How To Spend A Weekend In Newcastle

Another great brunch spot is Ernest in Ouseburn. Expect classic breakfast grub, as well as hash bowls filled with crispy potatoes and finished with savoury toppings. Alongside burgers and other dishes from the evening menu, diners can take advantage of its Margarita Monday offer, when cocktails are £12 for two. Other casual options in the city include Pranzo Trattoria & Deli, which serves tasty focaccia sandwiches, pizzas and pasta, as well as Chucho's, a lively Mexican-inspired restaurant and bar serving everything from breakfast through to dinner. Expect tacos topped with zingy and spicy salsas, cheesy quesadillas, tortillas and guacamole, and spicy Patron margaritas. 

Finally, just outside the city, you’ll find one of the region’s most popular eateries: Riley’s Fish Shack in Tynemouth. With a string of five-star reviews from critics, the shack has become synonymous with excellent seafood you expect up north. Open daily during the summer months (before its sister restaurant takes over in winter), guests can sit inside the small shack or around the fire during its firepit feasts. Expect dishes like hand-dived scallops, crispy John dory with capers and lemon, and homemade crumpets with poached eggs and smoked trout. You can also book workshops to learn how to fillet and cook fish to perfection and visit its online shop to order at-home seafood curry kits.

You’ll find excellent wine and cocktails at most of the above restaurants, but if you’re after a cool wine bar, there are a few worth knowing. French Quarter has a relaxed vibe and, as you’d expect, a great selection of French wines, from biodynamic bottles to classic burgundies, as well as organic wines from small European producers. You can enjoy a selection of small plates alongside a bottle, or cheese and charcuterie boards. Long Friday in Jesmond (from the team behind Cook House) is another good spot for a glass or two. Open Wednesday to Sunday until late, its cocktail list includes all the classics, as well as signature drinks like the ‘Pear Spritz’ made with Ratafia Champenois, poached pears and brandy; and the ‘Theft & Shrubbery’ made with Cachaça, raspberry eau de vie and blackberry shrub. These are served alongside a selection of seasonal plates, from bar snacks to seafood dishes and boozy puddings. 

Finally, for pints, cocktail pitchers and Sunday roasts, make a beeline for The Tanners Arms at Ouseburn. DJs and live musicians set the vibe most days in its dining room and courtyard, and there are regular sports screenings. The roast dinner is award-wining, partly thanks to its huge Yorkshire puddings and hefty gravy boats. You can also pop in for pub quizzes, activities for kids during the holidays and vinyl sessions.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne is home to a cool cultural scene, pretty parks, and fascinating museums. For a culture fix, the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead is a must-see. Housed in a former flour mill on the banks of the River Tyne, this free gallery showcases ever-changing exhibitions of modern art. Nearby, you’ll find The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, an iconic music venue offering everything from classical concerts to big-name performances, all housed in an impressive glass structure overlooking the river. Afterwards, a trip to Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle’s creative quarter, is essential. The Biscuit Factory, an independent art gallery, is filled with contemporary works from local and national artists, while little ones will love Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children's Books.

History buffs and children will also love the Discovery Museum, which delves into Newcastle's industrial past, with exhibits on the city's role in shipbuilding, science, and engineering. Don’t miss the impressive Turbinia, once the fastest ship in the world, which takes pride of place in the main hall. The city is also home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the northeast. Tyne Bridge, the city’s most recognisable symbol, dominates the skyline. This steel arch bridge, completed in 1928, links Newcastle to Gateshead and offers sweeping views of the Tyne. A walk along the Quayside is a great way to take in the views of the landmark, along with several other bridges that span the river, including the innovative Gateshead Millennium Bridge, which tilts to allow ships to pass underneath.

During the summer months, head to Leazes Park. Just a short distance from St James’ Park stadium, the green space offers boating on the lake and wide lawns for soaking up the sunshine. Plus, over in Jesmond, there’s Jesmond Dene, a leafy park that feels like a countryside retreat within the city. This peaceful green space is perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic, with its winding paths, waterfalls, and the pets' corner for kids.