Edinburgh Castle - perhaps a step up from Newcastle’s own - (I’m sorry!) Edinburgh Castle is truly breathtaking for it stands at the very top of the city and provides stunning views for visitors. It used to house the Scottish monarchs but now stands as a historical site and museum, where you can marvel at crown jewels, a great hall, and royal tapestries. The castle regularly host performances and you can even stop by for afternoon tea if feeling decadent.
The Roman Baths - a personal favourite, the Roman Baths offer both a glimpse into Britain’s Roman history as well as being a perfect springboard to explore the beautiful city of Bath and its Regency architecture. The museums display some of the finest objects from Roman Britain, like Minerva’s head and Roman tablets. Just a stone’s throw from The Baths is Bath Abbey, one of the most impressive examples of Gothic architecture in England.
Westminster Abbey - it may seem like an obvious choice, but the history of the Abbey undeniably makes it one of the UK’s most iconic sites. Visitors get the rare chance to view the burial sites of Chaucer, Spenser, Blake, Newton, as well as an estimated 18 monarchs. A recent display has seen the installation of a Hockney stained glass window, for those who are artistically inclined.
Hadrian’s Wall - for the outdoorsy types, Hadrian’s Wall is a perfect destination, and parts of it can easily be accessed from Newcastle. A UNESCO site, the wall spans coast to coast, and can take about a week to hike in its entirety, although plenty of smaller trails can be chosen and offer equally historic and sublime views of the countryside. A great option for those looking to get out of the city for a change of scene.
