Unusual Nights Out in Newcastle and Gateshead

Newcastle rightfully holds legendary-status when it comes to nightlife, and we wear that crown with pride. But if you're looking for a night out that challenges the status quo, then you're exactly where you need to be. Get competitive, challenge yourselves and have some fun by branching out from the typical evening activities, experiences and nightlife.

If you're looking for something other than getting glammed up and heading to one of our top bars or hunting down a perfectly poured beer in one of the best pubs in the city, then keep reading.

Gather your mates and get ready for a night out like no other - these nights out in Newcastle can include a dip in a ball pool, a legal 'rock n roll' smash-fest, a secluded booth dedicated to Guitar Hero and a round of golf with a twist. Who's in?

Read on for our guide to unusual nights out in NewcastleGateshead....

Escape Key really tests the skills and abilities of everyone in your group. The independent escape room company have devised four indoor rooms which are themed on heart-racing scenarios from evading a cackle of witches to avoiding Armageddon. Each handcrafted space is a marvel and the action-packed escape experiences will get you sweating as you zone out the ticking clock to try and crack the innovative puzzles and codes. Escape Key also offer outdoor escape games that lead you through an adventure in the streets of the city so why not get your bearings in Newcastle whilst racing to outsmart the digital escape experience?

For those who are ready for the ULTIMATE unusual night out in Newcastle, Howlers has it all! Combining the buzz of a night club with the madness of a giant ball pool, Howlers is one of the wildest experiences you and your friends will have. It is the first and only ball pit bar in Newcastle but that's not all, expect bizarre and bonkers live entertainment no matter what night you choose to go including bonkers bingo, private karaoke booths and more.

Flight Club Newcastle is a brilliant shout for a fun night out. With interactive social darts, lush cocktails and plenty of sharing plates, it’s made for mates and couples who like a little friendly competition. Book a booth, share a pizza, sip on a cocktail and get stuck into the incredible games for a night out that’s fun, competitive and guaranteed to keep the laughs flowing.

Lane 7 is the place to go if you love to play games and have a competitive streak. Located in the heart of Newcastle along St James’ Boulevard and their second venue, right next to The Gate, you can play ten-pin bowling, ping-pong, retro arcade games, pool, darts and there's even a chance to warble the night away with a set or two of Karaoke. Refuel for the next Beer Pong match with burgers, fries, pizzas and desserts or prop up the Lane7 bar while you compare notes on your ping-pong technique. Ambiguously open 'until late' seven days a week, Lane7 is an ideal place for parties and quirky nights out with your friends in Newcastle.

Something truly unique for you now - Smash Space has made it onto our list of unusual nights out. Do you have a lot of pent up aggression? Take out your frustrations at Newcastle's Smash Space where you have full permission to unleash your inner rage! Whether it's having the freedom to smash up a room like a rock star or throw paint balls at a blank canvas to exercise your inner artiste - you and your friends are guaranteed to leave feeling very zen!

If you’re looking for something completely different to do in the North East, BattleKart Gateshead is an adrenaline-fuelled experience that blends real-life karting with augmented reality gaming. Located inside the Metrocentre, it transforms the track into an interactive playground where you can race, battle and complete challenges projected directly onto the floor. It’s fast-paced chaotic fun that’s perfect for groups, date nights or anyone wanting to level up their usual go-karting experience.

Get your space rocket engine started as you and your group prepare to blast off into Mr Mulligan’s Space Golf, on Newgate Street in Newcastle. Crazy golfers will have the choice of three space-themed adventure courses to choose from when they take on the Mr Mulligan's challenge. It can be hard dodging all those shooting stars as you attempt to get a hole in one so space-goers can recharge in the bar and restaurant - for those early birders, enjoy two of cocktails for just £12 everyday from 5pm - 7pm.

Junkyard Golf is a fun gold course with three psychedelic, Instagrammable mini-golf courses await. The weird and wacky options all seem to include an element of jeopardy as you navigate the terrifying tropical jungle in the Pablo course or experience the fright of a creepy carnival in the Bozo route. Putt your way through all sorts of bizarre holes and have the party that everyone remembers.

Junkyard is an adult playground seven days a week so welcome to alternative club! Get ready for sensory overload with neon colours, flashing lights and banging beats. Any keen under 18s can head to Junkyard with an accompanying adult before 7pm on Sundays - Thursdays.

Golf Fang Newcastle is another assault on the senses! Located in Hoults Yard on the edge of Ouseburn, Ghetto Golf is a twisted 18-hole urban crazy golf course complete with a cocktail bar. There are live DJs providing the urban beats and every inch of the venue is covered in graffiti and street art to ensure you have the most social media-friendly backdrop to your alternative night out.  Like Junkyard, Ghetto Golf is for adults only so expect the nightclub vibe while you pitch and putt your way to success.

NQ64 Retro Arcade Bar is an arcade bar that combines nightlife vibes with retro games on Pilgrim Street. NQ64 has brought neon splattered drinking dens full of retro arcade games and classic consoles to the city, with an enviable game-themed cocktail and craft beer menu that can be enjoyed whilst button bashing to victory against your mates.

There are heaps of fan favourites to get stuck into including Pac-Man, Mario Kart, Guitar Hero, Time Crisis and Point Blank. Bringing a new energy to Newcastle’s entertainment landscape, NQ64’s retro arcades and pinball machines operate on tokens which can be bought from the bar, while their games consoles are all free to play.