Set out on an adventure with our fun day trips from Newcastle. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful spot for a beach day or the chance to soak up a little history, there are plenty of delights easily reached from the city.
Discovering top tourist spots nearby Newcastle is easy with Northern. We have a diverse range of tickets options, perfect whether you’re planning a solo adventure or a day trip with the whole family, as well as a wide range of stations. See if you can find your next day trip today.
Saltburn Beach
Nearest station: Saltburn
The award winning Saltburn Beach is the perfect destination on a sunny day. Located in the charming coastal town of Saltburn-by-the-sea, this long sandy beach is as ideal for sunbathing as it is for surfing or swimming. Make your way from town to shore via a ride in the water-balanced cliff lift to enjoy panoramic views of the coastline.
You could also take a stroll along the beautifully restored Saltburn Pier, the last remaining pleasure pier on the Northeast coast, or head to The Smugglers Heritage Centre to learn about the town’s intriguing past as a hot spot for ships and smugglers.
There’s plenty of fun for the whole family at Saltburn Beach, just be sure to save room for an ice cream and a fish tea. You could also save more on travel, by booking family tickets for your trip.
Alnwick
Nearest station: Alnmouth
Perhaps most famous for its impressive castle, Alnwick is a picturesque town nestled in the Heart of Northumberland. It’s home to a selection of fabulous gardens, including Alnwick Garden itself, which features a stunning water display, a romantic rose garden and much more.
No visit is complete without some time exploring Alnwick Castle. This living castle is almost 1000 years old and has a long and fascinating history to delve into. Booklovers will also love a trip to Barter Books, a huge second-hand book shop that links its sections with a model railway. It also has some beautiful murals, as well as a huge number of books to browse.
There are few better places to enjoy a relaxing and romantic day trip, so why not book duo tickets and take your favourite person with you?
York’s Chocolate Story
Nearest station: York
Love chocolate? Then this is the ideal day trip from Newcastle for you. Hop on a train to York and head along to York’s Chocolate Story, where you can enjoy a fully guided tour through 4000 years of chocolate history. Discover industry secrets, unwrap the stories of York’s famous chocolate-making families and learn how to taste chocolate like an expert. Their world-famous hot chocolate is well worth a try, too.
Once you’ve had your fill of chocolate, you’ll find there are plenty of other pleasures to enjoy in the city. Top picks include exploring the JORVIK Viking Centre, taking a boat trip on the River Ouse or wandering through the vibrant Shambles Market.
Looking to make your York trip as stress free as possible? Book an anytime ticket with Northern and travel to your own accord.
Harrogate
Nearest station: Harrogate
When you’re looking for a day trip that will help you relax and unwind, Harrogate is the perfect destination. Not only is the town centre surrounded by 200 acres of open space, but you’ll find many floral displays, parks and gardens waiting to be enjoyed.
Incredibly popular with spa tourists in the 1800s, Harrogate still boasts many excellent spas, including the iconic Royal Baths in the centre of town. Look forward to indulging in a little water therapy then head along to enjoy afternoon tea in one of the town’s many charming cafes or restaurants. Harrogate is also well known for its thrilling Crime Writing Festival in the summer and Literature Festival in autumn, making it a popular spot for booklovers.
Whether you’re heading to Harrogate for a relaxing day with your squad or you’re planning a special day out, see what you could save by booking group tickets with Northern.
Whitby
Nearest station: Whitby
It takes just over three hours to get from Newcastle to Whitby when you book a direct line with Northern, so while it’s a longer trip it’s still very doable in a day. And when you discover how charming this seaside town is, the journey is very much worth it. The station is located by the town’s scenic harbour and a leisurely wander along The West Pier is the perfect way to stretch your legs and take in the views.
This historic town is a popular choice for fans of history and gothic literature, thanks to its connections to Captain Cook and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Whether you plan to immerse yourself in the gothic side or you’re there to explore the heritage, be sure to try some of the famous fish and chips.
Book our advanced tickets and get started on planning your perfect day trip itinerary.
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Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.