Newcastle's Hidden Gems

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I have lived on the outskirts of Newcastle my whole life and I have been visiting the city centre most weeks since I was a child. 

I like to think that I know my way around Newcastle as I have visited that often, but I think when you live somewhere you take the city you live in for granted and stick to places you know and don't appreciate all the wonderful things around you. 

So when Travelodge got in touch to ask about hidden gems in Newcastle I was unsure of what to say. Newcastle has a bit of a reputation as a party city full of hen and stag parties and the cast of Geordie shore getting mortal, along with football fans in black and white strips. Yes, Newcastle is like that it has an amazing nightlife with so many bars and clubs and a very loyal football following. 

The city is more than that though.

 Newcastle is actually a really lovely city full of shops, bars, restaurants and beautiful buildings. One thing I love in Newcastle is the shops, I know this is not a hidden gem but all the shops are together with a bustling Northumberland street full of high street favourites such as Marks & Spencer and a huge Primark. Northumberland street leads you to Eldon Square a large indoor shopping mall jam-packed with well known high street shops and my personal favourite Fenwick's. 

If you are visiting Newcastle then a visit to Fenwick's is a must as it is a huge department store. If you are visiting in November or December you simply must visit the iconic Fenwick's window display which is truly magical whatever your age. 

If you are visiting the toon with Children then they will be delighted with the Fenwick's toy department which is located on the top floor and is home to every toy they could wish for. 

If you are visiting with children then a trip to the Hancock museum (Great North Museum) is a great way to keep them entrained. Entrance is free and it is located just a few minutes walk from Haymarket metro station at the top of Northumberland Street.

If you want somewhere to eat in the city then you have so many options with numerous eateries dotted around the city. I love Blackfriars which is located near China town and is an award-winning restaurant located in a 13th-century former medieval friary. They serve delicious locally sourced dishes as well as offering a banqueting hall menu and large parties can even book to try out medieval feasts. It is a truly unique and delicious experience. 

I love how Newcastle has a metro system with stations in the city centre and which easily transport you around Tyneside, as one of my most favourite places to visit in the North East is the coast. A short 20-minute metro journey to Tynemouth is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and unwind and blow away the cobwebs. I love visiting Tynemouth as it is a small village that has a great mix of quirky little shops and some great bars and restaurants as well as a gorgeous coastline to walk along or to visit the priory.

Tynemouth beach

If you prefer to stay within the city then you can't beat a walk along the quayside, which is just a ten minute walk from the city centre. We love strolling along the river Tyne with the Tyne Bridge in the background admiring the lovely views. 

The quayside is a lovely place that people often go for a leisurely walk along, it is also home to some great hotels including Newcastle central Travelodge along with a selection of bars and restaurants and even a cat cafe where you can go and unwind by stroking cats with your cuppa. If you are in the area on a Sunday morning then a visit to the quayside market is a must as it is full of many Geordie treats from local companies. 

Newcastle Upon Tyne

Newcastle really is full of so many wonderful sites and places to visit that I can not possibly list them all. If you are a group of friends out on the lash, a couple looking for a romantic trip or a family looking for an adventure you are sure to have a brilliant time and make memories that will last you a lifetime here in the North East. 

Have you visited Newcastle before or do you live in Newcastle, if so where would you class as your hidden gem? I would love to know in the comments below.