Newcastle is a popular city for students and young adults to live in due to the vibrant city centre, the easy access to the beaches, and the friendliness of the local people. Most people, especially students, know Newcastle for its fun and wild nightlife, but the city has even more to offer during the day. Boasting an incredible array of shops, cafes, activities, events and more, you’ll never be bored spending time wandering the city centre or surrounding areas.The city itself is extremely walkable, but also has great public transport links to other parts of Northumberland and beyond. Whether you’re in the mood for a solo jaunt or a day out with friends, here are five things to do that celebrate the city’s versatility.
1. The markets
One thing anyone living in Newcastle would recommend is to visit the markets. The most regular ones locals visit are the Quayside Market on a Sunday and the Tynemouth Market on a Saturday/Sunday. These markets are full of handmade jewellery, snacks, trinkets, decorative items and much more. There are regular stalls, such as the second-hand record stall or the person who sold honey-related items, and then you get stalls that would pop up occasionally, such as the hand-made ceramics stall. There are also food stalls that appear regularly throughout the city, such as at the universities, Wylam Brewery, Jesmond Dene every other weekend, and more. Of course, in the heart of the city is Grainger Market, a covered market open daily with a range of restaurants and local produce shops. If you have free time on the weekend, visiting a market is a great way to occupy yourself.
2. Pink Lane Bakery
If you’re looking for breakfast, lunch or a sweet treat, Pink Lane is an excellent choice. With branches in the city centre, Jesmond, and Gosforth, Pink Lane is easily accessible from any part of the city and has some of the nicest cinnamon rolls and sandwiches I’ve ever had in the UK! Lunch options vary from focaccia sandwiches to pies to soups and much more, with reasonable prices starting from around £3 for drinks and food products, and food being first come first served. The seated areas are so cosy to sit in, or you can take something to go and eat on the Town Moor, whilst wandering through the city, or in the nearby Jesmond Dene if you’re at the Jesmond location. Pink Lane has lots of different dietary options and the staff are really friendly and will always recommend something to eat if you’re not sure what to choose out of all the incredible options!
3. The beaches
Of course, you can’t think of Newcastle without thinking of the many beautiful beaches nearby. Tynemouth/Longsands Beach and Whitley Bay are both easily accessible from the city centre by metro – you’ll be sitting on the golden sands of the beach stuffing your face with some of the most delicious seaside food you can get. Nothing beats sitting on the beach with a box of hot chips looking over the sea, and both beaches have at least one restaurant nearby that offers alternative options for anyone with a dietary requirement. The beaches make a great walk in colder weather as well, and so are great to visit almost all year round. As fun as it is to go with friends, going alone with a book or podcast and relaxing on the beach or wandering around the nearby shops is just as enjoyable.
4. Jesmond Dene
A great walk to do solo or with others is through Jesmond Dene. A small woodland area tucked away near Jesmond metro station, Jesmond Dene contains a variety of paths to follow through the trees and along the small river that flows through it. Every other week is a food market with an amazing range of cuisines at a decent price, and towards one of the exits is ‘Pet’s Corner’, a small area containing animals that you can stop to observe on your walk. Further along is the old water wheel, a great location to stop and take pictures of (or at!). Jesmond Dene is a tranquil area, great for a peaceful solitary walk or to amble along whilst catching up with friends, offering a sanctuary for those who, like me, spent the pandemic there.
5. Square
Finally on the list is a popular food spot for students and locals alike, Square. Just next to the Grand Theatre, Square offers reasonably-priced Detroit-style pizza slices (in the shape of a square, naturally!) with a range of flavours, including vegan/vegetarian options. My personal favourite is the “red top”, which is covered with basil, red sauce, chilli flakes, and ricotta flower, encased in a caramelised cheese crust. I genuinely can’t get enough of it and always have to get at least two slices! Accompanied with a range of side and drink options and bar-style seating, Square is the perfect place to go with friends, a partner, or on your own. You can get a great view sitting at the window and watching pedestrians and buses rush past as you savour the incredible mix of flavours that you get with each bite.
Words by Avika Sharma
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