According to Ant and Dec, these are the top places to visit North of the Tyne
Ant and Dec are North East icons, and in their podcast episode titled “Hanging out with Ant & Dec”, they revealed some of the top spots to go to across Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside.
To plan your journey to any of the spots mentioned, use our journey planner to help.
The North East has everything: city, beaches and countryside, Ant’s recommendation, to start your travel around the region, is to stay in Newcastle City Centre where the public transport links are excellent and Dec thinks “The Metro is a brilliant way to get around. Gets you everywhere”.
1. The Quayside
Newcastle Quayside has iconic landmarks like the Tyne Bridge, as well as popular restaurants and bars. On the Gateshead side of the river, you will also find The Glasshouse, an amazing live music venue.
The closest Metro station to Newcastle Quayside is Monument. For The Glasshouse, Gateshead Metro station is nearest.
The closest bus stop is Newcastle Upon Tyne, Quayside Guildhall.
2. Alnwick Gardens
Second on Ant and Dec’s list was to travel up into Northumberland, to the beautiful Alnwick Gardens. The gardens accompanied by Alnwick Castle are rich in history and are perfect to walk around at all times of the year. Blossom Season (April to May) at the Gardens are very popular along with their late night Winter openings.
Closest bus stop is Alnwick, Playhouse. You can also travel there by rail to Alnmouth Rail station and then take the bus to Alnwick, Playhouse.
3. Whitley Bay
Whitley Bay is a seaside town in North Tyneside. There is a lovely promenade over-looking the coast-line, with St Mary’s Lighthouses standing as a beacon too. Whitley Bay is also famous for its variety of local independent businesses including homeware brands and cafes.
The closest Metro station to the beach is Whitley Bay.
The closest bus stop is Whitley Bay, Park Avenue-York Road.
4. Cullercoats
Despite being smaller than Whitley Bay, Cullercoats is a seaside town with a whole lot to offer. With a sheltered bay, this is an ideal place for a beach-day and water sports. It has also become a popular spot for wild-swimming and kayaking.
The closest Metro station is Cullercoats.
The closest bus stop is Cullercoats, Mast Lane.
5. Tynemouth
A top spot mentioned by Ant and Dec was Tynemouth, and specifically the King Edward’s Bay. The bay has stunning views of Tynemouth Priory and is also home to Riley’s Fish Shack, described by Dec as Up-market Fish and Chips, the fish shack has a range of seafood options and deck-chairs that overlook the sea.
Closest Metro station to the bay is Tynemouth.
Closest bus stop is Tynemouth, King Edward Road-Mill Grove.
5. North Shields
Briefly spoken about was North Shields, and although Ant and Dec didn’t specifically mention the Fish Quay, this is also an unmissable North East spot. North Shields Fish Quay has a variety of local restaurants who create top quality dishes. It is the perfect relaxing evening spot, with plenty of choice for drinks or food.
Closest Metro station is North Shields.
Closest bus stop is North Shields, Union Road – Fish Quay.
If you are travelling from South Tyneside or further South, you can get the Shields Ferry from South Shields to North Shields. It takes 7 minutes to cross the Tyne and you can then walk down to the Fish Quay.
6. Pink Lane Bakery
Although not a location, this was Ant’s top recommendation of where to go for pastries in the North East. Pink Lane Bakery hand-craft all their artisan breads and pastries, with exciting flavours like their blueberry custard croissant. The shop is available in four places across Newcastle, with two in the city centre (Pink Lane and Fenwicks) , one in Jesmond and one in Gosforth. Make sure to get their early to ensure you can get your hands on the full stock as their pastries sell out quick!
The closest Metro station for the shop that is on actual Pink Lane, head to Central. Closest bus stop is Newcastle Upon Tyne, Grainger Street stop 55.
For Fenwicks, hop off at Monument Metro station. Closest bus stop is Newcastle Upon Tyne, Monument Pilgrim Street.
For Jesmond Pink Lane, go to West Jesmond Metro station. Closest bus stop is Jesmond, Osborne Road-Grosvenor Road.
For Gosforth Pink Lane, go to Regent Centre Metro station. Closest bus stop is Gosforth, Salter’s Road – High Street.
If you want to listen to Ant and Dec’s podcast episode all about their recommendations, click this link to their YouTube and watch from 7mins 30 seconds to 11mins 15 seconds.
