American heading to Newcastle and Edinburgh (and maybe York)

[americaninboston]

Hello mumsnet!! I'm an American heading to the UK with my spouse and 4 year old son this summer. (I posted back in the fall, and ya'll were SO helpful in figuring out our plans!)

We're flying in and out of Edinburgh and have 7 nights in August. We're not renting a car, so everything will be via public transit. I'm currently thinking either:

1. 5 nights in Newcastle (with day trips to the coast / castles) + 2 nights in Edinburgh (I don't think we can afford more re: the Fringe Festival)
2. or 3 nights Newcastle, 2 nights York, 2 nights Edinburgh

I'd rather not move around too much, but is 5 nights in Newcastle too much? (We'll definitely be heading to Tynemouth, Bamburgh, and/or Alnwick)

And - do you have any recommendations for hotels or apartment rentals in Newcastle, York, or Edinburgh?

I was going to say the Hilton.. has a pool so that would be good with little one. My mother in law who has very high standards stayed there and did not complain! Also the Crown Plaza behind the station is fairly new and nice has a pool There are all of the usual chains around too Northumberland has some lovely country house hotels but they would be tricky on public transport and more romantic break than family friendly. There is a Marriot at Gosforth Park too which is less central.. might be cheaper

Thanks for this, I'll look into it.
On the subject of Gateshead, whatever you do, avoid Rivers Hotel! It's like Fawlty Towers on steroids!
Fully stocked bar but won't serve drinks as they don't have a licence. We were put in an accessible room which was fine in itself, but it was on the second floor and both of the lifts were taped across 'OUT OF ORDER'. Tap in bathroom leaked all night. No wifi. TV had one of those old fashioned indoor aerials and was completely useless. And believe it or not, every room door had a letterbox! I kid you not, a letterbox. Don't know if it was a job lot nicked from a development down the road or they were expecting a hotel full of asylum seekers that needed paperwork delivered, but it was weird! If you look on Tripadvisor reviews, there's a pic of the letterbox.

Don't miss Beamish, it's incredible

I got carried away with LNER - hopefully it might help someone else.

Yes - my mistake. I got carried away with LNER routes.
No need for the "why on earth..." bit though - just read the mistaken post and think 'doh'.
Flying into EDI is great, and the bus from airport to city centre is great, I've done it at all hours.
And @americaninboston if you need a US-themed rest in Edinburgh, there's a Starbucks on Princes Street with an upstairs, seating and a good window to take photos of the castle from.
Have a lovely time.

While you are based in Newcastle, transport north east day ticket for £7.50 each, unlimited travel on buses, some ( but not many) trains, metro and Tyne ferry, County Durham, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland, I think you can cross to Carlisle on it too.child will be free as under 5.

There are some buses dedicated to Hadrian's wall travel.

https://www.gonortheast.co.uk/services/GNE/AD12

Durham city is worth a visit and in my experience Americans love travelling upstairs on buses. As mentioned, the " New" castle and I like both cathedrals.

Thanks everyone! In Newcastle, we found an Airbnb in Jesmond and in Edinburgh, a hotel between the New Town and Canonmills - both look like nice areas (hopefully). Can’t wait :)

That's great 😁
Glad you're sorted out. Jesmond's really nice.

PM if you need any info. I've lived in that area 20+ years so plenty local knowledge if you need it.

If you're self catering, there's a Tesco on Acorn Road and there's a Waitrose round the corner on Osborne Road.

DD lived in Jesmond for two years as a student. I like the vibe there. Most of the houses are Victorian terrace houses and, unlike many student areas, it isn't run down. There are some decent places to eat - Saray Turkish Grill on Osborne Road, Dabbawal (Indian food), Dosa Kitchen (Indian food), Pizzeria Francesca, Fat Hippo (burgers), Caffe 1901 is great for brunch.

Do take a walk through Jemond Dene. It is really pretty.
https://newcastlegateshead.com/business-directory/things-to-do/jesmond-dene

You can get the metro from West Jesmond or Jesmond, depending which is nearer, to the coast. You could get off at Tynemouth and walk along the coast to Cullercoats or Whitley Bay and pick up the metro there back to Jesmond. The beaches are lovely.