Posted on May 11th, 2017
If you are coming to the end of your time in Newcastle you will want to make the most of every minute of your time here. Whether it’s your first or final year, the time is going to fly by so you better get started on that bucket list sooner rather than later! Here is our list of everything a student should experience in their time in The Toon.
Just a short metro ride away from the city centre you’ll find numerous beaches but nothing beats sitting in Riley’s Fish Shack in Tynemouth. Tuck in to your dinner whilst overlooking the North Sea and stop off for a pint or five on your way back to the train. If this idea of paradise doesn’t match your own then Tynemouth is also home to an aqaurium, mini golf and old castle ruins so there’s no reason to not head to the coast!
Yes, there are many other beautiful parks in Newcastle that are also acceptable to picnic in, I’m just biased as the Dene is about a minute away from my house and I’m very, very lazy. As well as it’s proximity to my bed, it also boasts plenty of space to eat, a petting zoo and of course, the waterfall, subject of many an Instagram post (including my own). After eating, you could always challenge your pals to a game of rounders, as we all know nothing says friendships like competitively hitting things with a large stick.
Tyne Bar is my spiritual home. That’s a fact. I love the beer garden, I love overlooking the river, I love the music events, and most of all, I love that they serve weird ciders and mac n cheese. It’s heaven. But one thing can make it better, all of the surrounding pubs and bars in Ouseburn are fantastic too. Most students don’t know about these hidden gems because the they are too scared to leave the safety of Osborne Road and most other people don’t really like walking all the way there but it is just so worth it to spend all day there in the sun. Make sure you also check out The Cluny while you’re in the area. You won’t be disappointed.
Not so much a must-do for Newcastle but dealing with a disposable BBQ is a rite of passage for every student. Last year I lived with six girls and one guy, so when we decided to have an end of year BBQ we just assumed the token man would take charge. We were wrong. Turns out that living with us for a whole year has dried up the man’s primal urge to grill meat, so with much fear and very little confidence the girls took the reins. Two bottles of wine and an argument later, we sat down in our “garden” (the small patch outside our door) to eat a mildly successful and borderline delicious meal. Anyone can do it and to be honest, if you don’t like waiting two hours for your food, then just put it in the oven and eat it outside. It’s the same thing really.
If you’re coming to Newcastle from far away you’ll soon start associating the Angel with being “nearly home” at the end of the long journey back to your new favourite city. Although there really isn’t much to do there and it’s actually surprisingly close to a main road, the guardian of the North East deserves to be commemorated, even if you just stop for a minute to take a quick photo. You’ll be sad if you don’t have one when you leave!
From laughing at Jesterval in Gateshead to discovering new local artists at Evolution Emerging, there are festivals for everyone in Tyneside over the summer months. Ouseburn Valley is usually packed full of events at this time of year so take yourself, your sunglasses and whichever pals you can drag with you and head down there to hear some music you definitely won’t have heard of, but possibly might enjoy. This weekend 12/13th May is the Newcastle food festival at Leazes Park ! For the full summer festival line up head to www.newcastlegateshead.com
One of the best things about Newcastle is how close we are to Northumberland. So much to explore but top of the list has to be Kielder. The scenery is spectacular and the whole area is perfect for water sports, unreal camping trips, mountain biking and other “outdoorsy pursuits”. If you not so active you could do a spot of stargazing at the observatory! Check out www.visitkielder.com for inspiration.
If you prefer beach life then you are spoiled for choice. Play in the Dunes at Druridge Bay, visit the famous Ship Inn at Low Newton or for something a bit livelier visit the pubs at Seahouses. If you and your flat mates don’t drive Arriva do great bus service up the Coast from Haymarket.
Easiliving x
