If you’re staying in the city over the summer months, we’ve compiled our favourite affordable activities in the North East!
From places to visit on your doorstep to adventures just a metro ride away, this guide is here to give you some inspiration if you’re looking to make summer plans or fill in a free day.
Go Paddle Boarding at Tynemouth Longsands
This is by far one of the most enjoyable summer activities in Newcastle - weather dependent! Accessible by metro, Longsands Beach is home to Tynemouth Surf Co, who offer surf and stand-up paddleboard lessons and rentals from their beach hut. Paddleboards can be hired for £15 and wetsuits for £10. On a calm summer's day, paddling along the coastline is a perfect way to fill in an afternoon and learn a new skill. Just make sure you bring dry clothes and a towel, as there’s a good chance you might end up in the water! Head to Tynemouth Surf Co’s website to find out more.
Visit Tynemouth Market and spend the day there
If you don’t feel like going in the sea, there’s still plenty to do at the coast! Tynemouth Market, which is held inside Tynemouth metro station, is open every Saturday and Sunday until 4pm. It’s full of quirky stalls, local artists, vintage clothing and amazing food. You can easily enjoy a couple of hours exploring the aisles and rummaging through the different bits and bobs the local vendors have to offer. Coming out of the station, Tynemouth Front Street has a wealth of lovely places to stop off and recharge with a hot or cold drink. The newest arrival, Deep North, offers amazing artisan doughnuts that are highly recommended! (Just be sure to get there before they sell out) Afterwards, take a stroll past the historic Tynemouth Priory down to the beach to enjoy beautiful views of the North East coast.
Explore the Rising Sun Country Park
This 400 acre park provides a welcomed escape into nature if you’re feeling like you need a break from city life. With free-entry, you can get to the park by taking the metro to Palmersville station and walking for just over 15 minutes to arrive at the visitor centre. From there, multiple routes will take you around the idyllic park and its sights. You’ll pass lakes, woodlands and lots of farm animals - including a resident deer! This is the perfect place to take a day trip with friends and enjoy an outdoor picnic.
Catch a Movie at Screen on the Green:
Every summer, NE1 Events host Screen on the Green at Old Eldon Square. Offering a timetable of free films and deck chairs to lounge on, watching a classic movie out in the fresh air is a fantastic way to chill out with friends. What's great is that it can be found right in the city centre, making it the perfect place to meet up!
Get the Train to Corbridge Village
For under £5, you can catch a train that will take you straight to this blissful countryside village in under an hour. Corbridge, a Roman town in Northumberland, is full of quaint little shops, historical buildings and lovely green views. Wandering through the cobbled streets and along the riverside, you’ll get a true taste of country living.
Try Puppy Yoga in Newcastle
This unique class sounds like an amazing way to unwind after a busy exam season. Based around improving mental health and well-being, the classes over laid back yoga mixed with lots of puppy cuddles. The calming environment also helps the puppies to socialise in a safe space, preparing them for their forever homes. To find out about their next classes, head to their Instagram account.
View the City from above at Newcastle Castle
This little castle is steeped in history and offers one of the best panoramic views of Newcastle. Climbing up the narrow stone stairways and wandering through the different rooms, the fortress serves as a reminder of how the city came to be. You can access the open air lookout tower and gaze out over the River Tyne, taking in the stunning views of the city’s skyline. With student tickets priced at under £9, this is a great way to explore more of Newcastle’s past and learn something new!
Enjoy Ice Cream and Pizza in Ouseburn
Ouseburn is a firm favourite of the North East. With lots of independent shops like florists and bakeries, it’s a lovely part of the city to meander through. Having previously been an industrial area, Ouseburn has been transformed into a hub of culture whilst keeping its original character. Street art from local artists lines almost every wall, with murals offering great places to snap a photo. Di Meo’s ice cream shop, famous amongst Geordies, can be found along the riverside walk, and it is the ideal place to stop for an authentic Italian ice cream. Plus, they offer a multitude of delicious flavours such as Kinder Bueno and Biscoff. However, if you don’t have a sweet tooth, Ouseburn is home to yet another celebrated establishment - Gingerino’s Kitchen. This place has quite possibly the best pizza in the whole of the North East! Selling huge takeaway pizza slices for only £3, Gingerino’s is a must if you haven’t visited yet.
