Top reasons to visit Newcastle
- Vibrant Nightlife: Newcastle boasts a lively nightlife scene, perfect for evening outings and events like the Newcastle Festival.
- Rich Cultural Heritage: Explore captivating attractions, including historic civic buildings and monuments that reflect the city's history.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and attractions suitable for all ages.
- Diverse Accommodations: Choose from charming guesthouses and bed and breakfasts catering to various traveller needs.
- Welcoming Atmosphere: Experience the friendly neighbourhoods and vibrant culture that make Newcastle a delightful destination.
Find great hotels in Newcastle
Discover a variety of welcoming accommodations in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, designed to cater to every traveller's needs. From charming guesthouses to delightful bed and breakfasts, you'll find options perfect for business trips, family holidays, and LGBTQIA-friendly stays. Whether you're seeking student accommodation near Newcastle Uni or simply a comfortable retreat, this vibrant area offers a selection of choices to ensure a memorable visit.
- Grey Goose Game Lodge: Nestled in the heart of Newcastle, Grey Goose Game Lodge is a charming 3-star lodge that offers an adventurous escape for families and thrill-seekers alike. With a guest rating of 8.0 out of 10, this lodge is ideal for those looking to embrace the great outdoors. Guests can engage in a variety of activities such as onsite fishing, hiking, and even helicopter tours, all designed to enhance your adventurous spirit. Families will appreciate the child-friendly amenities, including a trampoline and safety features like pool gates. The lodge provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere, ensuring a memorable stay for all ages.
- ANEW Resort Vulintaba Newcastle: As a distinguished 4-star hotel, ANEW Resort Vulintaba Newcastle is tailored for golf enthusiasts and business travellers, boasting a commendable guest rating of 8.8 out of 10. This resort presents an exceptional golfing experience set against stunning landscapes, making it a perfect retreat for those looking to unwind or conduct business in a serene environment. The modern facilities cater to both leisure and professional needs, ensuring that guests enjoy both comfort and convenience during their stay. With its prime location, the resort serves as an excellent base for exploring Newcastle’s attractions.
- Luxury Heights Guesthouse: This elegant 3.5-star guesthouse offers a sophisticated ambience, perfect for business travellers seeking comfort and convenience in Newcastle. Known for its welcoming environment, Luxury Heights Guesthouse provides a range of amenities designed to meet the needs of professionals on the go. The guesthouse features well-appointed rooms and attentive service, making it an ideal choice for those looking to relax after a busy day. Its strategic location allows easy access to key business districts and local attractions, ensuring guests make the most of their time in the area.
Where to stay near Newcastle
Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, offers an enriching travel experience with its vibrant culture and friendly neighbourhoods. Just a stone's throw from Newcastle University, you can explore beautiful areas that radiate a lively atmosphere. The city's historical charm blends seamlessly with modern amenities, making it a top choice for families and business travellers alike. Discover the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration as you delve into the heart of this dynamic city.
- Wakkerstroom: Situated 42km from Newcastle, Wakkerstroom is a quaint town renowned for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant outdoor activities. Visitors flock here for exhilarating adventures such as birdwatching and hiking, making the most of the scenic valleys and nearby monuments. While the traveller numbers peak from March to April and September, the charm of Wakkerstroom remains inviting year-round. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the local galleries that showcase the talents of local artists, making it a delightful stop for both nature lovers and culture seekers alike.
- Volksrust: Located 40km from Newcastle, Volksrust is a city rich in cultural heritage and family-friendly attractions. Visitors often come to immerse themselves in the local culture, with popular activities including golf at the scenic local courses. The city experiences peak visitor numbers in March to April and September, with a dip during May and October to November. Key highlights include historical monuments and a local library, offering a glimpse into the city's past and present, making it an ideal destination for families and culture enthusiasts.
- Emadlangeni: Just 32km from Newcastle, Emadlangeni is a city that showcases the beauty of South Africa's landscapes. The area attracts a seasonal influx of visitors, particularly from March to May, who come to experience the unique local culture and natural surroundings. Although fewer travellers are present during January and June, the tranquillity of Emadlangeni during these months offers a peaceful retreat. The city's charm lies in its welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to explore the great outdoors, making it a hidden gem for those seeking a more relaxed travel experience.
Things to do in Newcastle
Shopping
In Newcastle, visit the Newcastle Mall, featuring a range of shops from clothing to electronics. If you're up for a drive, check out the nearby Amajuba Mall, approximately 19km away, which offers additional shopping options, including local crafts and unique souvenirs.
Recreation
At the Newcastle Wellness Centre, guests can indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments, yoga sessions, and guided meditation classes, all designed to promote relaxation and inner peace. For outdoor activities, the nearby Amajuba Nature Reserve offers scenic hiking trails and opportunities for birdwatching amidst stunning landscapes.
Adventure
In Newcastle, explore the scenic Drakensberg Mountains for hiking and rock climbing adventures. Experience thrilling quad biking at local trails and immerse yourself in the rich history of the area at the Newcastle Museum, which showcases fascinating exhibits and cultural heritage.
Nightlife
Newcastle’s nightlife features vibrant venues like The Music Kitchen, known for live performances, and the lively Newcastle Night Market that offers local food and crafts. For a more relaxed evening, try the charming bars along Scott Street, where you can enjoy a casual drink with friends.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Newcastle
To save money on your trip to Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, consider visiting between August and October, when accommodation prices are lower. Book your stay on a Tuesday for the best rates, avoiding the pricier Fridays. Utilise Expedia’s search tool to filter hotels by budget and type, including eco-friendly options. Additionally, you can save by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities into an Expedia package. Look out for the best offers to ensure a budget-friendly experience while enjoying Newcastle’s attractions.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Newcastle are August to October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and December, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Newcastle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Newcastle is Friday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Newcastle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in and around Newcastle
Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, is perfect for city, family, and business-themed holidays. Visitors can explore captivating attractions such as aviaries, historic civic government buildings, and monuments. The city offers a rich cultural experience alongside family-friendly outdoor activities. Noteworthy sites include Newcastle United, Newcastle upon Tyne, and Newcastle Castle, providing a diverse range of experiences for every traveller.
- Newcastle Main Library: This vibrant library is a cultural hub situated in the heart of Newcastle. With a welcoming atmosphere, it offers a diverse range of literature and community events, making it an ideal spot for families and culture enthusiasts to explore local history and knowledge.
- Carnegie Art Gallery: Nestled within Newcastle, this art museum showcases a rich collection of local and national art, reflecting the region's cultural heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in the creativity of talented artists, with exhibitions that often change, providing fresh insights into the art scene.
- Birdlife South Africa: Located 42km from Newcastle, this aviary offers an enriching outdoor experience for families and nature lovers. Visitors can observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitat, fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife and conservation efforts.
Best time to go to Newcastle
The best time to visit Newcastle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Newcastle falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Newcastle falls in June and July. July has average visitor numbers and sunny weather.