10 ways to look after your health and wellbeing in NewcastleGateshead

Feeling like you need to recharge? Sometimes it’s important to just pause and take a breath away from the fast pace of city life. While NewcastleGateshead is full of energy, it also offers plenty of spaces and experiences to help you unwind, relax, and look after your wellbeing. With plenty of peaceful parks for a wellness walk, cosy cafés for a big mug of hot chocolate, and even fantastic wellness hubs, there are so many ways to nourish both your body and mind. Read on for some of our favourite tips and spots to support your health, restore your energy, and feel refreshed in NewcastleGateshead.

Yoga x Life studio is located in Shieldfield and offers an escape from the busy city centre setting. The studio offers light filled, serene surroundings and the perfect space to destress and find fresh strength and balance. Whether you are a regular in the practice of yoga, or simply wanting to try a new calming hobby, the studio has classes for all abilities. There is a daily schedule from dynamic to yin and meditation and even a cafe on site serving tasty coffee, delicious superfood smoothies and a selection of vegan and gluten free foods. You can purchase passes to individual classes or enrol in monthly membership that gives you access to multiple classes a week. You can find out more here. 

We are so lucky in NewcastleGateshead to have access to beautiful outdoor spaces. Sometimes we underestimate the benefits of a bit of fresh air! Jesmond Dene offers a tranquil and unique space to get your steps in and enjoy being outside. With a different spot to be discovered at every turn, the Dene hides a waterfall, multiple bridges a mix of native and exotic trees and is also home to a lot of wildlife. The narrow wooded valley that follows the river Ouseburn between South Gosforth and Jesmond Vale stretches for over three kilometres. If that wasn't enough, there is also a visitor centre and Pet's Corner nestled within the trees. Pet's Corner is home to pot-bellied pigs, goats and sheep alongside rabbits and birds and is entirely managed by volunteers.

Taking some time away from our screens is a great way to boost motivation and give your mind a rest. If you are looking for something to do to fill the phone shaped hole, why not head to a café in Newcastle and Gateshead with a book. There are many cafés city wide that welcome visitors for longer stays. Why not relax in Pink Lane Coffee, BALTIC Kitchen, Lagom, The Staiths Cafe, Laneway & Co with a good read. Be sure to tuck into some great food and try a range of drinks when you visit, it’s the perfect way to step away from screens, slow down, and enjoy a little digital detox.

Dogs can provide the ultimate serotonin boost! Dog and Scone is Newcastle's only dedicated dog café and is absolute heaven for all dog lovers. Visitors can enjoy a range of delicious cakes, coffee and tea all in the company of the cafe's resident dogs, which makes it feel extra cosy and wholesome. Spend time sipping a cup of tea all whilst petting and snuggling with one of the many friendly dogs in the cafe. Dog and Scone has a lovely garden-themed design creating a super calming environment for you and all of the pooches to relax in. Booking is essential, and entry is £7 per person per session. Find out more information here. 

Did you know that NewcastleGateshead is a only stones throw away from a beautiful coastline? The sea air and long stretches of sandy beaches can provide such a calming atmosphere and peace of mind. South Shields, Tynemouth and Whitley Bay all offer a unique landscape of sea and sand and are all accessible via metro, car or bus. The beaches are perfect for a stroll with friends, a furry companion or simply on your own - there's really nothing quite like the rhythm of the crashing waves to make you feel completely at ease. If you want to tuck into some proper tasty food whilst you are in the area, visit one of the many independent cafes and restaurants. You can also head along to the super poplar Market that takes place in Tynemouth Metro Station and browse stalls with local art and gifts.

Health and wellbeing is not all about keeping active, sometimes we need some good old comfort food to ensure we are feeling our best. The Grainger Market is the perfect place to buy ingredients to whip up your favourite dish or to sample some mouth-watering food from local vendors. Enjoy a delicious acai bowl and matcha from The Forest Boost if that's your style, spoil yourself with a juicy bagel from King Baby Bagels, grab some authentic dumplings from Dumpling and Bun or grab a classic pizza slice by Slice. Whatever you fancy, the Grainger Market offers a real Geordie welcome to anyone who passes through and is packed with some of the best local food traders in the region.

This one is definitely not for the faint hearted! CBK adventures have created a social that promotes the incredible benefits of cold water swimming. The Ice Dip Social takes you into the North Sea, with a trained instructor who talks you through the benefits that it will have to your mind and body. Afterwards you then head into a therapeutic Finnish tent sauna and a group relaxation space that is set up on the beach. The day comes together to create a unique winters day at the beach. You can find out more about the Ice Dip Social here.

Parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate and takes place every Saturday morning in locations around Newcastle and Gateshead. The run is 5k and encourages you to be active on a Saturday morning, no matter the weather! Don't worry if you are not an avid runner, the parkrun is positive, welcoming and inclusive and there is no time limit and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome to come along. Locations in Newcastle and Gateshead include, Saltwell Park, Windy Nook Nature Park, Exhibition Park, Jesmond Dene and Leazes Park. You can find your nearest Parkrun here.

The City Baths offers a luxurious spa experience in a beautifully restored historic setting. The Turkish Baths provide a traditional heat and water journey, designed to cleanse, detoxify, and revitalise. For some added indulgence, explore the Temple Spa treatment menu, featuring luxurious facials and massages if you want to really treat yourself to some much-needed relaxation. Head to The City Baths with your mates or even spoil yourself to a little solo date. Gentle exercise is a also great way to boost both your mental and physical wellbeing, if you feel like it why not try out the fully equipped gym or explore the variety of excercise classes available which are tailored to suit all fitness levels. Find out more here.

BALTIC's year-round programme ranges from blockbuster exhibitions to innovative new work and projects created by artists working within the local community. Visitors can experience innovative and provocative new art, relax, have fun, learn and discover fresh ideas before relaxing with a coffee in their onside BALTIC Kitchen cafe which overlooks the best view ever, which is the Quayside of course. Visiting the art gallery allows you space to switch off and get lost in some thought provoking art and take in one of the best views in the city from the viewpoint on the fifth floor. You can even brighten up your day by visiting the quirky BALTIC shop and getting yourself some nice little presents to take home.

There are so many events happening in NewcastleGateshead this year. Plan ahead and take a look to see What's On whilst you are here.