Visiting Newcastle
Make the most of your time in Newcastle
The summit takes place in Newcastle upon Tyne, October 2027 (date to be confirmed). We will add the venue and nearby hotels here once it is confirmed.
Getting here
- By train
- Newcastle Central Station is in the city centre on the East Coast Main Line. London King’s Cross is about three hours away, Edinburgh about an hour and a half, and there are direct trains from Manchester, Leeds, York, Birmingham and Bristol.
- By air
- Newcastle International Airport has flights from across the UK and Europe. The Metro runs from the terminal to the city centre in about 25 minutes.
- By road
- Newcastle is on the A1 and the A19. City centre car parks fill up on weekdays, so we suggest booking a space ahead or using park and ride.
- By sea
- DFDS ferries sail overnight from Amsterdam (IJmuiden) to the Port of Tyne at North Shields, a short trip from the city.
- Getting around
- The city centre is compact and walkable. The Tyne and Wear Metro links the centre with the airport, Gateshead, Jesmond and the coast, and every Metro station has step-free access.
Where to stay
Newcastle has hotels for every budget, and most visitors stay within walking distance of the centre or the river. October is a busy month, so we recommend booking early and choosing a flexible rate.
- City centre
Around Grey Street, Grey’s Monument and Central Station. Handy for trains, shops and restaurants.
- Quayside
On the river, beside the bridges. Lively in the evening, with plenty of places to eat.
- Gateshead Quays
Across the Millennium Bridge, next to BALTIC and The Glasshouse, with views back over the city.
- Jesmond
A quieter, leafy area a few minutes north of the centre by Metro, close to Jesmond Dene.
Beware of hotel booking scams. We will never phone or email you to sell hotel rooms. If anyone contacts you claiming to be our official housing or hotel agent, read our scam warning and check with us first.
Things to see and do
Culture
- BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. A former flour mill on the Gateshead riverside, now a free contemporary art gallery with a rooftop view.
- The Glasshouse International Centre for Music. The curved glass concert hall beside BALTIC.
- Laing Art Gallery. Fine and decorative art in the city centre.
- Great North Museum: Hancock. Natural history, ancient Egypt and a large model of Hadrian’s Wall.
- Newcastle Castle. The Castle Keep and Black Gate, which gave the city its name.
Out and about
- The Quayside and its bridges. Walk the river from the Tyne Bridge to the tilting Millennium Bridge.
- Grey Street and Grainger Town. Some of the finest Georgian streets in England.
- Grainger Market. A Victorian covered market with food stalls and independent traders.
- Ouseburn Valley. Studios, independent venues, a city farm and riverside pubs.
A quieter moment
- Jesmond Dene. A wooded valley with a stream, waterfall and footpaths, minutes from the centre.
- Tynemouth. About 25 minutes by Metro: a priory and castle on the headland, Longsands beach and a weekend market in the station.
- Leazes Park. The city’s oldest park, with a lake and gentle paths.
If you stay on
- Angel of the North. Antony Gormley’s landmark sculpture in Gateshead.
- Durham. The cathedral and castle are about 15 minutes away by train.
- Hadrian’s Wall. Roman forts and walks along the wall, an easy day trip.
- Northumberland coast. Bamburgh, Alnwick and Holy Island, about an hour’s drive north.
What to pack
Newcastle in October is usually cool and changeable, with daytime temperatures around 8 to 14°C. Bring layers, a waterproof and comfortable shoes: the walk up from the Quayside to the city centre is steep in places.
Need help planning?
If you have an access need, or questions about getting to the event, get in touch. See also our accessibility information and frequently asked questions.