Escape the Everyday in NewcastleGateshead this Autumn

It might be an understatement to say that this year has not gone to plan! There will have been holidays cancelled, events postponed and an unexpected amount of time spent zooming around the digital world. There are probably lots of things about this year that you would like to ignore for a while and what better way to escape the everyday than planning some safe and fun activities in NewcastleGateshead? 

We've pulled together a list of our top ways to escape the everyday in the North East - from discovering new places to visit and things to do outdoors to a renewed freedom to explore... not to mention a couple of ways to treat yourself; you deserve it! 

(And whilst we're all trying to escape the everyday... you can rest assured that each of the businesses mentioned in our round-up have put new and rigorous measures in place to protect all visitors during this challenging time and provide a safe but enjoyable experience! That's the last time we'll mention Covid-19 for now! )

Learn to cook in a 13^th century Dominican priory

Housed in a 13th-century medieval friary in the heart of Newcastle, the award-winning Blackfriars Restaurant and Parlour Bar hosts a wide programme of cookery classes, beer and gin-tasting events and luxurious lunches combined with tours of the historical building. Visitors can enjoy the best traditional-British cooking and seasonal produce straight from nearby farms and markets. Put those lockdown cooking skills into practice 

Explore Newcastle’s history on a walking tour

Get in those steps on a half-day walking tour that immerses you in the history and sights of Newcastle upon Tyne and tells the story of how innovation in the city has changed the world. The tour takes you inside the medieval heart of the city to Newcastle Castle (the city’s namesake) which dates back as far as 1080 and its neighbour Newcastle Cathedral, as well as exploring the areas that were home to the industrial revolution that shaped history.

An underground tour of Victoria Tunnel

Running beneath the city from the Town Moor to the River Tyne, Victoria Tunnel is a Victorian waggonway that transported coal to the Tyne and is now a must-see visitor attraction with fascinating heritage guided tours that visitors to NewcastleGateshead can enjoy. Don a helmet and set off on an underground tour and explore its history, which also included being used as an air-raid shelter during World War II. Until the end of the year, Victoria Tunnel is running private single household (or bubbles) one-hour tours.

Kayaking on the Tyne

Explore the sights of Newcastle and Gateshead from a whole new perspective with CBK’s Adventure Co.’s professional river guides on a kayak tour of the River Tyne. Taking in unrivalled views of the famous seven bridges of the Tyne and Quayside, there is no jostling for position here as you quietly paddle beneath the bridges, snapping pictures and enjoying the view as you go.

An award-winning adventure, CBK’s took home Gold for ‘Experience of the Year’ at the North East England Tourism Awards 2020.

Follow the Angel’s Way by foot

One of six Northern Saints trails long-distance walking routes, the Angel’s Way is a 30-mile walking route from Seaton Sluice to Chester le Street. The trail is based on existing ancient pilgrimage routes and takes Tyneside in all its multi-faceted allure, spending most of its time in NewcastleGateshead. One of the most cosmopolitan Northern Saints trails, the route introduces you to one of Britain’s best known sculptures, Angel of the North, and takes in some of the North East’s most noteworthy art galleries, museums and cultural venues as well as Jesmond Dene in Newcastle’s leafy suburbs.

Take in the sights of the Quayside on two wheels

Hire a bike from the Cycle Hub (and grab a cake and coffee while you’re there) and take in the iconic views of the famous seven bridges of the Quayside on two wheels. Both sides of NewcastleGateshead Quayside are flat and provide long-stretches of cycle pathways to enjoy a leisurely bike ride along. Venturing a little further afield along the River Tyne, you can head west towards Northumberland or east towards the North East coast on the epic Coast-to-Coast route.

Experience honest British food in a traditional ale house

The Broad Chare offers all the best bits of a traditional ale house with a fresh and modern touch. Dig into its famous bar snacks with attitude – hand-raised pork pies, the finest Scotch eggs or cauliflower fritters. Alternatively, you can enjoy its quality, British home-cooked food ‘like pubs used to make’ in its restaurant area.

Enjoy seasonal and ethical food in a converted shipping container village

Nestled in a highly sought out location under the Tyne Bridge on the Gateshead Quays, Trakol is By the River Brew Co.'s popular riverside restaurant, which recently earned its place in the coveted Michelin Guide 2020. Enjoy a superior quality, local sourced meal with friends or family here, amongst the relaxed setting of a rustic independent container community. Trakol is known for showcasing nose to tail cooking and its open fire kitchen combines primitive outdoor cooking with stylish indoor dining.

And relax... get ready for a new beginning with a five-star spa break

Rockliffe Hall in County Durham, not far from Newcastle, is a five-star luxury spa hotel. Surrounded by parkland in a curve of the River Tees, Rockliffe Hall promises peace, space and time to unwind. Following the recent changes to government guidelines, Rockliffe Hall are ready to welcome you back for some much-needed relaxation with the reopening of their exceptional spa facilities. Luxuriate in their award-winning spa and take full advantage of your choice of treatments as part of a number of packages to welcome you back.