Car hire in Newcastle
Explore the North East with Avis car rental
Once a major powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution, the city has washed off the coal dust to become one of Europe’s leading nightlife destinations. You'll also find a wealth of culture, cuisine, coastline and countryside to explore at your own pace with Avis car rental. Book nowPopular car hire locations in Newcastle
Avis car hire fine-tuned just for you
Whether you need a city car, people carrier or luxury saloon, Avis car rental will meet your needs. All our vehicles are backed by our familiar range of services, including breakdown assistance and out-of-hours return. Satellite navigation and child seats are available as optional extras.Post-industrial playground
Having done its shift in the shipyards and pits, the city is all glammed up and ready for a night on the ‘toon’.The centre is packed with all kinds of nightspots, from traditional pubs and comedy venues to trendy bars and nightclubs. If you’re a party animal, the main migration routes are from ‘The Gate’ in the city centre, down through the Bigg Market and the high-end ‘Diamond Strip’ to the watering holes of the Quayside.
If your idea of a night out is a little more sedate, Newcastle has been acquiring something of a reputation as a centre for culinary excellence. You’ll also find a huge variety of international cuisine, including European, Middle Eastern, South Asian and Chinese.
If shopping is more your thing, this city has it in the bag. From Europe’s largest indoor shopping and leisure complex, the Metrocentre, to designer boutiques and some fascinating vintage and retro stores, you’ll find something to suit your tastes.
South of the river, in Gateshead, you’ll find the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. Housed in a landmark industrial building, it is the largest art space of its kind anywhere in the world and has a dynamic programme of exhibitions and events.
The emergence of this city as a major cultural centre began with arguably one of the world’s finest examples of public art: Antony Gormley’s ‘Angel of the North’. Standing 66 feet tall, and with the wingspan of a Jumbo Jet, it watches over Tyneside from its hilltop perch, 7 miles south of the city centre.
The city itself has a rich visual heritage, from the Georgian and Victorian architecture known as ‘Tyneside Classical’ to the eclectic mix of bridges on the Tyne, including the stunning new Millennium Bridge.
Festivals, events and day trips on Tyneside
Newcastle is home to one of only five ‘Chinatowns’ in England, which means there are always noisy and colourful celebrations for the Chinese New Year in late January or early February.The Spring bank holiday in May sees the latest edition of the Evolution music festival. The largest urban music festival in Britain, it includes pop, indie and contemporary urban acts.
The Hoppings, held on the Town Moor during the last week in June, is Europe’s largest travelling fun fair. There are more laughs to be had at the end of July with the Newcastle Gateshead Comedy Festival.
Throughout the year, you’ll find a diverse programme of world-class music at the Norman Foster-designed Sage Gateshead Music and Arts Centre. The Theatre Royal is the regional home of the Royal Shakespeare Company and an architectural masterpiece in its own right. For more alternative productions, try the Live Theatre or Northern Stage.
Every other Saturday from August to May, you’ll find a different kind of drama, complete with audience participation, at another major icon of Tyneside culture: Newcastle United FC. Dominating the city skyline, St James’ Park stadium is a symbol of the local passion for football.
Just a few minutes from the city, you can enjoy sand, sea and maybe even a little sun on some of Britain’s finest Blue Flag beaches. The stunning North East coastline has wonderful surf and some fabulous coastal walks.
Other out-of-town attractions include the 13th century Tynemouth Priory and Castle and the nearby Blue Reef Aquarium. South of the river is the Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum in South Shields and Bede’s World in Jarrow – a trip back in time to the age of saints and kings.
For a little natural tranquillity, try the Birkheads Secret Garden and Nursery in Sunniside, the huge Gibside forest garden and landscape park, or the WWT Washington Wetland Centre. All three locations are about 20 minutes’ drive south of the city centre.
Plan your car hire journey from Newcastle
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne riverside city provides the perfect base to explore both its vibrant self and its sister town Gateshead, settled on the south bank of the River Tyne (easily accessed via several bridges). Many prime cultural sights lie on your doorstep, such as Newcastle Castle and the St Nicholas Cathedral. With its eye-catching mix of historic and ultra-modern attractions, Newcastle has an extremely interesting cityscape.If you want to find out more about the city, a visit to the Discovery Museum is a must. With interactive displays and activities, it’s a fun way to learn about the history of Newcastle and Tyneside. The Life Science Centre, featuring the only 4D motion ride in the northeast of England, plus a huge planetarium, is also a fun option for a family day out.
A trip to Newcastle Castle is another must. As well as offering outstanding views, this fascinating historic site allows you to navigate ancient passageways and chambers, as well as explore the medieval dungeons where prisoners were once held. It’s also possible to understand Newcastle's intriguing past by simply driving around the city and studying the diverse architecture. Not only does it boast stunning examples of buildings designed by famous architect Richard Grainger; it’s also home to Grey’s Monument – a well-known landmark erected in 1838 to commemorate the Reform Act of 1832. The Theatre Royal is also in the area, alongside a generous sprinkling of cafes, bars, shops and galleries.
Venture down to Quayside on the River Tyne to appreciate some of Newcastle's most iconic architecture: its bridges. There are several along the river, including Tyne Bridge (built in the 1920s) and the contemporary Gateshead Millennium Bridge. Once an industrial centre, this dockland area has been redeveloped into a hip cultural hub with bars, restaurants, art galleries and music venues. The Sage Gateshead performing arts centre dominates the riverfront skyline.
Day trips on Tyneside
Just 15 minutes from the city centre (via the A1) is the city’s most famous attraction: the Angel of the North. Designed by Antony Gormley, this impressive piece of public art stands at 20 metres tall and 54 metres wide.
All these sights and more are within easy reach from the comfort of your rental car.
Discover Newcastle and the northeast of England without a care, just your Avis hire car and the open road ahead.
Just a few minutes from the city, you can enjoy sand, sea and maybe even a little sun on some of Britain’s finest Blue Flag beaches. The stunning North East coastline has wonderful surf and some fabulous coastal walks.
Other out-of-town attractions include the 13th-century Tynemouth Priory and Castle. South of the river is the Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum in South Shields and Bede’s World in Jarrow – a trip back in time to the age of saints and kings.
For a little natural tranquillity, try the Birkheads Secret Garden and Nursery in Sunniside, the huge Gibside forest garden and landscape park, or the WWT Washington Wetland Centre. All three locations are about 20 minutes’ drive south of the city centre.
Beyond Newcastle
The northeast of England boasts a host of award-winning attractions and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as well as housing more castles than any other region in the country. Add to this the stunning scenery, pretty beaches, excellent golf courses and diverse cities, like Newcastle, Gateshead and Durham, it’s little wonder so many visitors flock here each year. From historic sights to breath taking natural landscapes, there’s much to explore in the regions surrounding Newcastle. All you need is your hire car.
Northumberland
Head north and within the hour you’ll hit the wild county of Northumberland, where top attractions like Alnwick Castle (featured in the Harry Potter movies) await. Boasting some of the most beautifully rugged beaches in Britain, the Northumberland coast is nothing short of spectacular. Warkworth and Alnmouth are two of the most popular, with their long stretches of golden sand.
South Shields
The coastal town of South Shields presents a long list of attractions, including the South Shields Museum and Art Gallery, Marsden beach, the South and North Marine Parks and the Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum. All this can be reached in your rental car within just 25 minutes from central Newcastle.
Hadrian’s Wall
Take the A69 from Newcastle Airport and in under an hour you’ll reach Hadrian’s Wall and Housesteads Roman Fort – the most complete of its kind in Britain. Aside from discovering the history behind these famous archaeological remains, the area offers excellent walking and cycling trails.
Durham
Durham is less than a 40-minute drive from Newcastle Airport via the A1 and A1 (M). Steeped in history, the city’s castle and cathedral were awarded World Heritage Site status in 1986. Durham itself is well worth exploring with its enchanting cobbled streets, chic boutiques and cosy pubs. Nearby Durham Dales and the North Pennines (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) are around a 90-minute drive from the city and perfect for an afternoon of rest and relaxation.
Tynemouth Longsands
Drive for just an hour from the airport (via the A1058) and you’ll reach Tynemouth Longsands.
Backed by cliffs, this striking golden sand beach has been awarded a Blue Flag. Take advantage of the onsite parking and toilet facilities.
Keen ramblers will delight in the choice of nearby beaches along this coast. Stretch your legs with a long walk and if you’re feeling adventurous, splash about with watersports.
There’s much to discover in the northeast of England. All you have to do is drive. Once your Avis car hire is organised, you’re free to explore Newcastle and its stunning surrounds at your leisure.