Escape the hustle and bustle of city life with these unforgettable day trips across the north, all within easy reach of Newcastle by car.
One of the many things that makes Newcastle so special is it’s location in the heart of the North East, with rugged coastlines, picture-perfect harbours and historical landmarks all close by.
In my spare time, I love exploring new places and discovering local gems, and because I know how difficult it can be to come up with fresh ideas on where to go, I’ve done the legwork for you and rounded up five day trips all under a two-hour drive from Newcastle.
Each one offers something unique, promising a mix of adventure, breathtaking views and feel-good outdoor vibes.
So, take your pick, grab your sat nav and get ready to hit the road this weekend!
St Abbs
Drive time: 1 hour 45 mins
The charming fishing village of St Abbs, named after a 7th century Northumbrian princess, is located on the southeast coast of Scotland. It featured in the film Avengers: Endgame as New Asgard and it’s since become something of a tourist hotspot. In fact, the towns are still ‘twinned’ – look out for the sign!
Whether you’re a Marvel fan or not, pop into the visitor centre to see Thor’s Hammer up close, delve into the village’s heritage, and view an array of artworks and nautical artefacts.
After exploring the harbour and meandering through the village’s cluster of traditional cottages, I also recommend walking along to St Abb’s Head Nature Reserve. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Berwickshire coast from afar.
Holy Island
Drive time: 1 hour 10 mins
Accessible via a causeway at low tide twice a day, the picturesque Holy Island sits just off the Northumberland coast.
Lindisfarne Castle is the jewel in the crown of this small island. It dates from the 1500s and stands atop a craggy hill, looking like something straight from the pages of a fairytale.
Lindisfarne Priory and St Mary’s Church are other historical highlights, and you can explore not one but four beaches around the island.
For an al fresco pitstop, I recommend Pilgrims Coffee House and Roastery, or for something more potent to take away, 793 Spirit & Soul sells its small batch-produced gins, rums and vodkas.
Word of caution! Always check safe crossing times before visiting.
Whitby
Drive time: 1 hour 30 mins
Whitby is a seaside town in North Yorkshire and, most famously, its dramatic setting inspired Bram Stoker’s spine-chilling Gothic novel, Dracula.
Whether it’s walking through the Whalebone Arch (pictured below), ambling down the streets of the Old Town, or climbing up the ‘199 steps’ to enjoy panoramic views – you’ll easily hit your daily step count here, and then some!
Whitby is also home to a replica of HMS Endeavour, sailed by British explorer Captain Cook.
My personal highlight was seeing the eerie ruins of Whitby Abbey and centuries-old tombstones in St Mary’s churchyard.
And no visit would be complete without tucking into a portion of locally-caught Whitby wholetail scampi!
Craster
Drive time: 50 mins
Craster is a quaint fishing village on the Northumberland coast that lies seven miles northeast of Alnwick. Its small and pretty harbour is perfect for a relaxing stroll and capturing Insta-worthy pics!
The windswept walk from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle is a must, and one of the main reasons people stop by this village. You can’t beat the approach up to the castle’s majestic ruins, with the terrain – mostly flat and grassy – hugging the coastline. I’ve done this one-mile long walk several times and find it captivating, every, single, time.
Be sure to round off your trip with a visit to The Jolly Fisherman for a delicious crab sandwich and gorgeous sea views from your table.
Saltburn
Drive time: 1 hour 15 mins
Situated east of Middlesbrough, Saltburn is a small coastal town – and not to be confused with that 2023 film of the same name!
The town’s funicular tramway is the oldest functioning cliff lift in the UK and the views from the top are stunning.
Saltburn’s glorious sandy beach, Victorian cast-iron pier and Valley Gardens all make for a relaxing walk. But, if you’re after something more challenging, the first coastal leg of the 109-mile long Cleveland Way starts here, at the end of Saltburn’s promenade.
Away from the breezy shoreline, Saltburn’s town centre has a great selection of cafes, bars and restaurants. Signals is a classy bistro and go-to brunch destination and, on my visit, I also loved the charm of The Sitting Room – a vintage-styled tea shop and cocktail bar.
For more inspiration on day trips from Newcastle, follow me on Instagram at @NclSparkles.
*Drive times quoted in this article are approximate – please plan your journey beforehand
