Everything You Need to Know About: The Hoppings

What is The Hoppings?

It’s only the biggest and best funfair in all of Europe, with over 400 rides and attractions spanning over a kilometre long to keep visitors entertained!

It’s been taking place in Newcastle since 1882, so is understandably massively popular among us Geordies and a big fixture in the Toon’s summer event calendar.

Where and when is it happening?

It’s taking over Newcastle’s Town Moor from Friday 19th June 2026 to Sunday 28th June 2026.

When is the fairground open?

Opening times vary from day to day, so check The Hoppings website before you head off.

How much does it cost?

Entry to The Hoppings is free, but rides are priced individually with most costing between £3 and £10.

Swing by The Hoppings website and you can download free vouchers that can save you up to £8 on ride admission. 

Will there be any cash points? 

Yes, there will be several onsite ATMs and many rides have the ability to take card and contactless payments too.

What kind of fairground rides and attractions will there be?

So many – over 400 in fact – and there’s something to suit every kind of visitor.

For kids, there’s everything from hook-a-duck stalls and bouncy castles to slides, tea cups and mini rollercoasters – more than enough to tire them out on the way home!

Thrill-seekers are well catered for too with a tonne of rides bound to get heartbeats racing. See the city and beyond from the towering heights of The Hoppings’ Giant Observation Wheel, take a hair-raising spin on the Tagada and climb aboard the Elevate 85 - an 85 metre tall star flyer-style ride that's new for 2026 and spins riders through the air at high speed.

That's just a small taster of what rides to expect from The Hoppings this year. Check out The Hoppings' Facebook page for a full list of rides.

Is food and drink available?

Yep! A wonderful selection of vendors will be at The Hoppings selling hot and cold food alongside drinks in the fairground's Feast Street area - think the likes of doughnuts, gourmet burgers, pizza and Mexican favourites.

What else is happening at The Hoppings this year?

Alongside hundreds of fairgrounds and lots of tasty food, 2026 will also see the return of The Hoppings' Live Lounge which will showcase a range of local music acts and character meet-and-greets for kids.

What’s the best way to get there?

If you’re travelling by car, The Hoppings has competitively priced onsite parking accessed by the Grandstand Road entrance to the Town Moor near the Blue House roundabout. You can either pay on the day, or pre-book online and save yourself a bit of money!

If you’re planning on coming into the city via public transport, the closest Metro stations are Haymarket, Jesmond and West Jesmond and there are several nearby bus stops serviced by routes including the 11, 21, 306, X1, X45 and X77. Pedestrians can enter The Hoppings site via three points - the main entrance on the Great North Road, via the car parking area on Grandstand Road or from Claremont Road via Exhibition Park.

Is The Hoppings site accessible for people with disabilities?

The Hoppings team have made the Town Moor site as accessible as possible with ramps and handrails around rides and attractions, disabled toilets, and disabled parking situated closer to the site – but please note that certain rides may not be suitable for certain disabilities.

The Hoppings is a truly legendary local event that’s been entertaining us Geordies for almost 150 years. Whether you’re after some family-friendly fun or a daredevil looking for your next thrill, don’t miss out on Europe’s biggest funfair when it makes its welcome return to Newcastle this June!

The Hoppings takes place at Newcastle’s Town Moor from Friday 19th June 2026 to Sunday 28th June 2026. For more information, visit www.hoppingsfunfairs.com. 

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