- North East Combined Authority
- 1 hour · Bus
The Toon Tour
Route around Newcastle and Gateshead
Food and drink
Architecture
History & Heritage
Key info
About this journey
The Newcastle Toon Tour is the hop-on hop-off, open-top city tour bus that runs during the Spring and Summer.
Journey overview
Summer route only...
The Newcastle Toon Tour is the hop-on hop-off, open-top city tour bus that runs during the Spring and Summer. From shopping to history, the arts, culture, nightlife and sporting pedigree, this is a circuit that packs in so much and is easy on the feet, connecting all the great sights without having to walk up and down the steep roads of Newcastle and Gateshead to do so!
Visitors can hop on and hop off to their heart's content as they explore the copious attractions and take in the city's sights from the heights of this open top bus. This is a panoramic journey penetrating the heart of this dynamic, invigoratingly bustling city, with its fabulous sights and sounds.
Buses start from Central Station in Newcastle and then serve 17 stops on a circular route which takes in some of the finest sights around the city.
It’s a fabulous experience spotting all the bridges across the River Tyne and there’s no more dramatic an entry than being outside, upstairs as the bus crosses the Tyne Bridge. Famous sights including St James’ Park and the Quayside are featured and gems such as the street art near the Sage and the oft-overlooked Ouseburn within this eclectic City. There’s informative, commentary on-board too, regaling history and exciting titbits about the journey as well as savings on entry at several attractions.
Fab day out
- Discovery Museum: The Discovery Museum is a fascinating museum that tells the story of Newcastle's history and industrial heritage. It features interactive exhibits, displays, and artifacts that highlight the city's past, including the famous Turbinia steamship.
- St James' Park: Home to Newcastle United Football Club, St James' Park is one of the most iconic sporting venues in the UK and right in the heart of the City. Even if you're not a football fan, the stadium is worth a visit for its impressive grandeur and maybe one of its fabulous stadium tours, which take you behind the scenes of this great venue and give a fab insight into the trials, tribulations and occasional glory of Newcastle United!
- Great North Museum: The Great North Museum is another excellent museum that covers a wide range of topics, including natural history, archaeology, and ancient cultures. The museum is home to an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that are both educational and engaging.
- Ouseburn: Located on the east side of the city, Ouseburn is a vibrant and creative area that's home to numerous art galleries, music venues, and restaurants. It's also a great place to take a walk along the river and explore the area's industrial heritage.
- Quayside: The Quayside is one of the most iconic areas of Newcastle, with its picturesque bridges, historic buildings, and bustling nightlife. The area is full of bars, restaurants, and shops, making it an excellent place to spend an afternoon or evening.
- Millennium Bridge: The Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian and cyclist bridge that spans the River Tyne, connecting Newcastle to Gateshead. The bridge is a modern architectural marvel and is particularly impressive when lit up at night.
- Tyne Bridge: The Tyne Bridge is another iconic landmark of Newcastle and is one of the most recognizable bridges in the UK. The bridge spans the River Tyne and is a great place to take a walk and enjoy the views of the city.
- Baltic: The Baltic is a contemporary art museum that's housed in a converted flour mill on the south bank of the River Tyne. The museum features a wide range of modern art exhibitions and installations and offers stunning views of the river and the city.
- Sage Gateshead: The Sage Gateshead is a world-class music venue that hosts a wide range of concerts and performances throughout the year. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece and is worth a visit even if you're not attending a show.
- Grey’s Monument and Grey Street: Grey's Monument is a Grade I listed monument that commemorates the achievements of Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey. The monument is located on Grey Street, which is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful streets in the UK. The street is lined with elegant Georgian buildings and is a must-see for architecture lovers.
- Newcastle Castle: Newcastle Castle is a medieval castle that dates back to the 12th century. The castle is located in the heart of the city and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Newcastle Cathedral: Newcastle Cathedral is a beautiful medieval church that's located in the city centre. The cathedral is home to stunning stained-glass windows, intricate carvings, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Plan your route
Plan your route to this Great Scenic Journey
Zoom in to follow the road-by-road route and tap any stop for its next departures, see the live buses moving in real time and find the attractions along the way.
Route line is approximate and may differ slightly from the road the bus takes.
🎫 Rewards on this route
Show your bus ticket, save money
Travel this route today and unlock exclusive discounts at places along the way.
10% OFFAd Gefrin
Step into the story of the Northumbrian kings at Ad Gefrin, an Anglo-Saxon museum and whisky distillery in Wooler, Northumberland.
🎫 Show your bus ticket10% off Museum & Distillery tours (tickets offer repeat access to Museum for 7 days)
View reward →
20% OFF
10% OFFArbeia, South Shields Roman Fort
Outdoor visitor attraction.
🎫 Show your bus ticket10% off in shop (on selected items)
View reward →
🥾 Walking routes
Stretch your legs along the way
Take your scenic journey to the next level, hop off and explore on foot with this curated walk from the expert team at Go Jauntly, the walking app.
Stops & experiences
Places to visit & things to do on this journey
12 attractions the route passes, handpicked. Filter by category to narrow it down.
- Architecture
Family Friendly- History & Heritage
Museum
Discovery Museum
Nearest stop: Westgate Road-Rutherford Street
The Discovery Museum invites all to explore the interplay of science, history, and innovation within its historic walls, offering a blend of interactive exhibits and educational…
- Architecture
Major Landmarks
Sport
St James’ Park
Nearest stop: St James' Park
St James' Park, the legendary home of Newcastle United, embodies the city's football fervor, offering an immersive stadium experience and guided tours that delve into its…
- Architecture
- Family Friendly
- History & Heritage
- Museum
Great North Museum
Nearest stop: Claremont Road / Great North Museum
The Great North Museum is a captivating fusion of natural history, archaeology, and art, inviting visitors to explore diverse exhibits and engage with interactive displays, all…
- Architecture
Countryside- Family Friendly
- History & Heritage
Ouseburn
Nearest stop: Lime Street-S/B
Ouseburn, a haven of creativity and history, features repurposed industrial spaces, artistic expressions, and riverside charm, embodying the neighborhood's unique blend of…
- Architecture
- Family Friendly
- Food and drink
- History & Heritage
Quayside
Nearest stop: Quayside Law Courts (Quayside W-bound)
Newcastle Quayside, a waterfront gem, harmoniously combines history, entertainment, and scenic beauty, boasting landmarks like the Gateshead Millennium Bridge and trendy…
- Architecture
- Family Friendly
- Major Landmarks
Millennium Bridge
Nearest stop: Quayside Law Courts (Quayside W-bound)
The Millennium Bridge, with its innovative design and illuminating presence, links Newcastle and Gateshead in a modern marvel that reflects both history and advancement.
- Architecture
- History & Heritage
- Major Landmarks
Tyne Bridge
Nearest stop: Quayside Guildhall
The Tyne Bridge in Newcastle upon Tyne is an iconic symbol of the Northeast, majestically spanning the River Tyne and connecting Newcastle with Gateshead. Completed in 1928, this…
- Architecture
- Family Friendly
- History & Heritage
Art Galleries
Baltic
Nearest stop: Quayside Law Courts (Quayside W-bound)
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art offers a dynamic exploration of modern art within its historic industrial setting, captivating visitors with diverse exhibitions and innovative…
- Architecture
- Family Friendly
- History & Heritage
Theatre
Sage Gateshead
Nearest stop: Quayside Law Courts (Quayside W-bound)
Sage Gateshead, an architectural marvel nestled along the Tyne River, stands as a beacon of culture and creativity. This innovative music and arts venue, designed by Foster +…
Events along this route
What you can reach on the The
Festivals, fairs and seasonal moments, hop off at the nearest stop.
- Music & ConcertsThe Courettes - Cluny 2 Lime Street-S/B · 30 m · ~1 min walk
- Outdoors & NatureIndoor Nature Story Walk - Newcastle Cathedral High Level Bridge North End · 63 m · ~1 min walk
- Music & ConcertsAndrea Von Kampen - Cluny 2 Lime Street-S/B · 30 m · ~1 min walk
- Theatre & PerformanceBarnum - Theatre Royal Newcastle Market Street West 'Stop Z' · 26 m · ~1 min walk
- Music & ConcertsThe Harry Styles Tribute Show - O2 City Hall Newcastle Haymarket John Dobson Street · 99 m · ~2 min walk
- Music & ConcertsRobert Arkins - Commitments - The Grove Ouseburn · 258 m · ~4 min walk
⚽🏏 Match days
Sport on this route
Football, cricket and speedway fixtures you can reach from this journey's stops.
- Tue 11 Aug, 19:45⚽ Football · Northern Div 1
Whickham v Kendal Town
Whickham Glebe Sports Club, Whickham
🚌 Connecting bus from Westgate Road-Rutherford Street
How to get there → - Tue 11 Aug, 19:45⚽ Football · NPL East
Heaton Stannington v Guisborough Town
The Willow Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
🚌 Connecting bus from Claremont Road / Great North Museum
How to get there → - Wed 12 Aug, 19:30⚽ Football · Northern Div 2
Jarrow v Seaham Red Star
Perth Green, Jarrow. Tyne & Wear
🚌 Connecting bus from Ouseburn
How to get there → - Fri 14 Aug, 19:30⚽ Football · FA Vase 1Q
Whickham v Newcastle University
Whickham Glebe Sports Club, Whickham
🚌 Connecting bus from Westgate Road-Rutherford Street
How to get there → - Sat 15 Aug, 15:00⚽ Football · NPL East
Dunston v Garforth Town
UTS Stadium
🚌 Connecting bus from Westgate Road-Rutherford Street
How to get there → - Sat 15 Aug, 15:00⚽ Football · National North
South Shields v Chorley
Mariners Park, Jarrow
🚌 Connecting bus from Ouseburn
How to get there → - Sat 15 Aug, 15:00⚽ Football · National League
Gateshead v Woking
The International Stadium, Gateshead
🚌 23 min walk from Walker Road-Horatio Street
How to get there → - Sat 15 Aug, 15:00⚽ Football · Northern Div 2
Jarrow v Seaton Carew
Perth Green, Jarrow. Tyne & Wear
🚌 Connecting bus from Ouseburn
How to get there → - Sat 15 Aug, 15:00⚽ Football · Northern Div 1
Newcastle Benfield v Horden Community Welfare
MKM stadium, Newcastle upon Tyne
🚌 Connecting bus from Lime Street-S/B
How to get there → - Tue 18 Aug, 19:30⚽ Football · Northern Div 1
Newcastle Blue Star v Crook Town
KD Stadium, Scotswood
🚌 Connecting bus from Westgate Road-Rutherford Street
How to get there → - Tue 18 Aug, 19:45⚽ Football · NPL East
Dunston v Consett AFC
UTS Stadium
🚌 Connecting bus from Westgate Road-Rutherford Street
How to get there → - Tue 18 Aug, 19:45⚽ Football · National North
Hebburn Town v Worksop Town
The Trustmark Group Stadium, Hebburn
🚌 Connecting bus from Ouseburn
How to get there →
