Newcastle
Newcastle is a compact city famed for its friendly atmosphere and affordable costs of living(rated the 3rd most affordable city in the UK by QS Top Universities). Built on the beautiful River Tyne, Newcastle is the perfect city for those who treasure accessibility in both distance and cost.
Newcastle is well known for its nightlife, and the small size of the city, as well as the cheap cost of a pint, means that pub-hopping is easier here than almost anywhere else in the UK. Newcastle also has numerous shopping districts and department stores - all within walking distance of each other.
Two internationally ranked universities are located in Newcastle - Newcastle University (Ranked 141st on QS Top Universities) and Durham University (Ranked 74th).
Feeling Hungry?
Here are some affordable food options near Newcastle's city centre.
Cafes:
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Quay Ingredient - This cafe, priding itself on using quality regional ingredients, serves a variety of breakfast options, such as a sausage and bacon muffin for just £1.25, and coffee starting at £2.60.
Ernest - Ernest, a cafe-bar that goes from morning to night with baristas and DJs, places a focus on proper, “real food”. Their lamb flatbread, a unique take on Turkish dish lahmacun, is topped with tomatoes, lamb, pine nuts and feta, and makes for a great filling meal in the morning. Their all-day brunch dishes start at £4.50, with lunch mains being offered at the reasonable price of £7-9.
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Asian Food:
Sushi Me Rollin’ - Pricey but not overpriced, Sushi Me Rollin’ let’s you build your own Uramaki for just £9, with a chef’s selection of 30 pieces to share going for just £40. This modern Japanese restaurant is perfect for special outings with friends.
Dabbawal Jesmond - This restaurant specialising in Mumbai street dishes is perfect for those who love Indian food. Their menu is affordable, and consists of many small dishes that are perfect for sharing with groups of friends.
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Farmer's Market:
Newcastle City Farmers Market - This weekly market sells fresh fruits and veggie like any other, but is most well known for their selection of various goods including wine, dairy, cheeses and pasta. There are many gift stalls here selling various artisan products like handcrafted soaps.
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Hunter Street Markets - This market, open every Thursday and Friday, is full of a wide selection of cakes, pastries and other gourmet goods. There are also many florists and herbalists here, allowing you to come to buy herbs for cooking, or the prettiest rose.
Getting Around
Newcastle is known for its compactness, and almost anything you could want in the city is within walking distance. In fact, the entire city is only 10km across! Most student accommodations are only a few minutes walk from the city centre, with buses available in case your feet are tired.
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Instagrammable Places in Newcastle
Places to take amazing photos in Newcastle
The Quayside
The river Tyne which Newcastle was built upon makes for some beautiful photos.
Image credit: Instagram @alansfotos
Stack
Visit this social hub of shipping containers for the various little shops and eateries inside, but take some photos of the outside too!
Central Arcade
Take a trip to this well hidden little shopping arcade, filled with vintage wooden shop fronts and covered in a gorgeous glass ceiling. Image credit: Instagram @vo1ume_
Ouseburn
Ouseburn is home to the North East’s largest legal graffiti wall, making for an ever-changing piece of modern art perfect for some pics.
Image credit: Instagram@zoedavies1993
Belsay Hall
A little far from the city centre is Belsay Hall, a place where you can find stunning architecture and, if you’re lucky, rare flowers in full bloom.
Image credit: Instagram@englishheritagenorthofengland
Go on a Road Trip
Travel further outside Newcastle for graduation trips or mini-vacations.
Alnwick - A small town near Newcastle, Alnwick is home to rows of stunning old architecture, and Alnwick castle, the filming location of Hogwarts.
Morpeth - A market town less than an hour away, Morpeth is located right in the middle of miles of beautiful Northumberland countryside, perfect for nature lovers or those who need to unwind.
Hadrian’s Wall Path - Hadrian’s Wall Path is a long distance footpath near the historical Hadrian’s Wall. The 84 miles of scenic views takes you right past the River Tyne, making it an ideal location for people invested in nature photography.