Europe's largest funfair with 400 attractions is opening in the UK this week. Newcastle residents will be pleased to hear that The Hoppings is officially returning to the city for another year of summer fun. For more than 140 years, Europe's largest travelling funfair has descended on the Toon for a nine-day extravaganza of thrills, attracting up to 300,000 visitors.
Located at the heart of the city — in the middle of Town Moor, a 1,000-acre open space that's larger than Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath combined — The Hoppings spans over half a mile. And this year's event is set to be bigger than ever, with 400 attractions, a gargantuan Wild West-themed food village, live music, and an 85-metre tall giant swing tower ride that's been labelled 'the world's highest travelling ride.' Better still? It's totally free to enter.
A Rich History
The Hoppings has come a long way from its debut in 1882, and is now a staple event for Newcastle locals. There had, however, been concern it may not go ahead this year due to essential drainage and groundworks required on the north end of the Town Moor site. But organisers quickly reassured prospective visitors they'd been able to successfully reconfigure the fair's layout, guaranteeing everyone's favourite attractions would remain.
When is The Hoppings open?
The fair traditionally lands up north on the last week of June — and kicks off for the 2026 summer season on June 19. Available to the public for nine days, the event will then draw to a close on June 28. Opening times are 2pm to 11pm Monday to Friday and 1pm to 11pm on weekends.
What is there to do at The Hoppings?
With dozens of rides, attractions, and games to choose from, being bored at The Hoppings isn't a regular occurrence. Expect fairground classics such as the Carousel, Giant Wheel, and Tea Cups, alongside rollercoasters with steep drops that'll make your stomach flip and spinning rides that'll make you wished you skipped breakfast. For families with smaller tots, there are also calmer attractions, including slow coasters like the Big Apple and Magic Mouse.
But the star of the show is Elevate 85, a 'serious adrenaline rush' reportedly boasting the title of 'tallest mobile ride in the world'. Passengers are lifted 85 metres into the air with their feet dangling beneath them. Then, the spinning starts, giving riders a panoramic view across Newcastle (and perhaps a dizzy spell or two as well). Elevate 85 has already been experienced across Europe, but will be making its Hoppings debut after a stint at Darlington Arena.
If the sound of that turns your stomach though, Feast Street USA is bound to have something to settle it, with the fair's popular food village having undergone a major makeover. Transformed to bring Southern classics to the North East, standout dishes include Hot Honey Pizza, Loaded Fries, American BBQ, and Fried Chicken. And, of course, there's always room for a sweet treat…
How much do rides at The Hoppings cost?
While entry to the fair is free, and no officing pricing for 2026's event has been released, it's been reported that rides will cost between £2 and £6. Some of the larger thrill rides will likely sit on the higher end of this scale, but discount vouchers are available to download from the organiser's official website, offering up to £8 off your visit.
How do you get to The Hoppings?
Unlike some fairs that are hidden in far-away fields, The Hoppings is very easy to find. Located just a few minutes from Newcastle city centre, it stretches across the Town Moor between Grandstand Road, Claremont Road, Great North Road (A167) and Jesmond Dene Road, making it easy to access from all directions. According to the website, some handy well-known Newcastle landmarks to look out for include the Blue House Roundabout, Exhibition Park, Haymarket, Newcastle University and the popular suburbs of Jesmond and Gosforth.
Can't make it to Newcastle?
If you're not able to make it up North for The Hoppings, don't stress; there are other exciting days out closer to home. Roof East is a sprawling, colourful playground stocked with everything you could possibly need to spend a day (and night) enjoying the warm weather. Situated on the top floor of a multi-storey car park in Stratford, you'll find games, an open-air cinema, a variety of street food vendors, free DJ sets and plenty of deck chairs to relax in. And, similar to The Hoppings, entry is totally free!
