River Escapes : Tourism & Sightseeing

River Escapes – Tourism & Sightseeing

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city to a place where you can take in NewcastleGateshead's finest and most famous riverside scenery.

A River Escapes sightseeing cruise offers an unrivalled way to experience one of the North's great cities and its evolving industries, taking you from past to present, from the once thriving maritime heritage, to world renowned landmarks such as the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, Tyne Bridge, The Sage Gateshead and the Baltic Centre for Comtemporary Art.

Set sail on the 'Quay to Sea' cruise where your journey will take you from the Millennium Bridge and the Tyne Gorge, downriver to the mouth of the River Tyne. Or head upriver on the 'Quayside to Countryside' cruise as fas as Ryton Willows allowing you to take in the best town and country views.

Each cruise is accompanied by fascinating commentary from River Escapes' knowledgeable guides who on each return journey will answer your questions and discuss any aspect of the cruise.

While on board why not sit back and relax with a drink from the bar or enjoy one of the tempting snacks on offer in the comfortable surrounds.

Scheduled cruises run throughout year. Please refer to tariff/timetable information or charter your own sightseeing cruise at an alternative time for a bespoke event.

Tourism and Sightseeing

Quay to Sea

The 'Quay to Sea' three hour cruise is a fantastic way to see the changing face of the River Tyne from the best vantage point in town. The cruise takes you under the magical Gateshead Millennium Bridge, which opens especially for the cruise to enjoy the panorama of the Tyne Gorge before returning downriver as far as the river mouth.

On your cruise you will see the legendary shipyards of Tyneside, the International Ferry Terminals, the Port of Tyne, the Fish Quay and the glorious vistas of the river mouth, including Tynemouth Castle and Priory, the memorial to Admiral Lord Collingwood and the beautiful sandy beaches of South Shields. The cruise turns at the piers, where seals and dolphins are regularly seen and returns to Newcastle's Quayside.

Tourism and Sightseeing

Quayside to Countryside

The 'Quayside to Countryside' two hour cruise sails from Newcastle's Quayside upriver as far as Ryton Willows Nature Reserve and Newburn Countryside Park. The cruise take you under eleven of the Tyne's bridges, including the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, Tyne Bridge, Swing Bridge and High Level Bridge as well as passing places associated with the world famous Blaydon Races.

It is almost forty years since river trips have travelled so far up river and it is proving a popular return. The cruise, which turns at Ryton Willows for the return journey to Newcastle Quayside offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the upriver wildlife where seals, grey herons and many species of wading birds and ducks are regularly spotted.

Tourism and Sightseeing