Toon Tour - Hop on and off the Newcastle Gateshead Toon Tour so you can experience the sights & delights of Newcastle city centre & Gateshead.

For those travelling Britain without a car, the Gateshead Quayside offers a truly dynamic destination. Beneath the majestic arch of the Tyne Bridge, the site that once housed the much-loved By The River Brew Co. remains a focal point of riverside activity. This independent container community, known for its lively brewery, taproom, and street food market, previously created a buzzing atmosphere by the water’s edge.

While the original setup has seen changes, the location itself is perfectly placed for discovery. A leisurely stroll across the iconic Millennium Bridge brings you into the heart of Newcastle, or you can hop on a local bus to explore further afield. With exciting plans for a new permanent riverside destination set to transform this spot, car-free visitors can look forward to even more reasons to linger and soak in the breathtaking views.

Embark on a delightful, car-free journey to the vibrant Gateshead Quayside, home to the magnificent Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. This iconic landmark, a transformed flour mill, stands proudly on the River Tyne, offering a beacon of culture easily reached by foot, bus, or Metro. It’s a fantastic destination for those exploring Britain without a car.

As you arrive, perhaps after a pleasant stroll across the striking Gateshead Millennium Bridge from Newcastle’s bustling Quayside, the Baltic welcomes you with its captivating exhibitions of modern art – always free to enter. Wander through its minimalist galleries, explore the engaging family activities, or simply soak in the panoramic views from its viewing platforms. Don’t miss the opportunity to dine at the SIX Rooftop Restaurant, where delicious meals are complemented by breathtaking vistas across the river and city.

The area surrounding Baltic is a joy to explore on foot. Admire the architectural marvel of the Sage Gateshead, another riverside gem, or simply enjoy a leisurely walk along the Quayside. With excellent connections, your journey to and around Baltic will be as relaxing and enriching as the destination itself, proving that some of Britain’s best experiences are best savoured without a car.

Gateshead, nestled on the south bank of the River Tyne, offers a captivating blend of iconic art, rich history, and tranquil green spaces, perfect for exploring without a car. Your adventure could begin with a visit to Antony Gormley’s colossal Angel of the North, a truly breathtaking sight that has become a symbol of the region.

Head towards the bustling Quayside, where the architectural marvel of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge gracefully tilts to allow river traffic to pass – a spectacle not to be missed. Right alongside, the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, housed in a converted flour mill, hosts ever-changing exhibitions and provides stunning panoramic views of the cityscape from its viewing platforms. These riverside gems are easily reached by a pleasant walk or a short bus ride from the town centre.

For a dose of nature, wander through the Victorian splendour of Saltwell Park, often called ‘The People’s Park’, with its beautiful gardens, boating lake, and even Saltwell Towers. Or, escape to the peaceful woodlands of Watergate Forest Park, a reclaimed colliery site now teeming with wildlife and walking trails. Regular local bus services make these serene spots surprisingly simple to get to, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty without a worry.

With its excellent transport links connecting its attractions and easy access to neighbouring Newcastle, Gateshead proves that exploring Britain’s captivating towns is wonderfully achievable and enjoyable without a vehicle.

Standing proudly on the banks of the River Tyne, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, formerly known as Sage Gateshead, is a breathtaking cultural landmark in the North East. Its distinctive, curved glass and steel architecture is a sight to behold, offering panoramic views of the Quayside, river, and iconic bridges from within. You don’t even need a concert ticket to admire its stunning interiors or soak in the atmosphere; the building is open daily for visitors to explore.

Getting here without a car is wonderfully straightforward. The Gateshead Metro station is just a ten-minute stroll away, and if you have a concert ticket, you can even enjoy free Metro travel to and from the venue. From Newcastle Central Station, it’s a pleasant twenty-minute walk, crossing one of the impressive bridges spanning the Tyne.

Once at The Glasshouse, you’re perfectly placed to discover the vibrant local area on foot. Take a leisurely walk across the award-winning Gateshead Millennium Bridge, which tilts to allow ships to pass, then explore the lively Quayside with its array of bars and restaurants on both sides of the river. Right next door, the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, a converted flour mill, offers fascinating exhibitions. For a touch of green, consider a local bus ride to Saltwell Park, a Victorian park boasting beautiful gardens and a boating lake.

Standing proudly with its distinctive green arch, the Tyne Bridge is an enduring symbol of Newcastle upon Tyne, elegantly connecting the city with Gateshead. As you stroll across this iconic structure, originally opened by King George V and Queen Mary in 1928, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the River Tyne and its bustling Quayside below.

The beauty of exploring this area without a car truly shines here. From the bridge, it’s a short walk to the fascinating Gateshead Millennium Bridge, the world’s first tilting bridge, offering another unique perspective of the river and a chance to see it ‘wink’ as it opens for passing ships. Nearby, the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, housed in a former flour mill, invites you to discover modern art and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from its viewing platform. Just a stone’s throw away, the curvaceous Sage Gateshead, a renowned concert venue, adds a futuristic touch to the riverside panorama.

Delve deeper into Newcastle’s heritage with a visit to the historic Newcastle Castle, offering commanding views of the city, or wander along Grey Street, often celebrated as one of Britain’s most beautiful streets. For a change of scenery, hop on a Metro train to the charming coastal town of Tynemouth, brimming with independent shops, cafés, and the impressive ruins of its Priory and Castle overlooking the sea. A quick train ride can also transport you to the historic city of Durham, home to its magnificent Cathedral and Castle. Navigating these gems by foot, bus, or train makes for a wonderfully relaxed and immersive North East adventure.

Standing proudly at the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, Grey’s Monument is more than just a towering column; it’s a captivating symbol of the city’s rich history and a brilliant starting point for exploring. Erected in 1838, this grand monument honours Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey (yes, of the famous tea blend!), celebrating his pivotal role as Prime Minister and the passing of the 1832 Reform Act.

Its central location makes it incredibly easy to navigate Newcastle’s delights. From here, you can wander through the stunning Georgian architecture of Grainger Town, soak up the atmosphere of its independent shops and cafes, or perhaps catch a show at the historic Theatre Royal. The Monument Metro station is right on your doorstep, effortlessly connecting you to every corner of the city.

For those eager to embrace the heights, seasonal tours allow you to climb the 164 steps to the top, rewarding you with unrivalled panoramic views across the city and the preserved beauty of Grainger Town. A short stroll leads you to the vibrant Quayside, where the iconic Tyne Bridge and Gateshead Millennium Bridge span the river, with cultural gems like the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art awaiting across the water. Explore the nearby Discovery Museum or the Great North Museum: Hancock for fascinating insights into local history, all easily reachable without a car.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle Castle stands as a powerful reminder of the city’s turbulent past and the very origin of its name. This imposing Norman fortress, built on a Roman fort site, invites you to step back through centuries of history. Explore the formidable Castle Keep and the intriguing Black Gate, both offering captivating exhibits that bring medieval life to vivid reality.

Ascend to the battlements of the Keep for breathtaking panoramic views across the city, the iconic River Tyne, and Gateshead. Its central location makes it wonderfully accessible for those travelling by bus or train, placing you just a short stroll from the bustling Quayside and the magnificent Tyne Bridge. It’s a perfect car-free adventure into Britain’s rich heritage.