Joanna & Drew
Joanna & Drew
Travel
This page includes information for booking flights to England, transportation around the Newcastle area, and hotel accommodation for booking. If you have any questions, feel free to text Joanna (+1 281-610-1029) concerning travel details.
Note: When calling an England number, hold down the 0 on your cell phone and it will pop up the '+' sign. If a number listed on an English website is for example, '01207 233733', you would type it into your phone as +44 120-723-3733'.
***Don't forget to renew your passport and obtain your Electronic Travel Authorization for the UK!***
ETA UK - Required to Travel to the UK from the US
Effective January 8, 2025, Non-European travelers (including Americans) will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling, which is essentially an online pre-clearance required for entry to the UK. The price per person is ~$13.18.
Apply for an ETA:
- Download on the Apple App Store for iPhone: Apple Download
- Download on the Google Play Store for Android: Android Download
- Apply Online: Online Application
FLIGHTS
Newcastle International Airport
Please note that the nearest airport to the wedding venue is Newcastle International Airport. There are no direct flights from the US to this airport (most layovers are through Amsterdam, Paris, or London). The average cost of a flight from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to Newcastle (NCL) typically ranges from $770 to $1500 per person.
Distance from Airport to Venue: 21.2km | 13.2 mi (24 min drive)
Distance from Airport to Newcastle City Centre: 12.2km | 7.6 miles (13 min drive)
London Airports
This London airports map details travel times to central London from each of the six major London airports on express train services.
Please note that the London airports are less expensive to fly to than Newcastle International Airport and many routes are non-stop from the US to London; however, once you land, you have to drive or take a train to travel from London to Newcastle (~284 miles/Avg Train ride 3h 7m).
The average cost of a flight from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to London Heathrow (LHR) typically ranges from $580 to $1150 per person.
Flying to London, staying a few days, and taking a train is a great way to make a trip out of our wedding and explore England!
TRAINS/RENTAL CARS/METRO
TRAINS
[London to Newcastle]
The average train journey from London to Newcastle takes approximately 3 hours and 7 minutes. We recommend using Trainline to book your tickets in advance. Please note that the departure station in London will vary depending on which airport you arrive at. Your destination will be Newcastle Train Station (Neville St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5DL, UK).
Most train tickets are digital so there is no need to print your tickets (just make sure to save your tickets to your phone/laptop or have a reliable internet connection)—the conductor will simply scan the ticket’s barcode.
All non-electronic train tickets can be picked up at the train station’s automated ticket machine—simply type in the 8-digit ticket reference number that was emailed to you after booking.
There are a few different types of train tickets and the price reflects their flexibility:
Anytime Fares: Anytime tickets are essentially valid on any train on your selected route. Of course, they’re the most expensive.
Off-Peak Fares: Off-peak tickets are generally valid for any train outside the peak morning and evening rush hour periods.
Advance Fares: Advanced fares are the cheapest option but they offer no flexibility — these are only valid for the time specified on the ticket.
In general, the earlier you book advanced fares the cheaper they are. In addition, less desirable tickets (i.e. mid-week and mid-day) tend to be the cheapest.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FIRST CLASS AND STANDARD CLASS
English trains have two classes — first and standard. First-class tickets cost between 50%-100% more than standard-class tickets.
At a minimum, first-class trains have bigger seats, more legroom, and fewer seats per car. Most routes offer a free drink and a newspaper but a few routes come with a meal (but it’s fairly rare these days). Standard class is still plenty comfortable. Personally, I don’t see any reason to sit in first class unless you want to spend more money for a bigger seat.
PAY ATTENTION TO PLATFORM CHANGES
The train platform can often change at the last minute so pay attention to station announcements.
ARRIVE EARLY IF YOU’RE COLLECTING PHYSICAL TICKETS
There will often be a long line of people waiting to use the automated ticket machines so give yourself a little extra time because you don’t want to miss your train.
RENTAL CARS
Note: Make sure and rent an automatic car if you cannot drive stick and in England, they drive on the left side of the rode. You do NOT need an international driver's license if you are a US citizen driving in England.
[London to Newcastle]
The drive from London to Newcastle takes about 5 hours (~291 miles). You can rent a car at most of the London airports.
[Around Newcastle and Durham Area]
You can rent a car from the Newcastle Airport or surrounding areas once flying into Newcastle International Airport.
(Car rentals at Newcastle Airport (UK) ; Minivan, $43/day ; Full-size SUV, $57/day ; Mini, $22/day ; Premium, $54/day ; Luxury, $61/day.).
Distance from Airport to Venue: 21.2km | 13.2 mi (24 min drive)
Distance from Airport to Newcastle City Centre: 12.2km | 7.6 miles (13 min drive)
METRO
You can easily travel from the airport to Newcastle's city centre using the metro. However, the metro does not reach the wedding venue in County Durham. We recommend taking an Uber/Taxi for this part of the journey.
Access the Newcastle Metro Website for more information. Also, Google Maps can guide you for trips around Newcastle on the Metro.
HOTELS
If you are not staying at the venue (Beamish Hall Hotel)...
If you are not staying at the venue (Beamish Hall Hotel), we would recommend you pre-book a taxi for your return to your accomodation.
We recommend Henderson’s taxis
We haven't arranged for a dedicated wedding block at any particular hotel. However, we're pleased to provide you with personalized recommendations for hotels and accommodations that we believe will enhance your overall experience during this special occasion.
Beamish Hall Hotel (FULLY BOOKED for July 11 - July 13)
Distance to Wedding Venue: 0km | 0 mi (0min drive)
Price: £££ | $$$
Description: Grand 12th-century manor house where the wedding will be held. With high-beamed ceilings, stone walls and large chandeliers, this grand 12th-century manor house hotel sits on 24 wooded acres 0.5 miles from Beamish Park Golf Club and 10 miles from Durham city centre.
The property also contains a microbrewery and restaurant with extensive courtyard seating, and an adventure park (surcharge) with ziplines and rope bridges. Free parking on the premises. We would advise an uber/taxi to get to this venue as there is no public metro near.
Important Notice:
To make a booking, please contact Beamish Hall Hotel by either calling +44 1207 233733 or emailing info@beamish-hall.co.uk. While there isn't a reserved room block, you will be grouped with other wedding guests if you mention you are attending our wedding. Please include the following details in your email or phone call:
"Hi, we would like to book a room at Beamish Hall for Drew Hamrick and Joanna Meyer’s wedding. We are NOT part of the dedicated room block for family as discussed with the bride and groom. We would like to book a (type of room) room for (dates in which you would like to book). Can you please assist us with the booking?"
Please Note: This venue is expected to fill up quickly. We highly recommend booking your accommodation as soon as possible.
Grand Hotel Tynemouth
Distance to Wedding Venue: 28.5 km | 17.7 mi (30min drive)
Price: £££ | $$$
Description: Nestled along the picturesque North Sea in Tynemouth, our historic luxury Victorian hotel boasts a rich heritage dating back to 1872. Set against the stunning backdrop of this charming coastal town in the metropolitan borough of North Tyneside—where Joanna's Mom hails from—this establishment offers a truly unique experience.
Indulge in exquisite dining options, including an elegant restaurant, a cozy pub-style eatery, and a laid-back bar featuring live music. Parking facilities are conveniently available, and with nearby access to Metro transportation, exploring the area is effortless. Tynemouth itself is a delightful town to leisurely wander through, inviting guests to discover its coastal charm at their own pace.
Beamish Park Hotel
Distance to Wedding Venue: 2.4 km | 1.5 mi (5min drive)
Price: ££ | $$
Description: This upscale hotel is 2.3 miles from the Beamish Museum and 7.3 miles from Newcastle city centre. There's a sophisticated restaurant and 9-hole golf course on the premises. Free parking included. We would advise an uber/taxi to get to this venue as there is no public metro near. This is a very convenient hotel right by the wedding venue.
Premier Inn Newcastle City Centre (The Gate) hotel
Distance to Wedding Venue: 13.5 km | 8.4 mi (20min drive)
Price: £ | $
Description: Football, shopping, nightlife, culture - Premier Inn Newcastle (The Gate) has it all just a hop, skip and jump away. Nestled near a bus stop on a bustling road in the heart of Newcastle (the biggest city in the area). Cheer on your team at St. James' Park, catch a gig at O2 Academy Newcastle, watch a play at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House or hit Intu Eldon Square for some retail therapy . Getting to Newcastle University, the train station and public transport stops is easy from our Newcastle City Centre hotel.
Premier Inn Whitley Bay hotel
Distance to Wedding Venue: 30.4 km | 18.9 mi (34min drive)
Price: £ | $
Description: Situated with direct access to Whitley Bay Beach along the stunning North Sea coastline, this hotel is conveniently located next to Tynemouth—Joanna's mom's hometown. Just a 12-minute stroll from Whitley Bay train station (metro).