First up is Corbridge, a sleepy Northumberland village that is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Just a thirty-five-minute train ride from the city, you can begin your trip with a visit to Grants Bakery, where you can pick up something sweet for the day ahead. Their strawberry tarts are a personal favourite of mine, but there are plenty of other options to choose from too! Equally, if you’re a book lover, Forum Books is well worth a browse, with a cosy feel and shelves packed with everything from new releases to old classics. Once you’ve wandered around the village, you can take a stroll down towards the River Tyne and follow the Corbridge Riverside Trail for some peaceful countryside views.
"...full of historic buildings, peaceful, cobbled streets and a beautiful riverside setting..."
If you fancy venturing a little further afield, Edinburgh is a great choice for a day trip. At around an hour and a half by train from Newcastle, Scotland’s capital offers plenty to see and do, from wandering the cobbled streets of Old Town to exploring what the Royal Mile has to offer. Once you arrive, Victoria Street is well worth a wander. It is full of colourful buildings and independent shops full of everything from vintage clothing to books, artwork and plenty of Scottish souvenirs. If you work up an appetite as you’re exploring, be sure to try Mary’s Milk Bar, a small gelateria serving their homemade ice cream in plenty of delicious flavours, although the chocolate is hard to beat! For a quieter side of Edinburgh, head to Dean Village, a beautiful and picturesque spot just a fifteen-minute walk from the city centre. It is full of historic buildings, peaceful, cobbled streets and a beautiful riverside setting, making it a perfect spot to explore, take a few photos and slow the pace down for a little bit.
For a day trip a little closer to home, Durham is a brilliant option. Fifteen minutes out from Newcastle, Durham is an easy place to spend a few hours exploring. The cathedral is an obvious place to start, but there are plenty of museums, shops and cafés to explore along the way. Equally, if you’re after something a little different, pay a visit to Durham Market Hall, home to around forty independent traders who offer everything from food, crafts and gifts to vinyls, vintage clothing and jewellery. Whether its history, shopping or simply finding a nice café for a hot drink and a slice of cake, Durham makes for a great change of scenery without the long journey.
So, when you fancy a break from the Toon, there are plenty of spots waiting to be explored only a short journey away. Whether it’s a change of scenery, an excuse to get out and about with your friends, or a chance to discover somewhere new you’re after, there are plenty of day trips to make the most of right on Newcastle’s doorstep.