Places to Visit in Newcastle (Part 2)

Our exploration of Newcastle is far from complete. Welcome to Part 2 of our list of locations to visit in Newcastle upon Tyne, one of England’s most major destinations for tourists and students.

Let’s pick up where we left off in the previous section of the series. We saw largely historical structures in Newcastle. Now we’ll continue on the tour of the city, from the popular nightlife district to spots where you can relax and enjoy the weather.

1. Quayside

Where have all the night owls gone? This is the perfect location for you.

Newcastle residents refer to the area along the Tyne river as “quayside.” Pubs, bars, and eateries line the streets surrounding this site. As a result, this area is well-known for its nightlife. When you’re here, you can do more than just party and drink; you can also take in the breathtaking views of the river and bridges. I encourage you to visit here at sunset so that you can enjoy the beautiful sunset panorama. The scenery is just as stunning at night as it is during the day, with lights illuminating the street and the river, and music from the bars accompanying you. This area is excellent for enjoying the moment and socialising with friends or family. (You should try the Wetherspoon in Quayside; they offer such good food at a good price!)

Look at how stunning the view is! I captured this photo around sunset. The picture was taken by me

In addition, the Sunday market is a weekly market that opens on the quayside. You should be able to figure out when it is open each week just by reading the name; yep, the market is open every Sunday. There were over 20 vendors selling a variety of items, including food, drinks, artwork, flowers, and much more. They sell a wide range of foods, including Italian fare such as pasta and pizza, Indonesian fare, Greek fare, Chinese fare, and so on. (Must try!)

2. St. James Park

Apart from the country’s history, who doesn’t know that England is also known for its football? Newcastle United Football Club is also one of the most well-known football clubs in the world. Newcastle United’s logo features the classic black and white stripes that gave them the nickname “The Magpies.”

I should have taken a better picture of the stadium cause it’s literally so amazing. The picture was taken by me

Newcastle United’s home football stadium is called St. James Park. Do you want to have a tour inside the stadium or want to watch a football match? You can book the ticket here (https://book.nufc.co.uk/) (Don’t forget to take pictures with the legends out front of the stadium!)

3. Greggs

It’s time for a snack! Have you noticed that there are a lot of Greggs stores around town?

Fun Fact of the day: Do you know that this store with the well-known blue and yellow logo was founded in Newcastle?

This is the Greggs store at Quayside; have a bite to eat while admiring the view of the river. The picture was taken by me

That is why you must try their food while you are here. Greggs is known for its savoury and sweet items including sausage rolls and doughnuts. Not only do the locals enjoy it, but so do students, including international students like me, who also love their food so much. Give it a try!

4. Leazes park

Take your snacks and head to one of Newcastle’s most popular parks.

Leazes Park, which is next to St. James Park, is a lovely place to sit and unwind yourself. You could sit on the benches beside the lake and watch the ducks and geese while taking in the sunshine. (If I’m feeling stuffy in my room, I like to go sit there for hours.)

I arrived at the perfect time when there were very few people. The picture was taken by me

This park also allows you to enjoy a picnic; benches and tables are available for the public, but you may also bring your own picnic mat and sit on the grass. However, once your picnic is over, please remember to clean up all the trash.

5. Exhibition Park

Do you want to go on another picnic? Another park to visit is this one! This huge park is also available to the general public. If you wish to enjoy a picnic, there are several spots to choose from. In addition, there is a skating arena that is always open and popular.

Don’t worry, the park also has a lake with benches close to it where you can sit and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

Look at how beautiful the scenery is, and you can even see the brewery in this photo. The picture was taken by me

Want to eat or drink anything but forgot to bring it with you? In the park, there are cafes and a brewery. Wylam Brewery is the name of the brewery, and they make excellent beer.

This concludes my recommendations for this part. There are still a few locations I want to tell you about, so stay tuned for the next part!

For prospective and current students don’t forget to check out our university website!

21st August 202321st August 2023

Getting ready to go to University

It’s coming to the end of August and there is only one thing you can think about – leaving home and going to University! Here are some tips on what you should take, how to cope with homesickness and more…

What should I pack?

Deciding what to pack for University can be a huge challenge. There are so many items you use everyday that you don’t even think about! We’ve written a short list of things to get you started:

Duvet and pillows
Sheets for bedding
Device chargers
Toiletries
Laptop for study
Cooking utensils (yes, you may have to cook)
Laundry basket
Clothes hangers
Clothes horse (great way to save money on drying!)
Important documents
Medicines

This is not an extensive list by far and is only meant to provide you with ideas of the basics which you will need.

How can I cope with homesickness?

The first thing to say when discussing homesickness is that you are not alone in this. Most people who go to University will experience homesickness at some point, so discussing this with friends is key! Additionally, bringing items to University that remind you of home (such as photos of friends and family) can really help. Just remember there are a lot of support networks at University whether it is friends or staff members, so please utilise this. Finally, your family are only a phone call away if you need them. Keep yourself busy and distracted with friends and activities and you will start to feel at home in no time!

Where should I visit in my first week?

In your first week we would definitely recommend looking around the University and familiarising yourself with campus. There is nothing more stressful than getting lost and being late to your first lecture! (trust me, I know).

There are also so many beautiful areas of Newcastle to explore. Check out the restaurants and bars on Grey Street, marvel at the view of the Monument and take in the breeze at the Quayside! There is also gorgeous beaches only 25 minutes on the Metro from the town centre (I would recommend Tynemouth – that is my favourite!)

Tynemouth: Great British Break | Travel | The Sunday Times — Tynemouth: Great British Break (thetimes.co.uk)

Finally…

Most of all – don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Moving to University can be exhausting so if you need a night to yourself to relax then do it! Everything will still be there for you the next day. Good luck and have the best time!

15th August 202326th July 2023

Newcastle’s Must-Try Food Spots!

By: Elayna Hugh-Jones

Graphics: Elysia Marrs

This blog post is the hardest I’ve ever had to write…narrowing down my favourite Newcastle food spots to just 7 is a task and a half. However, I have managed to just about do it, with a sprinkling of extra tips of course. I know most of us are living on a student budget so eating out isn’t always a regular occurrence BUT isn’t good food just the solution to everything?! I personally think so. Since living in Newcastle, my friend and I have collated an Honours list of our favourite restaurants and food spots, rated by food, atmosphere, and value for money. I’m sharing our top 7 with you!

16th January 202021st March 2022

NuMED to Newcastle – Back to the UK… After 7 years!

“Things don’t change. We change.”

By Sabrina Amran, Third Year Biomedical Sciences student

Flatmates and I (in middle) visiting (and posing!) the med school for the first time!

The UK was a lot different in my childhood memories compared to how I see it as of now.

Sure, ‘Wilkinsons’ became ‘Wilko’, and everything was a couple pounds cheaper 7 years ago. The weather now seemed sunnier and hotter as well…but I’m not sure how long this will last.