The places new students can visit within 30 minutes by public transport from Newcastle

Hop on the Nexus Metro or Go East buses and discover Newcastle’s history within 30 minutes of travel time.
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So you’ve started your University life in Newcastle and Freshers Week has come to an end. The hangovers have worn off and now you’re looking for a little culture in the city.

But you’ve no access to a car, or simply just want to take advantage of the public transport options that the city has to offer.

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Newcastleworld has taken a look at six different places accessible by bus or the Nexus Metro that are 30 minutes away or less for a day away from studying or merely going to a bar.

Be it taking in the natural surroundings or heading underground among the vast tunnel network beneath the city, there’s a bounty of interesting sights and activities that Newcastle has to offer.

We’ve determined travel times to each location based on coming directly from Newcastle University for ease of navigation.

Places of interest for Newcastle freshers to visit

Life Science Centre

The Life Science Centre looks to show how science is relevant in everyday life to visitorsThe Life Science Centre looks to show how science is relevant in everyday life to visitors
The Life Science Centre looks to show how science is relevant in everyday life to visitors

An award winning visitor attraction deep in the heart of the city, the Life Science Centre opened in 1998 with the purpose of inspiring everyone in North East England to explore and enjoy science.

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Through their interactive exhibits, the Life Science Centre hopes to show how science is relevant in everyday life.

The centre is also home to research labs dedicated to regenerative medicine and genetics, so those studying sciences and medicine will no doubt be familiar with the space.

For more information on events taking place or to buy tickets, visit the Life Science Centre’s website.

Newcastle Castle

How did Newcastle get its name, and why is Newcastle Castle a “grim symbol” of royal authorityHow did Newcastle get its name, and why is Newcastle Castle a “grim symbol” of royal authority
How did Newcastle get its name, and why is Newcastle Castle a “grim symbol” of royal authority
  • Location: The Black Gate, Castle Garth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1RQ
  • Travel time: 16 minutes by bus (X21, 25, 28B, 29 services)

Proudly open every day from 10am to 5pm, Newcastle Castle might be a mouthful to say aloud, but its impeccable upkeep and restoration is a sight to behold.

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A “grim symbol” of royal authority, armies gathered and criminals imprisoned in the castle’s keep, the fortress is a rugged reminder of northern England’s turbulent past.

With tours of the castle discussing its mediaeval heritage and a unique look at how the city was formed (and got its name), booking tickets is a must and can be done by visiting the Newcastle Castle website.

Discovery Museum

The Turbinia was the first steam turbine-powered steamship - and is the first sight upon visiting the Discovery MuseumThe Turbinia was the first steam turbine-powered steamship - and is the first sight upon visiting the Discovery Museum
The Turbinia was the first steam turbine-powered steamship - and is the first sight upon visiting the Discovery Museum

Housed in an old Co-operative Wholesale Society building, Blandford House was converted into a museum in 1978 and finally made the mantle Discovery Museum official in 1993.

A space dedicated to the maritime, scientific and technological importance of Newcastle to the rest of the United Kingdom and the world, if the 34 metre, steam powered Turbinia isn’t enough of a spectacular sight, don’t worry.

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In the rafters of the museum, you’ll find the majestic Great Hall on the fourth floor with its beautiful art-deco ceiling.

You don’t need to book a ticket to visit the Discovery Museum, but for ticketing information and details on current exhibits you can head over to the Discovery Museum’s website.

Victoria Tunnel

Traverse underneath the streets and landmarks of Newcastle via the Victoria TunnelTraverse underneath the streets and landmarks of Newcastle via the Victoria Tunnel
Traverse underneath the streets and landmarks of Newcastle via the Victoria Tunnel
  • Location: Ouse St, Byker, Valley, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2PF
  • Travel time: 18 minutes by bus (Quaycity VOLTRA Q3, Angel 21 services)

Originally built to transport coal to the river and operated between 1842 and the 1860s, the Victoria Tunnel became a safe haven for Newcastle centuries later.

It was converted into an air-raid shelter in 1939 during World War 2, protecting thousands of Newcastle citizens during bomb sieges by the Germans on the industrial city.

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Lurking around the tunnels underneath the city, the guided tours curated by the Ouseburn Trust also have the novelty of learning what Newcastle landmarks you’ll be walking beneath - including part of Hadrian’s Wall.

Booking is highly recommended and can be done by visiting Ouseburn Trust’s dedicated page to the Victoria Tunnel.

Segedunum Roman Fort & Museum

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Segedunum Roman Fort was part originally part of Hadrian’s WallNow a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Segedunum Roman Fort was part originally part of Hadrian’s Wall
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Segedunum Roman Fort was part originally part of Hadrian’s Wall

Segedunum, which means ‘Strong Fort’, was built to guard the eastern end of the Hadrian’s Wall, housing 600 Roman soldiers and stood as a symbol of Roman rule for almost 300 years.

Today, Segedunum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the most excavated fort along Hadrian’s Wall with surviving foundations of many buildings and part of the Wall itself.

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Segedunum houses a large interactive museum plus full-scale reconstructions of a bathhouse and a 35 metre high viewing tower provides outstanding views across the remains of the fort.

For opening times and ticketing information visit Segedunum Roman Fort’s website.

Saltwell Park

Nestled in the heart of Gateshead, Saltwell Park is one of Britain's finest examples of a Victorian parkNestled in the heart of Gateshead, Saltwell Park is one of Britain's finest examples of a Victorian park
Nestled in the heart of Gateshead, Saltwell Park is one of Britain's finest examples of a Victorian park

One of the ten most popular parks in the UK, Saltwell Park is nestled away in the heart of Gateshead and is one of the finest examples of a traditional Victorian park.

Within the grounds of Saltwell Park lies Saltwell Towers; a Gothic mansion surrounded by ornamental gardens boasting an eclectic mix of Gothic, Elizabethan and French styles.

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With a boating lake brimming with wildlife and housing a number of sculptures around the park itself, Saltwell Park is a mere 30 minute trip on Newcastle’s overground rail system and free to boot.

For more information and opening times visit Gateshead Council’s dedicated page to Saltwell Park