Newcastle upon Tyne is a fantastic city for food lovers. Its mix of historic pubs, bustling markets, and multicultural influences makes for a rich culinary scene that’s perfect for exploring on a guided tour. While chips and gravy are classic local fare, Newcastle’s food scene extends well beyond that — featuring Asian, Caribbean, and regional specialties. One of our favorites is the Newcastle Street Food Tour, offering a compact, engaging look at the city’s diverse flavors, all in just three hours. You’ll sample local products, meet artisans, and enjoy enough tastings for a full lunch, all while strolling through historic areas.
For those who want a more scenic, leisurely experience along the Northumberland coast, the Northumbrian Coastline Food Tour offers a six-hour taste of seafood, oysters, and quaint fishing villages. This tour is perfect if you prefer traveling in a small group and savoring regional delicacies in a relaxed setting. Both tours showcase the best of Newcastle’s vibrant food scene, but each offers a different way to experience it, depending on your interests and schedule.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of these two top-rated food tours. We’ll help you decide which suits your tastes and travel style best.
1. Newcastle Street Food Tour
At just $94.43 per person for about three hours, the Newcastle Street Food Tour offers excellent value for a packed experience. This guided small-group tour (limited to 12 people) immerses you in the city’s culinary diversity, from local produce at Fenwick Food Hall to Caribbean and Asian influences. The tour kicks off with a visit to Grey’s Monument, a tribute to Earl Grey, where you get a quick dose of Newcastle’s history before heading indoors to Fenwick Food Hall. Here, you’ll taste regional specialties and learn about local producers — an insider’s look into the city’s culinary backbone.
Next, the tour continues into the Central Arcade, a beautiful shopping passage where you’ll meet artisans making healthy, delicious foods. The vibrant Grainger Market is a highlight, offering tastings from hundreds of traders and a lively atmosphere that’s been part of Newcastle’s fabric for 200 years. Please note, the market is closed on Sundays, so plan your visit accordingly. The final stops include sampling spicy wings and hot sauces at Bigg Market, along with sweet treats and a local tea, ending with a visit to a historic pub to enjoy local beers.
What makes this tour stand out is the balance between cultural insights and food, making it perfect for those wanting a comprehensive taste of Newcastle’s flavors. The included tastings are substantial enough to serve as a full meal, and the small group size guarantees personalized attention.
Bottom Line: If you want a lively, informative walk that combines food, history, and local stories, this tour offers an authentic, satisfying experience for a reasonable price.
2. Northumbrian Coastline Food Tour
For around $213.53, the Northumbrian Coastline Food Tour offers a six-hour journey through seaside villages and the rugged Northumberland coast. This tour is limited to just six people, ensuring a personalized experience. Traveling by car, you’ll cover more ground than a walking tour could, stopping at charming fishing towns and sampling regional seafood, including oysters and freshly caught fish.
What sets this experience apart is its focus on local delicacies and the chance to explore less-touristy spots. You’ll learn about the area’s fishing traditions, visit a reputed haunted hotel, and enjoy a variety of regional treats. The small group size emphasizes comfort and conversation, making it ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed pace and intimate setting. Reviews highlight how well the tour balances sightseeing with tastings, and how knowledgeable guides make the experience memorable.
This tour is best suited for food lovers who want to combine culinary discovery with scenic coastal views, especially those comfortable in a vehicle and eager to explore beyond the city. It’s a good choice if seafood is a highlight of your trip and you want to understand the local fishing culture.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a longer, scenic, and seafood-focused outing with personalized attention, this coastal tour is an excellent pick — especially if you’re staying in Newcastle and want to see more of Northumberland’s charm.
How to Choose Between These Two Food Tours
When selecting the best food tour in Newcastle upon Tyne, consider your interests, budget, and schedule. The Newcastle Street Food Tour is perfect if you want a shorter, city-centric experience packed with diverse flavors, historical stops, and enough tastings for lunch. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy walking, exploring markets, and learning about local artisans.
On the other hand, the Northumbrian Coastline Food Tour suits those looking for a relaxed day of seafood, coastal scenery, and small-town charm. If seafood, scenic drives, and fewer crowds appeal to you, this tour offers a deeper dive into Northumberland’s culinary traditions.
Budget is also a factor: the city tour offers great value for its price, while the coastal tour provides a more exclusive experience, limited to six guests. Both tours are best booked early, especially during peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
Newcastle upon Tyne offers a rich variety of food tour options, from lively city walks to scenic coastal tastings. If you’re short on time but want an authentic taste of local flavors, the Newcastle Street Food Tour is a fantastic choice. For a more relaxed, seafood-focused day with scenic views, the Northumbrian Coastline Food Tour will satisfy your cravings and curiosity alike.
No matter which you pick, booking early is wise — these popular experiences tend to fill up quickly. Both tours promise memorable moments, genuine regional flavors, and stories that bring Newcastle and Northumberland to life through their food. Enjoy your culinary adventure in this lively corner of England.
