What can I do on Good Friday in Newcastle Gateshead?

Easter weekend will signal the first in a string of bank holiday weekends and we don't know about you, but we are ready for it!  Sunshine and lighter evenings are returning and NewcastleGateshead is ready to relax with a well-earned four-day weekend this Easter. Good Friday falls on Friday 29 March this year. Fingers crossed for some warmer weather!

For many people, Good Friday is a day for fish suppers and family time, perhaps a trip to the coast or a bracing stroll. It is also a great time to catch up with friends in a beer garden as you get ready for a long weekend of lie ins. It's sometimes hard to know what is open on Good Friday in Newcastle so let us give you our rundown of what you can do to kick start your bank holiday weekend this Easter with Good Friday activities in Newcastle and Gateshead.

For some people, it is a tradition to eat fish on Good Friday - and we can get onboard with that. Whatever the weather, a greasy wrapper of fish and chips at the coast is a classic British pastime and what better way to spend you Good Friday than along the stunning North East coastline. Take a walk from Tynemouth along the seafront to Whitley Bay and breathe in the fresh air. You have plenty of choice for the best fish and chips too from Longsands Fish Kitchen on Main Street in Tynemouth to the more pricey but highly-acclaimed Riley's Fish Shack on the beach at King Edwards Bay, to sit-in restaurant The View with (unsurprisingly) all the views of the North Sea and Longsands beach. Keep walking towards Whitley Bay for a tasty chippy tea at Fishermans Bay or the cream of the crop at award-winning chip shop Trenchers at Spanish City.

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A firm favourite in the Newcastle event calendar, Wylam Brewery at Palace of Arts in Exhibition Park reinstate their Battle of the Burger extravaganza to herald the start of the bank holiday weekend. Head to Newcastle's Exhibition Park on Good Friday 29 March from 12noon with an empty stomach ready to sample the best in burgers from local traders who are competing to be crowned the best in the business. A perfect spot for catching some sunshine and sipping a top selection of craft beer too. 

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There is a whopping £1million prize pot available at this year's Good Friday race day at Newcastle Racecourse. If that feels like the way to start your bank holiday weekend then head down to track to cheer on your favourite filly at the All Weather Championships Final and Family Funday. There will be thrilling horse races, a mini golf course to have a go on, a funfair and even a visit from Paw Patrol favourites!

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There are lots of Easter family activities to do on Good Friday. Attractions that are open on Good Friday include Northumberland's Alnwick Garden where you can take part in the Spring Scavenger Hunt. Whilst visiting, pick up a scavenger hunt sheet and help Reg The Hedge find the items on his list! March and April are great time to make a visit to Alnwick Garden as the blossom starts to bloom across its spectacular Cherry Blossom Garden.

Alnwick Castle is set to reopen for their spring and summer season on Good Friday this year. Visit their medieval alchemist, Alchemy Jack and discover mysterious medicines, peculiar concoctions and bizarre apparatus. 

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Before you overindulge in Easter eggs (treat yourself to luxury, handcrafted eggs from Studio 28 Patisserie) - why not start the weekend with a freshly baked hot cross bun? Newcastle is well-catered for when it comes to excellent artisan bakeries so you will not have to look far for a fresh hot cross bun on Good Friday. Whether you plan ahead or try your luck on Good Friday, make sure you get up early to grab an Easter treat. Northern Rye on the edge of Ouseburn River on the way to Newcastle Quayside, Pink Lane Bakery in Newcastle city centre and Gosforth, and FAB Bakery in Fenham will have some delicious Easter treats. 

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Fire Eaters is a brand new concept that combines our passion for great food, drinks and live entertainment in an amazing setting. They are bringing incredible street food, amazing DJs and great music to Sunderland, with outdoor and indoor bars stocking a huge range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Just a short metro trip from Newcastle. Entry into the Fire Eaters street food village at The Fire Station is completely free and children and well-behaved dogs are welcome to attend.