Top Things to do in Newcastle
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What to do and see in Newcastle, United Kingdom (UK): The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Newcastle, United Kingdom (UK) including Tollymore Forest Park, Murlough National Nature Reserve, Silent Valley and Ben Crom Reservoirs, Dundrum Castle, Slieve Donard, Kilbroney Park, Newcastle Visitor Information Centre, Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, The Granite Trail, Funny Farm Adventures.
Restaurants in Newcastle
1. Tollymore Forest Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 569 reviews
Reviewed By DM66 - Co. Down
We have been frequent visitors to Tollymore Forest for many years and can’t recommend it highly enough.
There are several marked trails of varying distances and levels of effort including a riverside one and one that takes you to the highest point in the park.
The trails are frequented by walkers, runners, horse riders and mountain bikers but after only a few minutes from the main carpark you will not see too many other visitors.
We have frequently seen deer in the park and occasionally red squirrels.
More recently you might bump into cloak wearing, sword welding fans of Game if Thrones as some scenes have been filmed in the park.
2. Murlough National Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 245 reviews
Reviewed By O5311WYbriano - Lisburn, United Kingdom
We have travelled across the wooden road to the beach on many occasions. It is beautiful and the wooden road makes it very easy for families with children and pushchairs to access the most beautiful beach Newcastle has to offer.There is a large car park at the twelve arches and many spaces along the main road to Newcastle on each side of the road .At any time of year this is a brilliant hidden place to visit as you will enjoy the wonderful sandy beach and a view to die for (approx 20 min easy walk to the beach but well worth it and no hard slog) Toilets and the lack of. Now that's another problem which could be the icing on a beautiful cake
3. Silent Valley and Ben Crom Reservoirs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 301 reviews
Reviewed By Roamerabout7070
Visited the Silent valley which is a major Reservoir for Northern Ireland, enjoyed the spectacular walks through the woods and by the river. A mini interpretive centre narrates the lives of the building gangs which is fascinating. On the complex it boasts an excellent cafe with superb coffee and cakes served by friendly staff. We were lucky that the sunny weather allowed us to enjoy our snacks at the outside tables. 'Twas a great day out and we shall return soon.
4. Dundrum Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 158 reviews
Reviewed By carriegault - N. Ireland
A hidden gem in the lovely town of Dundrum surrounded by trees and a treat to discover. Free admission and plenty to look at in the castle itself, the Blundell house ruins (17th century) and the spectacular views across Dundrum Bay to Murlough and the Mournes. Use your imagination and this is a fun place to spend time and maybe have a picnic.
5. Slieve Donard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
Reviewed By LPK1997 - Belfast, United Kingdom
Lovely staff and beautiful room. Only slight mishap on my part is that we used the spa facilities at three, bad idea, this is the time kids are allowed in and it was mental, not very relaxing at all! So guys plan around the hours kids are allowed in! 9-12 and 3-6! Wish I had known but the facilities are fab!
6. Kilbroney Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
Reviewed By likes2travelChester - Lurgan, United Kingdom
We took the kids here for a night camping. The campsite was in beautiful surroundings with a small stream nearby and within walking distance of Kilbrony Park itself and the beautiful village of Rostrevor. The Narnia trail itself was a little disappointing after having been to Slieve Gullion, I suppose I was expecting a lot more. However, the park was stunningly beautiful with a backdrop of the Mountains and some wonderful trees. The 'Fairy Glen' at the bottom in Rostrevor with its lovely babbling stream was also so beautiful and peaceful. The campsite itself had plenty for us: a cafe (if needed), clean toilets and shower blocks; a climbing wall; firepit (additional charge), children's playground and tennis courts. There was also pony cart rides available. The only small downside for us was the midges, so take some spray protection with you if you don't want to be eaten (but I guess to be expected in the great outdoors). Overall, a good place to visit and we'll more than likely go again!
7. Newcastle Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Newcastle Visitor Information Centre stock a wide range of traditional and contemporary crafts, including many local producers. Designer knitwear, jewellery, pottery, woodcarvings, hand painted silks and Game of Thrones merchandise. Also stock a wide range of souvenirs, books and maps.
Reviewed By NHjo - Rye, New Hampshire
I stopped in to ask a question. There were two personnel, and the one I talked was very brisk and detached, which surprised me because usually the Irish are very friendly. It's not because she was busy -- there was no other visitor in the place. She was on her computer, so I probably 'interrupted' her, who knows. She needs to take a customer service refresher course.
8. Tollymore National Outdoor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Tollymore National Outdoor Centre is located on the northern edge of the Mourne Mountains on the fringe of Tollymore Forest Park. We provide a wide range of skills and leadership courses in outdoor adventure activities including rockclimbing, hillwalking, canoeing and kayaking, mountain biking, mountaineering and orienteering to groups and individuals. On site facilities include high and low ropes courses, indoor and outdoor climbing walls, canoe rolling pool, and a mountain bike skills course. The Centre also includes ensuite accommodation and a range of meeting and conference rooms.
Reviewed By Stefan P - Newry, United Kingdom
I attended TNOC for a First Steps in Sea Kayaking course, and had an absolutely fantastic day.
The instructor Stephen was absolutely first class, sorting out our kit efficiently, and explaining what we were doing and why. He allowed us to get a feel for the boats and choose which one we wanted to paddle, giving advice on what we should be paying attention to, what should be comfortable and how to adjust the footrests to ensure we'd be comfortable on the water.
Having had no paddling experience, I was a little nervous. I've spent a lot of time on the water, but never in a kayak, and Stephen took us into a sheltered area first, to get us used to the motion of the boats, and to ensure we were all comfortable with basic paddling strokes. Once we were all comfortable, and some issues with some participants were sorted out, he then took us out into more open, but still sheltered, water, where we were shown some more basic boat handling including going backwards and turning.
All through the day Stephen made us feel comfortable and ensured we felt safe and secure. The way the day was structured meant we got to actually make a short trip, trying new skills as we went, rather than just sitting around and trying things without actually going anywhere. This meant that we were using the skills we were being introduced to were actually being used to go somewhere, and we got to enjoy seeing numerous herons, sandpipers, cormorants and even an inquisitive seal.
I really enjoyed my day, which was made all the better by the excellent weather we had. We got to see Islandmore, Dunsy Island and Pawle Island from a different perspective, and will definitely be looking to attend a next steps course as soon as I can.
9. The Granite Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Michael W - Preston, United Kingdom
We were visiting family and friends in Northern Ireland and our base was in Newcastle. We were staying at the Seaview Appartments which is located close to the Harbour Inn the start of the Granite Tail is just a short distance from here. The start of the trail is just opposite the harbour initially there is a path the a rugged track which are both steep uphill climbs. Once you get to the top you follow the trail across the old mine workings. The views from here across Newcastle and out into the bay are incredible. On the return journey you pass through a forest and alongside a river the entire trail takes around an hour to complete.
10. Funny Farm Adventures
Overall Ratings
4 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By Gary M
What a waste of money, kids were in the half grown maze for all of 5 minutes , there's no real path, people just went through anyway they please,there's as much fun tramping around a farmers field... Young children will amuse themselves there.. but then they can amuse themselves with a cardboard box, save your fiver ahead and go to the public park...
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