What to do and see in Newcastle upon Tyne, England: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

January 2, 2022 Mollie Coke

Once a shipbuilding city, Newcastle's flashier claim to fame is nightlife. Throw in a heap of premium restaurants serving foods from all over the world and it's no wonder young partiers choose to blow their hard-earned (or not-so-hard-earned) cash in Newcastle. While these amenities are certainly a draw for the hipsters and culture-seekers, it's the locals that make Newcastle a truly special place to visit. "Geordies," as they are often called, embody the pride, industriousness and resilient spirit of their city.
Restaurants in Newcastle upon Tyne

1. Riverside Falconry

Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 316 reviews

Riverside Falconry

Riverside Falconry offer a wide range of falconry experience's in our beautiful semi rural location. Get up close to some of the worlds most fascinating birds of prey with our handling sessions, hawk walks, parties, photography and art workshops, owl encounters as well as bushcraft sessions and our forest school.

2. Poleguns

Walker Road Unit 44 Poleguns Hoults Yard, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 2HL England +44 7977 889901 http://www.poleguns.com
Excellent
93%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 15 reviews

Poleguns

Reviewed By Daydream744673

I'll put a 5 sentence summary at the top for the lazy readers among you: - The studio is pretty and well equipped. - The instructors are extraordinarily competent and able to pass on their skills and knowledge easily. - The studio atmosphere is very relaxed, friendly, supportive, motivating. - Classes can be booked online and the pricing is very reasonable. - There is no regular training in high heels. Below you can find the longer version. My background: I've had 10 hours of pole classes, then had to stop because of a non pole-related injury and started again after 7 months on my own, learning from youtube videos. This turned out to be very hard, ofttimes didn't work at all and was pretty frustrating. So I decided to spend money for teaching in a studio again. I decided giving poleguns a shot (beware, bad wordplay XD) because their website seemed professional and promising. At the time I am writing this, I have been to their training for two and a half months. Classes: - Flex class focusses on flexibility. For the time I spent in the studio, the topics were box split on Tuesdays and back flexibility on Thursdays. My box split improved a lot during my time in class. For my feeling flex training once a week for splits is not often (I used to do it 3x10min/week), but surprisingly to me I managed to get quite a good bit further down than ever before. - Mixed ability classes focus on learning different moves. Ley is very good at adapting to the capacity of a student, so depending on your skill level you will be shown an easier of harder version of the move, an easy or hard way to get into it and transition into another move, etc. - In circus class you get a mixture of trapeze, silk, hoops, lollipop, acrobatics to play with. It's a nice difference to the pole classes and quite popular among the students. - The beginner's class adds very well to the mixed ability classes. Jadine will teach you easier, quick to learn moves, often then added up to little routines of 2-4 moves and a lot of helpful little bits and bobs (transitions, styling, etc) to help progress your dancing and make it look beautiful. - Every last week of the month is routine week which means that in beginners and mixed ability classes you'll learn a routine. It's very good for learning how to combine a larger number of moves. I only went to one hoop class which was held by Ley and I didn't go to any intermediate/advanced class at all, so I can't judge those two classes. Instructors: Ley: She is the owner of poleguns, a straightforward, friendly, warmhearted person. She has quite a lot of experience as an instructor. As well she has an amazingly deep technical knowledge of the moves. I found out that this really makes a difference to how fast you will be able to learn a move and, maybe even more important, how safe you are while training it. I'd like to mention two points that really convinced me of Leys teaching skills: 1. I suffered from wrist and shoulder pain regularly after the training of specific moves I had learned elsewhere and I had looked around on the internet and asked another pole trainer if there was anything I could do to fix it. Apparently I was doing everything fine (wrists were straight, etc), but the pain didnt get less with the time. After I mentioned that to Ley, she had a look at the moves and corrected some details, after which these problems vanished and I actually made quick progress with the moves. 2. When Ley is teaching she is very aware of what every one of her students is doing at the moment. I experienced at least three times that even though she had just been talking with or watching a student right in front of her, she noticed that someone else at the opposite side of the room was about to do sth wrong and shouted a warning. Also, I would rate her as a reliable spotter. She's more than happy to spot you or even hold part of your weight when your trying out a new move - which gives you more time to find the right position since you don't have to hold all your weight. I found that to be a huge advantage to trying a new move on my own. That way, in only one hour I learned moves I otherwise wouldn't even have dared to try and probably would have failed to do on my own. Ley explains clearly and mentions important information of a move. She is able to get peoples' attention easily and lead a class so people stay focused. Furthermore, she is immensely motivated as a trainer and she really cares about her students' progress. Her attitude accounts a lot for the friendly and motivating training atmosphere in the studio. - Jadine teaches the beginners classes. She as well is very skilled, very friendly and very helpful. She holds an inspiring, motivating training and has a very graceful style which she tries to pass on to her students. As I mentioned above, she knows a lot of tips and tricks to make your moves and transitions look pretty, flowing and effortless. The studio: - It is located in Byker, so not too far from the city centre. I was warned by several people that it may not be safe going through Byker by foot in the evenings, but that was not my impression at all. I regularly went home through Byker after training and I never had a dangerous incident. - The studio is a long room with a high ceiling (this is good for climbing and height-changing moves), soft floor, additional extremely soft mats for upside down or higher up moves training. There's plenty of space around the poles for expansive movements. - The studio has 6 poles (in my opinion that is a further advantage, because I think there is a limit to how many poles one teacher can keep an eye on at the same time), 4 hoops, 1 trapeze, 1 silk and 1 lollipop. - A changing room and toilets are available. Negative points: It took me some time to come up with negative points, but that's the two I could think of: - To people seeking training in high heels: The soft floor in the studio is not suitable for high heels and classes are usually held barefoot or in socks. However, the soft floor can easily be removed from the concrete surface of the room itself which would theoretically work for high heels. - If less than 3 people subscribe to a class, it won't be on. During the 2 1/2 months I went there, this happend twice. I assume this is handled similarly in other studios. My conclusion: I'm really amazed by this pole dancing studio. I found that the quality of teaching varies a lot, in youtube videos as well as between different studios, and I am extremely happy that I decided to go to poleguns. I was only there for two and a half months, but during that time I learned moves I was pretty sure I would never ever be able to do (bracket grip, Dragontail, cocoon, one armed ellbow grip ribbon spin, Aysha) - I even learned to do a handspring in only one hour (I've got experience with handstand and cartwheel, but still amazing and impressive!). I strongly recommend poleguns for everyone who wants do properly learn pole dancing.

3. Body & Mind Massage Therapy

20A Nun Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5AQ England +44 191 447 1612 [email protected] http://www.massagebodyandmind.co.uk/
Excellent
93%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 225 reviews

Body & Mind Massage Therapy

There are few things in life as important as physical and mental health, yet in our busy and stressful lives, so many people forget to look after their own wellbeing. Established in 2012, we called ourselves “Body & Mind” to reflect the benefits that authentic Thai massage can bring to physical and mental health. In as little as 30 minutes, we can help alleviate many of life’s stresses, strains and anxieties. Fast approaching our 6th Birthday, we have treated thousands of happy customers, many of which return again and again.

Reviewed By shannonanc

Absolutely amazing massage - I booked in for a 60 minute massage and for only £40 it’s amazing value for money. My back felt absolutely amazing afterwards and I was so relaxed, will definitely be back

4. Victoria Tunnel

55 Lime Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2PQ England +44 191 230 4210 [email protected] http://www.ouseburntrust.org.uk
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
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5.0 based on 1,894 reviews

Victoria Tunnel

Guided tours of the fully preserved 19th century coal waggonway and WW2 air-raid shelter. Pre-booking is essential and tickets can be booked online through our website or by telephone during office hours. Tours every day, check the website for details. Our extensive Covid-19 precautions have been assessed by Visit Britain and we have been awarded "Good to Go" certification.

Reviewed By 597derekp

15/12/18. Victory Pub Christmas Jolly Boys outing at the Victoria Tunnel. A thoroughly enjoyable and educational history tour of this amazing engineering feat of the 1840s. 2 fantastic volunteer guides. Fascinating facts about the tunnel's original use and later use during World War 2 as an air raid shelter for up to 9,000 people. Highly recommended.

5. The Literary & Philosophical Society

23 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1SE England +44 191 232 0192 [email protected] http://www.litandphil.org.uk
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 187 reviews

The Literary & Philosophical Society

Reviewed By BluesBoy69 - Stanley, United Kingdom

Wonderful building full of books and more. Explore it’s amazing, smells of history. Basic coffee shop available.

6. Newcastle Mansion House

10 Fernwood Road Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1TT England +44 191 211 5979 [email protected] http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/weddings
Excellent
95%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 97 reviews

Newcastle Mansion House

The Mansion House is a unique historic venue available to hire for a variety of special occasions. Built in Jesmond in 1887,this unique setting is an ideal venue for private events, whether you are planning a business meeting for a small number of people, or a lavish wedding celebration. Add your name to a guest list that has included royalty, heads of state and peers of the realm. The Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne and is available for private hire. We can help you to plan weddings, birthday celebrations, Christmas parties, business functions and more. Please contact us to discuss your individual requirements we are always happy to talk you through your event and perhaps we can give you some ideas to make it a memorable occasion. The Mansion House is conveniently located in Jesmond, a leafy suburb close to central Newcastle. It is easily reached by road and is also close to bus routes and Jesmond Metro station.

Reviewed By P1696OIdavidg

The Mansion House was an outstanding venue for our wedding. Kristina helped us planned every detail to make the day perfect. Nothing was too much trouble for Kristina and she now feels part of our family. We were sad to leave her and the Mansion House behind on the next morning. The day ran like clockwork with Kristina and her team leaving nothing to chance or unchecked, we can’t thank her enough. The food was amazing, both in the afternoon for The Wedding Breakfast and for the Evening Reception, with many of the guests commenting that it was the best wedding food they’ve ever had. The breakfast the next morning was also outstanding. Thanks to James also for looking after the later stages of the evening and the next morning. The venue was perfect for all the guests. 74 for the daytime and the full 130 for the evening do was perfect and the venue coped with those numbers with no issues. Plenty areas in the venue for guests to mill about chatting to others. Added bonus were the rooms upstairs, all spacious and very comfortable and allowed us to continue the celebration in the most fantastic venue. Most guests had never even heard of the Mansion House even though we are all local and it was just the most amazing choice Thanks so much again to Kristina and her team.

7. Endless Adventure North East

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
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5.0 based on 250 reviews

Endless Adventure North East

Endless Adventure North East was born in March 2012. The adventurous activities are all run by the company's founders, John, Mark and Nathan. Endless Adventure North East was set up to provide hassle-free, tailor-made, adrenaline-fueled adventures. Endless Adventure North East is run by extreme sports enthusiasts specialising in whitewater kayaking. Between them the guys have 35 years of experience across many different extreme sports in various locations around the world. They are passionate about sharing their love and enthusiasm for adventure with other thrill-seekers like you...

8. The Yesterday Society - Vintage Boutique

Unit 9 Grainger Market Grainger Market, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5QG England +44 7506 777268 [email protected]
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 20 reviews

The Yesterday Society - Vintage Boutique

The Yesterday Society is a lovely little vintage boutique situated in the iconic Grainger Market right in the heart of Newcastle's City centre. It is an Aladins Cave packed to the brim of Grade A vintage clothing and accessories for men and women. You can be sure to find a wide range of unique items at great prices!

Reviewed By johnzambia - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Just browsing through this little gem of a shop, the cloths in here are fantastic, I purchased several top quality garments. For a fraction of their true price. The service was fabulous staff really know their stuff.????✅

9. Iles Tours

Excellent
94%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 181 reviews

Iles Tours

We know that the best trips live on in the memories that stay with you. That’s why Iles Tours doesn’t do ordinary walking tours. Instead, we take you on a journey into the fascinating stories that have shaped England’s unique history, people and culture for over 2,000 years – and are still unfolding today. You’ll have fun, learn new things and come away with a great story to tell. With walking tours across Newcastle, Durham, Northumberland and Tyneside, we’ll show you North East England as you’ve never seen it before. From one-hour walks to full-day trips, each one of our guided walking tours offers an experience to remember.

10. Newcastle City Tours

Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 102 reviews

Newcastle City Tours

We provide private tours of Newcastle upon Tyne.Durham Cathedral and Castle. Hadrian's Wall tour includes Housesteads and Vindolanda Roman Forts. The Castle tour can include Holy Island/Lindisfarne,Bamburgh,Warkworth and Alnwick Castles[Alnwick is famous from the Harry Potter movies,Hogwarts,Downton Abbey and Robin Hood,Prince of Thieves.] Our business can collect you from the Cruise Terminal .We also offer a taxi service and we can provide saloon cars,mini busses or wheelchair access vehicles.All the drivers are police checked and carry photo I.D.Please note we only provide private tours of Newcastle and the surrounding area.The business can now offer transfers to see Beamish Museum which has just featured in Downton Abbey.

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