If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll probably have noticed I tend to visit Newcastle a few times per year.
My boyfriend, Brian, is a Newcastle football fan so, when we can, we take a trip for the weekend. He gets to go to the game, I get to go shopping – win/win!
I thought I’d share some of our favourite picks if, like us, you and your other half fancy a night away to Newcastle and don’t know where to begin.
Disclaimer: if you’re looking for a party-filled, big night out in Newcastle sorta inspiration – soz, but you’re on the wrong post. Insert old lady emoji here as I’m officially a bit boring these days!
// WHERE TO STAY IN NEWCASTLE //
We’ve tried a few different hotels in Newcastle, including the Crowne Plaze, Hampton by Hilton and Sandman Signature. This trip, we returned to Hotel Indigo.
HOTEL INDIGO NEWCASTLE
We stayed in Hotel Indigo Newcastle in January too and loved the modern rooms, friendly staff, but mostly we loved the location.
Just a few minute’s walk from the train station, you’re also central to the city centre, perfect if you fancy some shopping and cocktails.
We stayed in an Executive King room for a very reasonable £90 per night. I also totally recommend adding on the breakfast. I’m a bit judgy when it comes to hotel breakfasts, but the breakfast at Hotel Indigo is really good.
Oh and, if you would prefer to dine in for dinner too, the hotel is also home to the Marco Pierre White restaurant. No mediocre hotel food over here!
// WHERE TO EAT + DRINK IN NEWCASTLE //
As I say, I’m not giving any suggestions for any big night out spots, but we’ve found a few faves if you fancy a nice drink and good food. This trip, we had two stand out places, but we’ve went to Miller & Carter Newcastle a lot too.
THE BOTANIST
Right in the city centre, The Botanist Newcastle is an Instagram-worthy spot for lunch and cocktails. The main bar is lovely to sit and enjoy some of their extensive cocktail offerings or, if you get a nice day like we did, there’s also a rooftop bar, with views over Newcastle.
Book in advance if you plan to go here for food, especially if you’re visiting on the weekend as it’s always really busy.
GUSTO
I’ve went to Gusto in Glasgow many times and was always impressed so we decided to book Gusto Newcastle, which is down the Quayside. I booked online and, because I’m a dining club member, I got 20% off the food on the Friday night, but there’s 40% off food at other times during the week.
The service, food and atmosphere were good. I’m all one for the vibe of somewhere when deciding if I liked it and I’m glad to say I did!
// WHERE TO SHOP IN NEWCASTLE //
Now, when you mention shopping in Newcastle, people will probably say ‘oh, Metro Centre!’. I have nothing against Metro Centre, but actually I’ve found I prefer shopping in the city centre and it’s a bit less hassle than having to travel out to Metro (yes, I’m really that lazy).
The only (heartbreaking) thing is that there is no Zara in the city centre! I know, how cruel. Apart from that, though, pretty much all the shops you’d expect are at Metro and in the city centre.
One of my must-stop shops is Fenwick’s, the department store. It has a great mix of designers and I don’t think I’ve ever left without buying something from there! Personal highlights of the store are the jewellery department (Estella Bartlett and Ophelia), Calvin Klein (where I got my favourite CK sweatshirt), the entire handbag department and there’s also a gorge new gift/stationery section on the ground floor, with Kate Spade and Katie Loxton type things.
intu Eldon Square is the main shopping centre in the city centre (it’s where Fenwick’s is too) and it has a great sized Topshop, River Island and New Look.
THE FOOTBALL
Of course, I couldn’t finish the short round-up without mentioning the reason Brian took me to Newcastle in the first place: the football!
I’m not the biggest football fan (understatement of the year/decade), but I had come to enjoy going to the football – especially as you can enjoy a wee wine at half time!
Football is a big part of Newcastle, with St James’ Park stadium located in the city centre, so I’d really recommend going to a game if you can.
We’ve done the stadium tour too, which even I quite enjoyed – just don’t tell Brian I admitted it!
Are there any places in Newcastle you would recommend? I’d love to hear!