Gateshead: The Complete Guide

Gateshead is a vibrant town located on the southern bank of the River Tyne, directly opposite Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England. Its riverside setting offers stunning views and easy access to some of the region’s most iconic landmarks, including the striking Millennium Bridge and the Sage Gateshead, a renowned centre for music and performing arts. Visitors can enjoy a lively cultural scene combined with scenic walks along the Quayside.
The town centre and nearby Quayside area provide a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Gateshead Market is a bustling spot where locals and tourists alike browse fresh produce, crafts, and unique goods. For those interested in art and exhibitions, the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art stands out as a major attraction, hosting cutting-edge exhibitions in a dramatic converted flour mill overlooking the river.
Beyond the urban attractions, Gateshead is surrounded by green spaces such as Saltwell Park, which offers beautifully landscaped gardens, playgrounds, and walking paths. This balance of vibrant city life and natural beauty makes Gateshead a great destination for visitors looking to experience culture, leisure, and relaxation all in one place.
Table of Contents
- History of Gateshead
- 3 Best places to See in Gateshead
- Gateshead Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
- Gateshead Sage
- Gateshead Millennium Bridge
- Saltwell Park Gateshead
- Shipley Art Gallery Gateshead
- Old Low Light Heritage Centre Gateshead
- Derwent Walk Country Park Gateshead
- BALTIC Square and Quayside Gateshead
- William Wailes Stained Glass Studio Gateshead
- Angel of the North Gateshead
- Sage Gateshead
- BALTIC – Centre for Contemporary Art
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- 12 Best Day Trips from Gateshead
- Washington Old Hall
- Beamish
- Gibside
- South Shields
- Sunderland
- Durham
- Hexham
- Brampton, Carlisle
- Carlisle
- Bowness-on-Solway
- York
- Lancaster
- Where to Stay in Gateshead
- Best Time to Visit Gateshead
- How to get to Gateshead
History of Gateshead
Early History of Gateshead
Gateshead’s origins can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon period when it began as a small agricultural settlement. The name “Gateshead” is believed to derive from Old English, meaning “goat’s headland,” reflecting the rural character of the area in its early days. Throughout the medieval period, Gateshead remained a modest village, largely overshadowed by the nearby town of Newcastle, which developed as a major commercial and military centre.
Industrial Growth in Gateshead
The Industrial Revolution brought significant change to Gateshead, transforming it from a quiet rural settlement into a bustling industrial town. The town became a hub for coal mining, glassmaking, and engineering industries. The development of the railways and the construction of bridges over the River Tyne improved connectivity and spurred economic growth. This period saw a rapid increase in population and urban expansion as workers moved in to support the booming industries.
Modern Development of Gateshead
In the 20th and 21st centuries, Gateshead has undergone extensive regeneration and redevelopment. Traditional industries declined, but the town reinvented itself with a focus on culture, the arts, and service sectors. Iconic projects such as the construction of the Sage Gateshead music centre and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art have helped establish Gateshead as a vibrant cultural destination. Ongoing urban renewal initiatives continue to shape its modern identity, blending historic heritage with contemporary development.
Visiting Gateshead for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Gateshead on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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3 Best places to See in Gateshead
This complete guide to Gateshead not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Gateshead and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Sage Gateshead

Location: Sage Gateshead Sage St Mary's Square Gateshead NE8 2JR United Kingdom | Distance: 1.7km
Visiting Sage Gateshead
BALTIC – Centre for Contemporary Art

Location: Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, South Shore Road, Gateshead, UK | Hours: 10am-6pm Wed-Mon, 10.30am-6pm Tue | Website | Distance: 1.9km
Visiting BALTIC – Centre for Contemporary Art
Newcastle upon Tyne

Visiting Newcastle upon Tyne
Best Day Trips from Gateshead
A day trip from Gateshead offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Gateshead provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary.
Washington Old Hall

Location: The Avenue, Washington, England, NE38 7LE, United Kingdom | Hours: 10:00 - 17:00 | Website | Distance: 7.8km
Visiting Washington Old Hall
Beamish

Location: Beamish, the Living Museum of the North Regional Resource Centre Beamish DH9 0RG United Kingdom | Hours: 10am-5pm Easter-Oct, 10am-4pm Nov-Easter, closed Mon & Fri Jan–mid-Feb, last admission 3pm | Price: Adult/Child £19/11 | Website | Distance: 8.6km
Visiting Beamish
Gibside

| Price: Adult £12.00, Child £6.00, Family £30.00 | Website | Distance: 8.9km
Visiting Gibside
South Shields

Visiting South Shields
Sunderland

Visiting Sunderland
Durham

Visiting Durham
Hexham
Visiting Hexham
Brampton, Carlisle

Visiting Brampton, Carlisle
Carlisle

Visiting Carlisle
Bowness-on-Solway

Visiting Bowness-on-Solway
York

Visiting York
Lancaster

Visiting Lancaster
Where to Stay in Gateshead
In the heart of Gateshead, near the iconic Sage Gateshead and the Millennium Bridge, visitors will find several quality hotels that offer both convenience and modern comfort. This area is perfect for those wanting to be close to cultural attractions and the vibrant Quayside. The Hilton Newcastle Gateshead is a popular choice here, providing stylish rooms, excellent amenities, and stunning views over the River Tyne.
Moving slightly south, the Gateshead town centre area offers a range of budget-friendly and mid-range accommodations suitable for both business travellers and tourists. Staying here means easy access to shopping centres, local restaurants, and good transport links. Jurys Inn Newcastle provides a reliable option with comfortable rooms and a convenient location just a short walk from the city centre.
For a quieter stay away from the busier Quayside, the Saltwell area is an excellent choice. Known for its large park and residential neighbourhood, this area offers a more peaceful atmosphere while still being within easy reach of Gateshead’s main attractions. In this area, Ramada Encore Newcastle-Gateshead offers a modern and relaxed environment, ideal for travellers who prefer a tranquil setting.
Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Gateshead. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.
Gateshead Accommodation Map
Best Time to Visit Gateshead
Spring in Gateshead
Spring is a refreshing time to visit Gateshead as the weather starts to warm and parks such as Saltwell Park burst into bloom. This season offers pleasant conditions for walking along the Quayside or exploring outdoor attractions. Spring festivals and local events often bring a lively atmosphere, making it a good season for cultural and recreational activities.
Summer in Gateshead (Best)
Summer is the best time to visit Gateshead thanks to longer daylight hours and generally warmer weather. This season is ideal for enjoying the riverside areas, outdoor markets, and festivals like the Gateshead International Festival of Theatre, which features street performances and open-air shows. Summer also offers opportunities to attend concerts at the Sage Gateshead or explore nearby countryside.
Autumn in Gateshead
Autumn in Gateshead brings cooler temperatures and colourful foliage, creating a picturesque backdrop for visits to local parks and walking trails. The season tends to be quieter than summer, allowing visitors to explore cultural venues like the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art at a more relaxed pace. Autumn events may include harvest celebrations and art exhibitions.
Winter in Gateshead
Winter can be a peaceful time to visit Gateshead, especially during the festive season when the town centre and Quayside are decorated with Christmas lights and markets. Although colder and often damp, winter visitors can enjoy indoor attractions such as theatres, galleries, and cosy cafés. Seasonal performances and holiday events add to the charm during this time of year.
Annual Weather Overview
- January 6°C 46°F
- February 8°C 51°F
- March 10°C 53°F
- April 12°C 57°F
- May 14°C 62°F
- June 17°C 67°F
- July 19°C 71°F
- August 19°C 70°F
- September 17°C 65°F
- October 13°C 59°F
- November 9°C 52°F
- December 8°C 50°F
How to get to Gateshead
Getting to Gateshead by air
Nearest airports
The nearest major airport to Gateshead is Newcastle International Airport, located about 7 miles north of the town centre. It offers domestic and international flights, making it the most convenient option for air travellers visiting Gateshead.
Airport transfer options
From Newcastle International Airport, visitors can reach Gateshead easily by taxi or bus. The airport shuttle services and local buses connect the airport to Gateshead town centre and the Quayside area within 30 minutes.
Getting to Gateshead by train
Direct train services
Gateshead does not have a mainline train station in its town centre, but nearby Newcastle Central Station is just across the river, within walking distance of many Gateshead attractions. Newcastle Central Station is served by frequent trains from London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and other major cities.
Train operators
- LNER (London North Eastern Railway)
- CrossCountry
- TransPennine Express
- Northern Rail
You can find schedules and book tickets via their official websites or through national rail services.
Getting to Gateshead by Car
Gateshead is accessible via the A1 and A184 roads, linking it to the surrounding region and major motorways. Driving offers flexibility to explore both Gateshead’s urban areas and the nearby countryside. Ample parking is available near major attractions like the Baltic Centre and Sage Gateshead.
Travelling around Gateshead
Public transport in Gateshead includes frequent bus services that connect residential areas, the town centre, and the Quayside. Taxis and rideshare services are also widely available. Many visitors enjoy walking along the riverside pathways to explore cultural sites and green spaces.