- Play Hard
- 31st Jul 2026
- 0
- 0 minute
Introducing Tyne Cruises: Experience Newcastle in a unique new way aboard the Canny Lass
There’s a fresh face on Newcastle Quayside, and she goes by Canny Lass. Tyne Cruises has just launched a fully refitted vessel hosting sightseeing cruises along the River Tyne, sailing aboard this beautifully refitted 98-passenger catamaran complete with a licensed bar and café.
Setting off from the heart of the city, she gives locals and visitors alike a whole new angle on Newcastle and Gateshead’s skyline, with everything from a quick city spin to a proper voyage out to sea on offer.
Whether you fancy bridges, beaches or brilliant themed nights, there’s a sailing to suit. Here’s the lowdown on the North East’s newest way to get afloat.
MEET THE CANNY LASS
The Canny Lass is a 16-metre catamaran now moored at Newcastle City Marina, tucked beneath the Tyne Bridge on the Quayside. She carries up to 98 passengers and comes kitted out with a licensed bar and café dishing up proper local food and drink. Her low profile means she can slip under the Millennium and Swing Bridges without needing them to open, so there’s nothing standing between you and a smooth sail up or down the water.
A BOAT THAT’S BEEN ROUND THE BLOCK (AND BACK)
Before she found her home on the Tyne, this vessel had quite the résumé. Built in 1985 for Channel Islands ferry routes, she later worked the Thames and Medway under the name Jacob Marley, ferrying passengers out to the famous Redsand sea forts and occasionally standing in on the historic Gravesend to Tilbury crossing. A hefty engine upgrade in 2022 brought her up to modern emissions standards, and in July 2026 she made the 305-mile journey up from Kent, repainted in black and white for her Geordie debut. Talk about a glow-up.
FANCY A QUICK SPIN? TRY THE CITY CRUISE
The one-hour City Cruise is the ideal starter, sailing under seven of Newcastle’s best-loved bridges, past the Baltic and the Glasshouse Gateshead, and up to Dunston Staiths, Europe’s largest timber structure. It’s 9km of pure Quayside charm in an hour.
CRAVING SOME GREEN SPACE? GO COUNTRY CRUISE
The two-hour Country Cruise leaves the city skyline behind, sailing under 9 bridges and past the banks of Scotswood Road before opening out into the green, quiet stretches of the Tyne beyond the A1. It’s 24km of proper countryside cruising.
CHASING THE COAST? SET SAIL ON THE SEA CRUISE
For the full journey, the three-hour Sea Cruise heads downriver through the Tyne’s shipbuilding heartlands, past North Shields Fish Quay and out to Tynemouth Pier and the iconic Groyne Lighthouse. It covers 36km of tidal water and gives a proper sense of the Tyne’s maritime muscle.
MAKE IT A DO (PRIVATE HIRE)
If you’re planning a celebration, the whole vessel is available for private hire, with 2-hour and 3-hour slots accommodating up to 50 guests plus crew. Expect a licensed bar, bespoke catering and the option to decorate and brand the boat however you like.
Get in touch at [email protected] to start planning.
WHAT’S ON THE MENU
True to their word, Tyne Cruises keep things local when it comes to food and drink on board. You’ll find Ad Gefrin, Buston Crisps, Canny Candy Gadgies, Ciccarelli Gelato, Tynemouth Coffee, WATA, Wylam Brewery, Ryedale Vineyards and Marlish all represented, so every snack and sip has a North East postcode behind it.
THE ESSENTIALS
Tyne Cruises operates from Newcastle City Marina, Quayside, NE1 1LF, directly beneath the Tyne Bridge and opposite Slug & Lettuce. Regular sailings begin in early August, with prices from £18. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the City Cruise with advance booking, and the boat is accessible to manual wheelchair users, though there’s no accessible toilet on board.
Whichever cruise you choose, one thing’s for sure – this canny lass knows how to show the Tyne off at its very best.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
Subscribe
Subscribe now to receive our twice-weekly emails and exclusive offers for High Life North readers.