Looking back at dating when Steve and I were younger and it was pretty boring really. It would always either be drinks in town or Whitley Bay or a pub lunch.
We definitely weren't the most adventurous!
Over the years though our tastes have changed and don't get me wrong, we still love drinks in town but we also love trying something new.
Today I am sharing a few ideas for date nights or days in Newcastle. Let me know if you have any ideas to add to the list!
If you're looking for ideas which do not involve drinking or eating, see this post: 13 Date Ideas in Newcastle (which do not involve food or alcohol).
We were so impressed with our lunch date at Thali Tray under the arches in Ouseburn a few months ago. This place serves tasty Indian street food in a relaxed environment and is perfect for a low-key date. It is inexpensive too - our lunch date was just £22 in total including drinks.
If you are looking for something to chat about over dinner, why not book a Victoria Tunnel tour before your meal?
The tunnel is just across the road from Thali Tray and something very unique to Newcastle. The Victoria Tunnel is a preserved 19th Century Waggonway which runs from the town moor to the tyne. It has such an interesting history!
Standard heritage tours last 2 hours and cost £9 each. There is also a range of special events to look out for.
Jesmond Dene is a perfect place for a stroll at any time of the year. If you are looking to make your date extra special, why not combine a walk with afternoon tea at Jesmond Dene House?
You can park your car in the hotel car park, enjoy a romantic stroll through the dene (simply turn left out of the hotel and follow the road) before heading back to enjoy one of the best afternoon teas in Newcastle.
Ghetto Golf is a strictly adults-only adventure golf course in Hoults Yard, Newcastle which is guaranteed to raise a few eyebrows and be a good laugh.
It is so much more than golf too - expect cocktails, DJs, graffiti, BBQ street food and more. They often run special offers and deals on their website and prices are typically around £10 per game.
Tyneside Cinema was originally built (in 1937) as Newcastle's first News Theatre and today, it is the UK's only purpose-built newsreel theatre still operating as a cinema.
I always think watching a movie here has extra nostalgia attached to it and it certainly feels more romantic than the big cinema complexes.
We love heading to the Stand Comedy Club on High Bridge for date night. There is usually some kind of show available to book on most nights and something for all budgets and tastes. Nothing is better than a good laugh.
I recommend RAW nights on Wednesday if you are on a budget - these are the evenings where new comedians have their first shot on stage or more established comedians first try out new material. Watching when it all goes wrong is all part of the fun. Tickets are available from around £3.
Afterwards I recommend popping into Pleased to Meet You next door. They serve fantastic cocktails and the setting is beautiful.
Did you know there is a hidden bowling alley in Eldon Square? Located above Greys Quarter in Better Eldon Leisure, it's a brilliant place to escape shopping for an hour or so. Bowling is super reasonably and they often run special offers on (ad) Living Social here too.
Bowling usually builds up an appetite and afterwards I would recommend popping into Fat Hippo Underground which is just across the road. Their happy hour deal is such good value.
Dabbawal on High Bridge (just around the corner from the Theatre Royal) is a fantastic restaurant for date night. The food is lush, staff friendly and there is always a good atmosphere. It is also the perfect place to experience something new together.
Their Chefs Surprise Menu is just £22.50 per person and you will enjoy a complete surprise! Expect a mix of appetisers, street classics, grills, karis, sides and breads. Bargain!
You don't have to have kids to visit a farm! Ouseburn Farm is free to visit (donations welcome) and a cute place to visit for a little stroll. Their pigs are so adorable!
The Cluny pub is just across the road and it would be rude not to pop in for a pint or two. I also highly recommend the food here.
Exhibition Park in Newcastle is a beautiful place for a walk, especially in Spring when the daffodils are in bloom. A walk through the park will bring you to Wylam Brewery - a unique place to spend the afternoon enjoying a range of craft beers.
Finally, I really wanted to recommend interactive darts at the WonderBar in the Gate. We tried this a few weeks ago and it was so much fun. You can play with up to 12 players so it would be great for a double/triple date with friends.
NQ64
NQ64 is a new arcade bar in Newcastle. Expect retro arcades and lots of classics alongside quick bites to eat, beer and cocktails. Find out more here.
Axe Throwing
Axe thowing is a great way to burn off some energy together but be warned, it can get competitive! We like Hatchett Harry's and would recommend. Find out more here.
Fujiyama
Fujiyama is a fun place to book for dinner with a little extra entertainment. The chefs will cook your meals teppan-yaki style on a hot plate in front of you and you can get involved with some fun challenges if you fancy trying it yourself. Find out more here.
Science Speakeasy at Life
Life run special after hours events across the year for adults only based around topical events. We went to one based on the science in Game of Thrones a few years ago and loved it! Subscribe to this mailing list to keep up to date with what's on.
Wine Tasting
Steve and I have done this a few times and love it! You actually learn a little about wine and get to sample some new varieties too. These events are now held at Blackfriars. You can find out more here.
Blackfriars Banquets
Blackfriars run lots of events throughout the year including Medievil and Seafood Banquets. It's always worth checking what's coming up (but lots of events do seem to sell out quite far in advance). Find out more here.
The Late Shows
The Late Shows are a FREE late night culture crawl around NewcastleGateshead. Venues open up after hours and usually have something special on offer. It's not to be missed! This year the event takes place on 19 & 20 May 2023. Find out more here.
You can follow Visit Newcastle over on Instagram here and Facebook here. I regularly share ideas for things to do in and around the best city in the world.
If you're looking for ideas which do not involve drinking or eating, see this post: 13 Date Ideas in Newcastle (which do not involve food or alcohol).
1 - Victoria Tunnel & Thali Tray
Jan 2023 update - please note, Thali Tray has now moved locations and can be found in Bealiam House. If you're visiting Victoria Tunnel, I would recommend Kiln or the Cluny for a bite to eat afterwards.
We were so impressed with our lunch date at Thali Tray under the arches in Ouseburn a few months ago. This place serves tasty Indian street food in a relaxed environment and is perfect for a low-key date. It is inexpensive too - our lunch date was just £22 in total including drinks.
If you are looking for something to chat about over dinner, why not book a Victoria Tunnel tour before your meal?
The tunnel is just across the road from Thali Tray and something very unique to Newcastle. The Victoria Tunnel is a preserved 19th Century Waggonway which runs from the town moor to the tyne. It has such an interesting history!
Standard heritage tours last 2 hours and cost £9 each. There is also a range of special events to look out for.
- Click here to read 10 Things to do in Ouseburn
2 - A Stroll around Jesmond Dene
Jesmond Dene is a perfect place for a stroll at any time of the year. If you are looking to make your date extra special, why not combine a walk with afternoon tea at Jesmond Dene House?
You can park your car in the hotel car park, enjoy a romantic stroll through the dene (simply turn left out of the hotel and follow the road) before heading back to enjoy one of the best afternoon teas in Newcastle.
3 - Ghetto Golf
Ghetto Golf is a strictly adults-only adventure golf course in Hoults Yard, Newcastle which is guaranteed to raise a few eyebrows and be a good laugh.
It is so much more than golf too - expect cocktails, DJs, graffiti, BBQ street food and more. They often run special offers and deals on their website and prices are typically around £10 per game.
4 - Tyneside Cinema
Tyneside Cinema was originally built (in 1937) as Newcastle's first News Theatre and today, it is the UK's only purpose-built newsreel theatre still operating as a cinema.
I always think watching a movie here has extra nostalgia attached to it and it certainly feels more romantic than the big cinema complexes.
5 - Comedy Club & Cocktail
We love heading to the Stand Comedy Club on High Bridge for date night. There is usually some kind of show available to book on most nights and something for all budgets and tastes. Nothing is better than a good laugh.
I recommend RAW nights on Wednesday if you are on a budget - these are the evenings where new comedians have their first shot on stage or more established comedians first try out new material. Watching when it all goes wrong is all part of the fun. Tickets are available from around £3.
Afterwards I recommend popping into Pleased to Meet You next door. They serve fantastic cocktails and the setting is beautiful.
6 - Bowling & Burgers
Did you know there is a hidden bowling alley in Eldon Square? Located above Greys Quarter in Better Eldon Leisure, it's a brilliant place to escape shopping for an hour or so. Bowling is super reasonably and they often run special offers on (ad) Living Social here too.
Bowling usually builds up an appetite and afterwards I would recommend popping into Fat Hippo Underground which is just across the road. Their happy hour deal is such good value.
7 - Chefs Surprise at Dabbawal
Dabbawal on High Bridge (just around the corner from the Theatre Royal) is a fantastic restaurant for date night. The food is lush, staff friendly and there is always a good atmosphere. It is also the perfect place to experience something new together.
Their Chefs Surprise Menu is just £22.50 per person and you will enjoy a complete surprise! Expect a mix of appetisers, street classics, grills, karis, sides and breads. Bargain!
8 - Pigs & Pints in Ouseburn
You don't have to have kids to visit a farm! Ouseburn Farm is free to visit (donations welcome) and a cute place to visit for a little stroll. Their pigs are so adorable!
The Cluny pub is just across the road and it would be rude not to pop in for a pint or two. I also highly recommend the food here.
- Click here to read 10 things to do in Ouseburn
9 - Park & A Pint
Exhibition Park in Newcastle is a beautiful place for a walk, especially in Spring when the daffodils are in bloom. A walk through the park will bring you to Wylam Brewery - a unique place to spend the afternoon enjoying a range of craft beers.
10 - Tapas & Theatre
One of our favourite date nights is catching a show at Northern Stage. The productions here are always thought-provoking and usually modern in style. Ticket prices are super reasonable when compared with other theatres too.
El Coto Tapas Bar is not far from Northern Stage and is a restaurant which many people have recommended to us over the years. Their Tapas selection menu is perfect for a couple.
El Coto Tapas Bar is not far from Northern Stage and is a restaurant which many people have recommended to us over the years. Their Tapas selection menu is perfect for a couple.
11 - Interactive Darts
Finally, I really wanted to recommend interactive darts at the WonderBar in the Gate. We tried this a few weeks ago and it was so much fun. You can play with up to 12 players so it would be great for a double/triple date with friends.
There are various games and challenges to try and even if you are a complete beginner, the computers make it a lot easier to understand and even keep score for you. Prices are from £15 per hour for up to 12 people.
So there you have our 11 recommendations for date nights in Newcastle - let me know if you fancy trying any of the experiences mentioned. If you enjoyed this post, please share this post with your friends via Twitter or Facebook.
2023 Update
Lots of people find this post when looking for fun date nights in Newcastle and I thought it was definitely adding a few new suggestions for 2023.
Scream for Pizza Making
Popular pizza pros Scream for Pizza now run pizza making classes across the year. Guests can learn from the experts how to stretch, top and cook their perfect pizza. Find out more here.
Point Blank
Newcastle now has it's own shooting range. They run some fantastic offers including 20% discount for Blue Light Card holders. Find out more here.
Triple A Food Tour
Triple A Food Tours come highly recommended. Choose one of their foodie walking tours around the city and discover new hidden gems and places to eat around Newcastle. Find out more here.
Newcastle Castle
Not only is Newcastle Castle an interesting place to visit, it also offers some of the best (and most romantic) views of the Tyne and bridges. Find out more here.
2023 Update
Lots of people find this post when looking for fun date nights in Newcastle and I thought it was definitely adding a few new suggestions for 2023. Scream for Pizza Making
Popular pizza pros Scream for Pizza now run pizza making classes across the year. Guests can learn from the experts how to stretch, top and cook their perfect pizza. Find out more here.
Point Blank
Triple A Food Tour
Triple A Food Tours come highly recommended. Choose one of their foodie walking tours around the city and discover new hidden gems and places to eat around Newcastle. Find out more here.
Newcastle Castle
Not only is Newcastle Castle an interesting place to visit, it also offers some of the best (and most romantic) views of the Tyne and bridges. Find out more here.
NQ64
NQ64 is a new arcade bar in Newcastle. Expect retro arcades and lots of classics alongside quick bites to eat, beer and cocktails. Find out more here.
Axe Throwing
Axe thowing is a great way to burn off some energy together but be warned, it can get competitive! We like Hatchett Harry's and would recommend. Find out more here.
Fujiyama
Fujiyama is a fun place to book for dinner with a little extra entertainment. The chefs will cook your meals teppan-yaki style on a hot plate in front of you and you can get involved with some fun challenges if you fancy trying it yourself. Find out more here.
Science Speakeasy at Life
Life run special after hours events across the year for adults only based around topical events. We went to one based on the science in Game of Thrones a few years ago and loved it! Subscribe to this mailing list to keep up to date with what's on.
Wine Tasting
Steve and I have done this a few times and love it! You actually learn a little about wine and get to sample some new varieties too. These events are now held at Blackfriars. You can find out more here.
Blackfriars Banquets
Blackfriars run lots of events throughout the year including Medievil and Seafood Banquets. It's always worth checking what's coming up (but lots of events do seem to sell out quite far in advance). Find out more here.
The Late Shows
The Late Shows are a FREE late night culture crawl around NewcastleGateshead. Venues open up after hours and usually have something special on offer. It's not to be missed! This year the event takes place on 19 & 20 May 2023. Find out more here.
You can follow Visit Newcastle over on Instagram here and Facebook here. I regularly share ideas for things to do in and around the best city in the world.
Pin me for later
Lots of fab ideas here - thanks so much, I’ll hopefully get to try a few!!
ReplyDeleteWow so many great ideas! I still haven't done the Victoria Tunnel - really should get that onto my 2020 bucket list!
ReplyDelete