Quayside Glow Tours
The Quayside at night provides a spectacular urban light show. Artistically illuminated buildings, the changing colours of the Millennium Bridge and the glowing neon signs of the bars and restaurants on the quays, create an unmistakeable and vibrant light scape. Experience all of this from the water, on one of our illuminated sit-on kayaks.
Launched in 2019, our sell-out Glow Tours offer perhaps the most exciting and unique way to see Newcastle and Gateshead from it’s iconic river. Our experienced and knowledgeable kayak guides are on hand throughout to keep you safe and show you all the best bits. Afterwards, the drinks are on us at the Head of Steam bar on the Quayside.
Highlights typically include: exploring River Tyne at night, paddling an illuminated kayak, enjoying a drink and sharing photos whilst warming up after the tour.
Price: £54.50 per person.
Suitable for: Adults and accompanied teens, ages 16+
Gold Award Winner: Experience of the Year 2020
We’re proud to announce that our Tyne Bridges & Quayside guided kayak tour was recognised as ‘Experience of the Year’ at the NE tourism awards in May 2020.
“Absolutely brilliant trip along the Tyne, from the Sage to Dunston Staiths and back again, paddling through sunset into darkness, with the lights on the kayaks adding something really special to the atmosphere.
Seeing the Quayside and the bridges from the perspective of the river, and in the dark to boot, is an experience all of itself and one not to be missed. Highly recommend.”
As reviewed on Tyne & Wear TV
Book Online
Instant and secure online booking is available. Available dates are shown in green, choose your preferred date to see the tour times on that day. You can also call us on 0191 251 9412.
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FAQs
What will I see and do?
After a briefing from your guides and a relaxed warm up, we’ll launch our kayaks from Newcastle City Marina, just beneath the Tyne Bridge. Tours always start with a quick kayak skills lesson on the water so you get a feel for the boat. We will paddle east for a short distance, to take a look at the Baltic and paddle under the iconic Gateshead Millennium Bridge. After that, we paddle west with the incoming tide towards Dunston Staithes. Your guide will interpret the cityscape as you paddle with occasional stops for tales of the city and to take pictures. During the latter section of the tour, the tide turns and we ‘go with the flow’ of the river back to the city centre. Tours last around two hours.
As this tour takes place after dark, your kayak is illuminated with LED lights. You’ll also have a small light on your helmet, as will the guides, so you can always see the other members of your group. The kayaks have reflective tape on them, as do the paddles too. Your safety is our number one priority.
After the tour, we’ll grab a round of hot drinks (or stronger!) at Head of Steam Quayside and relax and warm up. We’ll also share the photos of the tour with you then. If restrictions on socialising indoors remain in place, we will provide a pre-paid drinks voucher so you can visit in your individual household group, rather than as a large group all together.
Is it safe to participate during the COVID-19 pandemic?
CBK’s has led the industry nationally with our safe re-opening plans in response to COVID-19. Our safe operating plan has been reviewed by the Water Skills Academy and North Tyneside Council. We’re in full compliance with all government restrictions and industry best practice. You can read more about how we’re protecting customers and staff in our ‘Creating Safer Spaces’ plan.
Who is this tour suitable for?
This tour is suitable for adults and accompanied teens ages 16+. You should be comfortable around water and able to swim 25m. You should also be generally fit, healthy and able to undertake moderate exercise without difficulty. Typically we are paddling at a relaxed pace, with the flow of the tide or river, but short bursts of high effort may be required to cross the river.
What do you provide?
A professional and qualified adventure guide
Premium, UK manufactured sit-on kayaks from Tootega, illuminated with LED lights
Dry cag and dry pants to pull on over your clothes
All the necessary safety equipment
Drinks after the tour at Head of Steam Quayside
Photographs of the event
What do I need to bring?
Closed toe footwear that you don’t mind getting wet (eg. wetsuit boots or old trainers)
Clothes you would typically wear for fitness activities, appropriate for the day’s temperature and weather
Towel, dry clothes and dry shoes for afterwards
On warm days, water for hydration and suncream to protect your skin
A camera or phone in a dry case if you wish to take your own pictures
Gift This Tour
We all want our gifts to be remembered, and nothing is more memorable than an adventure experience. Our gift experience vouchers are customisable, delivered instantly to your inbox and valid for two years. The recipient can use them for this tour, or any other experience we provide. To gift this tour, we recommend purchasing a £55 voucher for one person or £110 for two people.
