As spring has arrived in Newcastle, with lighter days and longer evenings, it is the perfect time to explore the city.
You’re not alone if you stay over the break, many students also choose to do the same!
Take a look at some of the things to do below and make the most of every moment in Spring Break.
With the sun starting to come out more often, a perfect thing to do is explore all of the lovely green spaces in Newcastle! From Jesmond Dene to Exhibition Park or even in the city centre.Jesmond Dene is the perfect scenic place to go for a walk and it is even better when the sun is shining. I love going for a walk in Jesmond Dene, whether it be with friends or just on my own listening to music.
Then there is Exhibition Park - this area of Newcastle you will always find people out on dog walks and runs. It is lovely to see everyone out enjoying the park. When the sun is shining, it makes the perfect spot for a picnic with your friends too!
The city centre also offers some green spaces to visit like outside of the Civic Centre, very close to the University. From spring, there is always gorgeous flowers planted here and it makes the perfect spot to take a break from the library and assignments.
Every Saturday and Sunday there are markets on in Tynemouth Metro Station, selling everything from books, food, toys, posters and more! This is a lovely day out and it is always busy. The Metro only takes around 30 minutes too from city centre, a perfect day trip. You can find out more on the Tynemouth Market website.
If you don’t want to travel out of the city centre then don’t worry! Every Sunday there are also local markets down on the Quayside. Just like the ones in Tynemouth, they have plenty of stalls to choose from. I love visiting these, especially for a Taylor Made Coffee and Redhead’s Mac and Cheese! If you haven’t been to them already, definitely use Spring Break as your opportunity to do so! Remember it is important to shop with independent brands! Find out more about the Quayside Market.
Last year I explored the neighbourhood of Ouseburn, and it has since become one of my favourite areas of Newcastle to visit. Ouseburn has plenty to offer with lots of cafes, restaurants, bars and even a little farm! I think this was one of my favourite finds and I love going for a day out with friends to see some of the animals they have.
One of the most accessible day trips for Newcastle University students is definitely Tynemouth and it is a student classic! Almost every student at some point in their studies here will have a day trip to the beach. It is the perfect time to visit in spring too. Get some traditional fish and chips with your friends and take them on to the beach. This is something I am really going to miss when I graduate!
If you feel you have been to Tynemouth plenty of times and want to try something new then you need to check out Lundgren Tours who partner with the Students' Union to deliver amazing trip experiences. They have several trips through April, some are day trips and others for a few days, depending on what you fancy. See below for the upcoming trips in Spring Break and just after the break:
Thursday 9 April to Sunday 12 April – 4-day trip to the Scottish Highlands
Friday 17 April to Sunday 19 April – 3-day trip to the Scottish Highlands
Saturday 25 April - Harry Potter Trip to Alnwick Castle and Town
On the 3 and 4 April, Wylam Brewery is hosting Battle of the Burger. Over the two days the region’s best burger vendors will compete for the title of Best Burger in the North East.
You buy tokens and then use them to buy the burgers, tasting as many as you would like and then vote for your favourite! Another great day out and an event you should not miss in Spring Break!
Need to de-stress in-between the library and assignments? Why not do some pottery painting with your friends! Paint yourself a new spring-inspired mug or plate, taking some time to let yourself chill out and catch up with friends. The Pottery Experience in Jesmond is the perfect place to do so. Find out more and get booked on to a session!