Top Newcastle-upon-Tyne Attractions & Museums

Set in the valley of the river Tyne, Chesters is the best-preserved Roman cavalry fort in Britain. Around 500 cavalry troops – the elite of the Roman auxiliary forces – were based here. Today, imaginative interpretation, including a fun family trail, helps you explore the fort’s many clearly marked features. Children can hunt for the ‘rubbing stones’ concealed among the buildings, collecting tips to help them on the trail. Between the fort and the river, you’ll find the finest example of a military bath house anywhere in Britain. All this was rediscovered by John Clayton, a wealthy Victorian landowner whose mansion stands near the fort. His single-minded vision is celebrated in the fort’s Clayton Museum, which is an absolute must-see for all visitors to Chesters.

Step into a world where gravity has no hold at the Upside Down House in Metrocentre, Gateshead. This unique photo attraction invites visitors of all ages to snap mind-bending photos in a creatively designed environment. The house features playful rooms, including an electrifying music zone and a Sir Ridley Scott movie room, all crafted to ignite your imagination. Perfect for families and friends looking to create unforgettable memories, this interactive experience lasts about 20 minutes. Capture extraordinary moments and share them with loved ones while exploring this quirky attraction just minutes from iconic local landmarks.

Go deeper into Newcastle’s rich history than on many other tours when you join this guided walk—although you’ll still stroll less than 2.5 miles (4 kilometers). Learn about the city’s history from the Iron Age to the present, alongside colorful characters such as Bessie Surtees. See bridges, monuments, religious buildings, a historic market, the old town wall and, of course, the castle, with plenty of photo opps too.