You’re in a perfect part of the world for driving. Newcastle City centre has had millions of pounds spent on upgrading its road network, while the coastline of the north-east is a gift to drivers.

Speed limits are clearly signposted on UK roads, with a top speed of 70mph on motorways. Single-carriageway roads have a limit of 60mph, dropping to 30mph in built-up areas. In urban streets, especially those near schools, this can drop to 20mph. Limits are strictly enforced and there are many speed cameras in operation. There are around 54 car parks in Newcastle, of which 8 are multi-storey.

Driving in central Newcastle, you’ll find yourself crossing the famous River Tyne on a number of bridges. The most famous of these is the Tyne Bridge on the A167, which runs from the south to the north-west of the city.

If you’re planning a day on the coast, you’ll want to head east on the A1058 – Coast Road as it’s unsurprisingly known – which leads to Tynemouth, with its priory and castle. From here you can follow the coastal road north to Whitley Bay and St. Mary’s Lighthouse.

The A696 takes you north-west to the lovely Northumberland National Park, joining up with the A68 near Otterburn and eventually emerging in Scotland. The A69 runs west to Carlisle and the A1 down to the south of England, skirting Leeds.

You’re never far from areas of outstanding natural beauty, such as Haydon Bridge and the Allen Valleys. The Holy Island of Lindisfarne draws visitors from all over the world. With a monastery first founded in 653AD, you’ll still find pilgrims mixed in with the tourists there. It’s a 60 mile drive north on the A1 from Newcastle, but check the causeway crossing times, as at certain times of day the island is inaccessible due to tides. The castle and priory make for an unforgettable day out, making car hire in Newcastle essential.

Whether you want to visit for the award-winning beaches on the nearby coast, indulge in some excellent shopping, sight-see iconic monuments, or sample the renowned Geordie hospitality - Newcastle will not disappoint.

Indulge in some retail therapy

Newcastle has plenty to offer in terms of shopping. Right in the heart of the city is Eldon Square shopping centre, the perfect place to spend a day enjoying some retail therapy. No shopping trip to Newcastle would be complete without a visit to Fenwicks, a large five story department store filled with top brands to peruse.

If you feel like going bigger with your shopping trip, how about visiting the largest shopping and leisure centre in the UK and Europe? Located a short drive out of the city, the Metrocentre houses everything from high street names and department store giants to charming independent boutiques.

Time out in Tynemouth

Take a day away from the city and explore some of the finest beaches in the North of England. Award winning Longsands Beach is the perfect daytrip for adults and children. Discover some local history and visit Tynemouth Priory where the ruins overlook the Pier, offering sweeping views of the northern seascape and the ideal location to stop for fish and chips.

Only a 40 minute drive from the city centre and with parking access to the seafront, a day at the beach is a refreshing break.

Angel of the North

An unmissable fixture of the Northern landscape, the Angel of the North is a must-see attraction of Newcastle. When travelling to the city via the A1 it is impossible to ignore the striking silhouette of the Angel looming impressively over the Team Valley. With convenient car access, a trip to the Angel of the North couldn’t be easier to organise.     

The BALTIC                                                                          

Visible from the Quayside, the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art sits on the south bank of the River Tyne in Gateshead, just across the Millennium Bridge. As the UK’s largest contemporary art institution, the BALTIC is internationally known for holding exciting and cutting edge exhibitions which make it a fantastic place to spend an afternoon.

With free entry, you can explore the many floors of the BALTIC. Finally, find yourself at the viewing deck where you can look down on spectacular views of the iconic Newcastle skyline.

From the lively city to the country and seaside that lie beyond it, make the most of the north-east with car hire in Newcastle.