Once the driving force behind the Industrial Revolution in Britain, Newcastle has a rich history from the days of coal, iron and steam with its mining, rail and ship building heritage.

The wealth produced across the region was reflected in the city’s grand architecture, public buildings and bridges.

Since the decline of heavy industry, Newcastle has reinvented itself and today the city is still known for its energy and innovation. Investment over the past quarter of a century has seen the regeneration of historic buildings, the transformation of the Quayside, shopping districts and the growth of the city’s commercial centre. Newcastle has also become one of Europe’s top nightlife destinations.

With Newcastle as your base, you can experience not just this vibrant city with its culture, cuisine and history but also the surrounding countryside and stunning coastline which lie within easy reach.

Hiring a car with Avis in Newcastle gives you the flexibility to explore the north east of England. Along with Newcastle there are cities like Sunderland and Durham and you’ll need a hire car to get to attractions including Hadrian’s Wall, Alnwick Castle and Lindisfarne.

Whether you are planning a trip to the North East of England for business or for leisure, you’ll find our friendly Avis team based just outside the city at Newcastle Airport. They'll be on hand to offer advice and provide the perfect rental car for your trip.

Nestled on the northern bank of the River Tyne with Gateshead on the south side, the metropolitan city of Newcastle upon Tyne is a sparkling jewel in the north east of England.

The city itself has a rich 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.

The emergence of this city as a major cultural centre began with 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.

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.

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.

The centre is packed with all kinds of nightspots, from traditional pubs and comedy venues to trendy bars and nightclubs.

If your idea of a night out is a little more sedate, Newcastle has gained 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.

The Avis rental location at Newcastle Airport offers car hire vehicles for all occasions whatever your plans. You don't need a car to reach our Avis rental location, it's accessible by public transport and an airline ticket is not needed to get to our rental desk.

The airport is close to the village of Woolsington just six miles north west from the centre of the city. The drive from Newcastle city centre to Newcastle airport will take around 15min. Just follow the A696 towards Jedburgh and you’ll soon pick up signs to the airport.

Alternatively, you can catch a bus or take the train to reach the Avis rental location at Newcastle Airport from the city centre. The Tyne and Wear Metro system has a station at the airport and trains to the airport depart every 12 min from Newcastle Central Station. There are also bus routes operating between the airport, the city and nearby towns so if you live around Newcastle and want to hire a car from Newcastle Airport, you’ll find our Avis rental location within easy reach.

The area surrounding Newcastle upon Tyne boasts a wealth of award-winning attractions and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Add to this the stunning scenery, some of Britain’s finest coastline, excellent golf courses and fabulous coastal walks, and it’s little wonder that so many visitors flock here each year. From historic sights to breathtaking natural landscapes, there’s much to explore in the regions surrounding the city of Newcastle. All you need is your Avis hire car and the open road ahead.

Just 15 minutes’ drive from the city centre (via the A1) brings you to 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.

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.

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 north east 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.

While Newcastle is easy to get around on foot and by public transport, it is worth hiring a car to travel across the north east of England and take in the spectacular counties of Northumbria and Cumbria plus the stunning Lake District national park not to mention heading north towards the Scottish borders and across to cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Renting a hire car gives you the freedom to plan a road trip and travel at your own pace, go off the beaten track to explore more remote areas, take detours to scenic spots and make stops along the way to sample the food and culture of the region.

The top tip for driving around Newcastle is to use GPS to plan your route into and out of the city and try to avoid the rush hour in Newcastle which runs from around 3pm to just after 6pm.

If you are flying into the UK via Newcastle Airport it’s worth checking the driving rules in the UK before you travel and pick up your hire car. In Newcastle, like the rest of the UK, you will be driving on the left-hand side of the road as you leave the Avis rental location at the airport.

See more on the UK road rules you need to know.