Vera Half Day Tour of Newcastle Filming Locations

Ann Cleeves’ brilliant and no-nonsense DCI Vera Stanhope played by actress Brenda Blethyn in her trademark mac and hat has attracted a following of fans all over the world in ITV’s best-loved detective drama. Now fans will have the chance to follow in her footsteps on this chauffeured four-hour private guided Vera tour.

The award-winning crime drama is set in and filmed in Newcastle upon Tyne and throughout the North East of England. This half day Vera tour will focus on visiting some of the most memorable filming locations of Vera in Newcastle and North Tyneside.

The private tour will focus on Newcastle’s city centre including filming at the medieval castle which gave this vibrant city its name and the beautiful Quayside with its seven bridges crossing the River Tyne.

Continue downriver to explore film locations with a stop at the first Police Headquarters, the former fishing port of North Shields and the picturesque Victorian seaside towns and beaches of Tynemouth, Cullercoats and Whitley Bay.

During the private Vera tour, you will get to visit more than 15 actual locations from the very first to the last season of Vera. Featured scenes include episodes such as Hidden Depths, Changing Tides, Shadows in the Sky, A Certain Samaritan, and Inside and you may be surprised to find how many seemingly different locations were filmed in the same location over different seasons.

Throughout this tour there will be opportunities to stretch your legs, see some locations up close and several photo opportunities. The tour will start and end back in the centre of Newcastle.

Please note that there is little walking involved in the tour. The longest walk is ca. 5 minutes.

Make sure you also book your place on the 8 hour Vera Tour of Northumberland which operates weekdays and weekends, and goes to completely different locations to this tour which makes doing both tours a great choice for fans of the show.

Departure from Newcastle

Meet your guide in Newcastle Upon Tyne city centre before setting off on a journey through the world of Vera.

Pub Murder Scene

Visit a historic city pub used in an early episode where a murder investigation begins in a narrow alleyway, transformed on screen into a key crime scene.

River Tyne Opening Scene

Head to the riverside where a memorable opening sequence takes place, with rowers passing beneath the bridges before a body is discovered nearby.

Concert Hall Car Park

See the modern riverside building where Vera is filmed observing the “Blinking Eye” bridge, and learn about additional scenes shot inside during a later episode.

Multi-Storey Car Park Crime Scene

Visit the car park used in a dramatic scene where a victim falls from the top floor, creating one of the show’s most striking urban moments.

Motorway Footbridge

Stop at a pedestrian bridge used in another early episode where a murder unfolds, highlighting how everyday locations were adapted for the series.

Ferry Crossing

Travel downriver to the ferry crossing featured in an emotional moment connected to Vera’s personal story and her father’s ashes.

Fishing Port Investigation

Explore a working fishing port used in an episode involving a body discovered aboard a trawler.

Residential Mystery

Visit a residential location used in a storyline involving a missing child, showing how ordinary homes became key investigation sites.

Monument on the Headland

Reach the coast to see a striking monument overlooking the sea, featured during a celebratory scene and offering panoramic views.

Clifftop Rescue

Nearby, visit the dramatic clifftop where Vera intervenes to prevent a man from jumping during a tense scene.

Seaside Promenade

Continue along the coastline to a seaside promenade used in a beachfront investigation, contrasting holiday scenery with darker storylines.

Seafront Café

See the café where Vera questions a suspect, a classic example of the show’s use of everyday settings.

Return to Newcastle

Your tour concludes with a scenic drive back to central Newcastle as your guide reflects on the locations and their role in the series.

Accommodation Suggestions

If you’re staying overnight, we recommend checking out Booking.com – click here for convenient hotel options.

Travelling by Train

The tour starts close to Newcastle Station. Save money by booking your tickets in advance through trainline.

Travelling by Car

If you are planning on driving to Newcastle, you can find nearby parking options using Parkopedia.

Get the Vera Look

Channel your inner Vera and order your Vera Bucket Hat online before the tour.

Is the tour accessible?
– This guided tour is not accessible for wheelchair users or parents with prams or buggies due to the uneven surfaces on the route. British Sign Language is not provided on the tour.

Do children need to be accompanied?
– All people under 18 (i.e. 17 years old and younger) must be accompanied by an adult (aged 18 years or over) on all tours

Is the tour suitable for children?
– Yes as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Children under 3 require own booster seat.

Does the tour still go ahead if there is bad weather?
– Yes, unless on very rare occasions when we have to cancel e.g Force Majeure

– Free Cancellations – Cancel for free up to 24 hours before departure—no questions asked.

– Unlimited Rescheduling – Change your tour date as many times as you need without extra charges.

– Save £££s Booking Direct – Enjoy the guaranteed lowest price when you book directly with us (the direct operator of the tour).

– Hassle-Free Booking Experience – Get excellent customer service with your questions answered quickly and easily by our expert team who know the tours better than anyone.

– Trip Protection Insurance – Add extra peace of mind with optional trip protection insurance available at checkout.

– Inclusions: Driver Guide and Transport

– Exclusions: Gratuities (optional)