Best weekend breaks from Newcastle

13 destinations picked for this guide.

From Newcastle you can reach Northumberland's castles and beaches, Durham's cathedral, the Yorkshire coast, the North York Moors and the Lake District in a couple of hours. Edinburgh is also within easy reach by train. These are the best weekend breaks for people in the North East.

Saltburn-by-the-SeaNorth Yorkshire · Budget-friendly

A Victorian seaside town with a pier and a water-powered cliff tramway

 DurhamCounty Durham · Mid-range

A cathedral and castle on a wooded river bend

 North York MoorsNorth Yorkshire · Mid-range

Heather moorland, steam trains and a dramatic coast

 NorthumberlandNorthumberland · Mid-range

Castles, empty beaches, dark skies and Hadrian's Wall

 Richmond (North Yorkshire)North Yorkshire · Mid-range

A Georgian market town beneath a Norman castle, at the door of Swaledale

 Robin Hood's BayNorth Yorkshire · Mid-range

A smugglers' village tumbling down a steep cliff

 StaithesNorth Yorkshire · Mid-range

A cliff-hugging fishing village with a tiny harbour

 WhitbyNorth Yorkshire · Mid-range

A dramatic harbour town with a clifftop abbey

 Yorkshire DalesNorth Yorkshire · Mid-range

Green valleys, limestone scars and drystone walls

 KeswickCumbria · Higher-priced

A lively Lakeland market town between lake and mountains

 Lake DistrictCumbria · Higher-priced

England's biggest national park: lakes, fells and cosy villages

 YorkNorth Yorkshire · Higher-priced

Medieval walls, a magnificent minster and cobbled streets

 EdinburghScotland · Premium

A dramatic castle city of cobbled lanes, festivals and whisky

Frequently asked questions

What is the best weekend away from Newcastle?

Northumberland and Durham are close and rewarding, while Whitby and the Lake District offer bigger changes of scene.

Is Edinburgh a realistic weekend trip?

Yes. It is only about 1.5 hours by train from Newcastle, which makes it an easy and popular choice.

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More guides

Best weekend breaks from Manchester and the North WestBest weekend breaks from LondonBest weekend breaks from Birmingham and the MidlandsBest weekend breaks in Yorkshire and the North EastBest weekend breaks in ScotlandBest weekend breaks in Wales

Last reviewed October 2026. Prices and journey times are estimates, so check before you book. Report an error or share a tip.