If you’re looking for a city break in the UK that has a little bit of everything, Newcastle upon Tyne should definitely be on your list. From beautiful architecture and amazing restaurants to independent coffee shops, shopping and the famous Quayside, Newcastle is the kind of city where you can pack plenty into a weekend without feeling like you have to rush around ticking everything off.
I recently headed to Newcastle for a little family city break with my mum and sister, and we had such a lovely time exploring the city. One of the highlights was our stay at Roomzzz Newcastle, where we were lucky enough to stay in the Penthouse Suite. And honestly, if you’re travelling with family or friends, finding accommodation where you can all stay together can be surprisingly difficult — so having a whole apartment-style suite to ourselves made the trip feel even more special.
Where to stay in Newcastle: Roomzzz Newcastle
For our Newcastle stay, we stayed at Roomzzz Newcastle, and this was such a great option for a city break. We stayed in the Penthouse Suite at Friar House, which is a stunning split-level apartment with a separate living space, bedroom, kitchen and dining area. Roomzzz describes it as its ultimate city-break suite, and I can definitely see why.
What I particularly loved was having so much space. When you’re travelling with your mum and sister, it’s lovely to have somewhere you can actually spend time together rather than booking separate hotel rooms and barely seeing each other. The suite has a large living area, dining table, kitchen with a dishwasher, a private study and an ensuite, as well as those little touches that make a stay feel that bit more luxurious. It really did feel more like having our own apartment in Newcastle rather than simply a hotel room.
If you’re looking for where to stay in Newcastle for a girls’ trip, family break or weekend away with friends, Roomzzz is definitely one to consider.
Coffee at Super Natural Newcastle
No city break is complete without finding a good coffee spot, and we headed to Super Natural Newcastle. Located on Grainger Street, Super Natural has been around since 1976. It was the perfect place to stop for a coffee and a little break from exploring Newcastle.
I always think finding a good independent coffee shop is part of the fun of a city break — somewhere you can sit down, have a coffee and watch the world go by before heading off to explore some more.
Dinner at The Botanist Newcastle
For dinner, we headed to The Botanist Newcastle, right in the city centre. If you’ve never been, it’s definitely worth a visit simply for the atmosphere. The restaurant is spread over two floors and has a botanical-inspired interior, complete with a huge central tree feature, mezzanine and roof terrace garden.
The Botanist is a great option whether you’re looking for dinner, drinks or somewhere for a special occasion. There’s a menu packed with seasonal ingredients alongside cocktails and botanical-inspired drinks. It made for such a lovely evening and was a great addition to our Newcastle itinerary.
Exploring The Biscuit Factory
One place I was particularly keen to visit was The Biscuit Factory. Now, despite the name, don’t turn up expecting to watch biscuits being made which I did! haha!
The building is actually a former Victorian warehouse that has been transformed into an independent contemporary art gallery and creative space. Today, The Biscuit Factory showcases original art, sculpture, prints, jewellery, craft and homewares from artists and makers.
It’s located in Ouseburn, one of Newcastle’s most creative neighbourhoods, so it’s worth allowing yourself some time to explore the area rather than simply popping into the gallery and leaving.
There’s also The Factory Kitchen, where you can stop for brunch, lunch or coffee, plus a rooftop terrace.
For anyone who enjoys independent shops, art, food and discovering slightly different places when travelling, Ouseburn is definitely somewhere to add to your Newcastle itinerary.
More things to do in Newcastle
You can’t visit Newcastle without taking a stroll along the Quayside.
The River Tyne and Newcastle’s famous bridges are one of the city’s most recognisable sights, and the Quayside is a lovely place to wander, particularly if the weather is on your side. The official NewcastleGateshead tourism guide recommends exploring the seven iconic bridges crossing the Tyne.
Explore Grey Street
Grey Street is another Newcastle must-see, particularly if you love architecture. Take a wander through the city centre and you’ll pass beautiful historic buildings, shops, cafés and the Theatre Royal. Nearby, you can also explore Central Arcade and Newcastle Cathedral.
Visit Newcastle Castle
If you’re interested in the city’s history, Newcastle Castle is another obvious addition to your itinerary. The castle is actually where Newcastle got its name, and it’s one of the city’s key historic landmarks.
Head to Grainger Market
For foodies, Grainger Market is well worth a visit. It’s a great place to browse independent food stalls, grab something to eat and pick up a few treats or souvenirs. The market is one of the places recommended by the official NewcastleGateshead guide for first-time visitors.
See the Angel of the North
If you have a little more time, jump over to Gateshead to see the Angel of the North.
It’s one of the North East’s most recognisable landmarks and makes a great addition to your Newcastle weekend.
What I loved about Newcastle is that it really does have something for everyone.
You can spend the morning exploring the city’s history and architecture, stop for coffee somewhere independent, browse the shops and galleries, enjoy dinner and cocktails in the evening and then head down to the Quayside.
And if you have more time, there are plenty of attractions and places to explore outside the immediate city centre too.
Our trip was the perfect mix of relaxing, exploring, eating and spending time together. Staying at Roomzzz Newcastle made such a difference, particularly because we could all stay together in the Penthouse Suite. Then there was coffee at Super Natural, dinner at The Botanist and exploring The Biscuit Factory and Ouseburn.
There are still so many things I want to do next time — which, I think, is always a good sign after a city break!
If you’re planning a Newcastle weekend break, I’d definitely recommend putting Newcastle upon Tyne on your list. Whether you’re visiting with your mum, sisters, friends, your partner or the whole family, there is plenty to see, eat and explore.
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