With the start of a new academic year soon beginning at universities, thousands of students will be getting ready to leave home for the first time as they start their studies.
With not one but two universities in Newcastle, the city will look a lot busier from this month as more than 50,000 students head to Newcastle and Northumbria . With many travelling from other parts of the country to pursue their fields of study, for many of them it may be the first time that they have properly visited the region.
If you’re one of those students, you’re in for a real treat - there’s so much to discover in Newcastle and the wider North East, which has everything from bustling city life to tranquil countryside and stunning beaches. Here are a few trips to take to start off your stay in Newcastle the right way.
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Discover the best of Newcastle city centre - If you’re studying at Newcastle or Northumbria, exploring the city centre will no doubt be first on your list and both universities are ideally placed to do so. Whether you enjoy some retail therapy in Eldon Square, catch a show at one of the city centre’s theatres or cinemas, or just take in the beauty of the grand old buildings of Grey Street, there are endless things to enjoy about studying in the heart of Newcastle.
Have a wander along the Quayside - If you wander far enough in the city centre you’ll no doubt come out at the River Tyne and its iconic bridges, with the glass slug-like Sage building and Baltic flour mill-turned-art gallery across the water. The Quayside is one of the most beautiful sights in Newcastle, and turns into a lively hub in the evening with its collection of late-night bars and restaurants.
Mosey down to the Ouseburn - Another great location within walking distance of both universities, the Ouseburn valley is full of gems. One of the most vibrant creative communities in the region, this area is home to the community-run Ouseburn Farm, The National Centre For Children’s Books Seven Stories , and art gallery The Biscuit Factory, as well as a range of pubs, cafes and restaurants.
Head to Heaton - A suburb that’s popular with students, Heaton is just a short hop outside of the city centre and is definitely worth a visit for its independent eateries and beautiful green spaces. Stop by Chillingham Road to visit the street’s charming range of cafes, restaurants and bars that are unique to the region, and take a stroll on the winding paths of Heaton Park , which displays stunning autumnal colours at this time of year.
Jump over to Jesmond - Another favourite area for students to live throughout their uni days, Jesmond is within walking distance from the city centre and has plenty of appeal. The leafy suburb is also full of unique venues to grab a coffee and cake or a meal with friends - but the real showstopper is the magical Jesmond Dene, a tranquil wooded valley following the River Ouseburn that’s home to a variety of wildlife, a large picnic area, and its own petting zoo Pets Corner.
Take a trip out to the coast - You can’t move to Newcastle without hopping on the Metro and paying a visit to the region’s breathtaking beaches, and you’re spoilt for choice with four of them - Whitley Bay , Cullercoats , King Edward’s Bay and Tynemouth Longsands - in North Tyneside alone. These seaside towns offer an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city but still have plenty of life of their own, full of independent shops, cafes and bars .
Explore Northumberland - Where to even start when it comes to the incredible beauty of Northumberland ? With sprawling countryside, ancient ruins and market towns, you simply have to have a few adventures here if you’re coming to study in the North East.
Some of Northumberland’s most popular destinations include Alnwick , famous for its 11th-century castle that doubled up as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, and Bamburgh , which boasts its own imposing 1,400-year-old fortress overlooking the stunning expanse of Bamburgh beach. Other particular beauty spots in Northumberland include Holy Island , the village of Seahouses , and the Farne Islands off the coast.
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