this picturesque location. If you want to keep the little ones occupied, there’s plenty for them to do here; from building sandcastles to the children’s climbing wall, they can spend hours of endless fun at the Quayside seaside.

Gateshead Millennium Bridge

Wander down the banks of the River Tyne and admire the bridges in Newcastle. Be sure to check out the Gateshead Millennium Bridge – the world’s first and only tilting bridge! See the famous eye ‘blink’ each day at 12pm from May to September. For full times and details, visit the Gateshead Millennium bridge website. Opened to the public in 2001, it connects the Quayside of Newcastle Upon Tyne with Gateshead’s Quays; you can either walk or cycle to the other side.

And on the Other Side

You’ll find even more things to enjoy on the Gateshead side of the river. For culture in Newcastle, the Sage Gateshead is a winner. This specially designed concert hall, designed by Norman Foster in 2004, has hosted famous musicians, orchestras, and performance groups from all over the world. Its unusual shape is instantly recognisable, and a prominent feature of in the Quayside skyline.

Don’t forget about the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art – another must-see in Newcastle! Expect exhibitions from contemporary artists, photographers, and designers. It’s also and home of one of Newcastle’s best restaurants: SIX at BALTIC. Offering incredible views over the River Tyne, this eatery is a great spot to enjoy some delicious food in an enviable setting.

Facts About Newcastle Quayside

Get up to speed with our quickfire round of Newcastle Quayside facts before you go!

• The Gateshead Millennium Bridge only takes 4 ½ minutes to rotate from closed to open; it’s also really energy-efficient, costing just £3.96 per opening!
• The Quayside in Newcastle underwent a huge regeneration in the early 2000s, but before that, it served as a commercial dockside. Coal was ferried down to the Quayside (via the Victoria Tunnels); the Baltic Flour Mill and Hoults Yard Pottery thrived as a result.
• There’s no shortage of great architecture in Newcastle; the Quayside is home to a number of listed buildings, including Customs House and the Malmaison Hotel, which are both Grade II listed.

Getting to Newcastle Quayside

Getting around Newcastle couldn’t be easier, with a multitude of choices available to get across the city.

On Foot

The easiest, cheapest, and most scenic way to explore the Quayside is on foot! Take a stroll around the area and enjoy all that this great area has to offer.

By Bus

The QuayLink services operate frequently, and connect most of the main attractions in Newcastle Gateshead. Buses run frequently, 7 days a week.

• Q1 begins at Gateshead, and operates around East Gateshead before heading back to Gateshead; it then goes to Newcastle City Centre and Newcastle Central Station.
• Q2 operates the same route as Q1, but in the opposite direction.
• Q3 begins at Newcastle Great Park.

By Train

Newcastle Central Station is served by many mainline routes from all over the UK. The Quayside is a 20-minute walk from the main station. Alternatively, you can just hop on the QuayLink from here.

Visiting Newcastle on your next staycation? Make sure to book a comfy night’s sleep at easyHotel Newcastle City Centre.