Newcastle Couples Guide

With modern interiors and a high spec finish, the Deluxe and Executive rooms of the centrally located Maldron Hotel Newcastle are ready to welcome you home after a day of exploring the city. Sink back into a plush bed and soft sheets to rest and recharge for another day in Newcastle – make sure to discover their offers to find the perfect romantic city break for you and your other half.

Live music, great drinks and an inventive interior, The Botanist’s Newcastle branch has plenty to offer, and that’s before you look at the menu. Dishes take a contemporary approach to traditional cooking, from pies to fish and chips, and their sharing boards are simply sublime. We recommend trying a date with a difference at one of the Bottomless Brunch mornings – you guessed it, you can enjoy their perfectly delicious brunch dishes with a side order of unlimited prosecco!

You’ll find some of Newcastle’s best seafood in the unlikeliest of locations: Riley’s Fish Shack is situated in a repurposed shipping container on the beach at King Edward’s Bay. A 25 minute drive or 40 minute metro from the city centre, Riley’s serves up the freshest seafood possible, sourced daily from local fishing boats and cooked over a charcoal fire. Daily seasonal specials are not to be missed, and make sure to ask for a seat on the sand if the weather is good – though no matter the seat you choose, you’ll be treated to a picturesque ocean view and a truly unforgettable date night.

At Bistro Forty Six, the focus is placed firmly on serving up incredible plates of food. The cuisine is Modern European, and ingredients are sourced locally before being transformed into imaginative dishes and paired with local and international beers and wines. With a casual yet chic interior, this is a date night perfect for foodies and those looking for a memorable dining experience in Newcastle.

Pan-Asian cuisine meets unique cocktails at The Muddler. In the heart of Newcastle city, The Muddler offers a full sushi menu in addition to its main menu, on which you’ll find dim sum, tempura and classic Asian main courses. Luxuriously dark interiors are given a romantic glow with gold accents; the ideal setting for the most memorable of romantic date nights.

The perfect spot for casual romance, Mascalzone serves up a modern take on classic Italian dishes, cooked to perfection. Fresh pizza and pasta are served up in a warm, family-run atmosphere, accompanied by an impressive Italian wine list. Buon appetito!

Italian bar, restaurant and lounge Babucho will carry your date night from the first delicious bite of food through to the final dance of the night. Cafe by day, the space transforms into a luxuriously hip restaurant in the evening and a lounge club at night, so you’re guaranteed the full spectrum of a romantic night out in Newcastle. The Italian menu is simply delicious, and their carefully curated drinks menu is not to be missed.

Gin specialists Dacantus stock a monumental range of gins – there are over 350 to choose from on their menu! You’ll also find a huge choice of tonics for mixing your gin, and a full menu of deliciously small but tasty bites, too. Dacantus’ staff are not only incredibly knowledgeable about gins and a treasure trove of wisdom and advice, they’re as friendly as can be too – making Dacantus a truly memorable date night experience.

The industrial-chic interior of Pleased To Meet You, situated in the heart of Newcastle City, offer a constantly changing selection of craft beer, specialty gin and wines, in addition to their enticing cocktail list. For a truly special romantic day in Newcastle, book their Afternoon Tea – delicately assembled sandwiches and classic English delicacies are served alongside the finest teas and your choice of finely crafted beers or cocktails.

Although Lola Jean’s does some of the best burgers and tacos in Newcastle, their cocktail list is equally irresistible and worth a visit in its own right. From classic concotions to botanical creations, each drink is a small work of art. The fun, low-key glamorous interior and tasty nibbles and side plates will complete your date night in Newcastle.

Celebrating its namesake ex-military master brewer, Colonel Porter’s Emporium is home to a tavern, a botanical gardens and a rum bar, but first and foremost you should try Porter’s most famous creation, Newcastle Brown Ale. Their menu also includes a full list of vintage cocktails, beers and ales and rums, so you certainly won’t be stuck for choice. With a traditional pub interior packed with intriguing antiques, Colonel Porter’s is the perfect bar in Newcastle for a cosy, casual date night.

Cocktails are 97 & Social’s specialty – and we promise you won’t be disappointed. Their menu includes plenty of the classic cocktails we all know and love (Pina Coladas, we’re looking at you) but their true genius lies within the house cocktails. Using the freshest ingredients available, you can spend your date night sampling some of the most inventive drinks in Newcastle. They also offer all the spirits, beers and wines you’d expect.

What could be more romantic than cosying up together to watch a movie with a glass of wine in hand? Easily one of the most romantic places in Newcastle, the independent Tyneside Cinema is the perfect spot for a date night, showing only the best in local and international cinema – not only that, the Art Deco interior is a sight to see in itself, and there’s a bar and cafe on-site so you can enjoy a glass of bubbly as you escape into movie land with your loved one for the evening.

Completed in 1842, the Victoria Tunnel was built to allow coal wagons easy transport between the Leazes Colliery to the riverside docks. Today, the tunnel is open for visitors. You’ll be taken through the tunnel’s history, from learning how the wagon drivers lived to its use during World War Two as a bomb shelter. Touted as one of Newcastle’s top attractions, the tunnel is not one to skip, and makes for an exciting day out in Newcastle for couples.

The bustling, vibrant neighbourhood of Ouseburn is a must-see when visiting Newcastle, and is best taken in on foot. The Ouseburn Trust runs a series of walking tours taking participants through the area’s rich history, culture and sights, so you can learn about how it developed from its roots as one of the busiest areas of industrialisation all the way up to its cultural regeneration and diversity in the present day. Ouseburn is also home to plenty of wonderful bars, cafes and shops, so make sure to take some time to explore by yourselves afterward, too.

Founded in 1901, the Laing Art Gallery is one of the finest establishments for art of all eras in Newcastle city, as well as housing a permanent collection of oil paintings from renowned British artists. You’ll find different collections throughout the gallery, all packed to the brim with local Northern artists – a true showcase of local talents both past and present. The grand exhibition halls are a joy to stroll through, to boot.

Built-in the 14th Century, Newcastle Cathedral is one of the most stunning buildings in the city. Open to visitors, you can explore the intricate architectural details of the Cathedral’s exterior before heading inside to take in the magnificent Medieval interiors. With an extensive collection of monuments and ledger stones – and even original medieval textiles – a visit to the Cathedral is a magical, romantic activity in Newcastle for any couple.

A 20 minute drive from the city centre, the Rising Sun Country Park is a green oasis in the big city, and a breath of fresh air when it comes to romantic dates in Newcastle. Peppered with walking paths, the park also caters for cyclists, dog walkers and selected routes are wheelchair friendly. Discover wildlife-filled ponds, rolling grasslands and wooded areas – the visitor centre also serves coffees and teas to sip as you stroll!

No trip to Newcastle would be complete without seeing Grey’s Monument. You’re likely to stroll past it at least once during your stay, but the monument is worth a proper visit. Named after the same Earl Grey who is responsible for the bergamot-flavoured breakfast tea, with a Grey’s Monument Tour you can actually climb the structure itself and take in some fantastic views of the city from the top. Make sure to book ahead – tours are popular!

Recreate one of cinemas most romantic scenes with a pottery class at The Pottery Experience. They might not let you go full Patrick Swayze, but together as a couple you can learn how to make your own pottery pieces under the guidance of one of their experienced potters. If you’re one step ahead, they also offer pottery painting experiences so you can add a little colour to your crafts. Not just a fun experience, you’ll leave with valued pieces of memorabilia.

See Newcastle from the water on a river cruise. River Escapes run a series of sightseeing cruises with your choice of city, countryside or sea tours. Learn about the region’s maritime history as you take in its famous bridges, landmarks and of course, the River Tyne. The cruise boats have full bars and snacks onboard, too!

Get set for an evening of laughter at The Stand Comedy Club. Showcasing local and international comedians, you’re guaranteed a fun date night out in The Stand – make sure to check out their shows and book ahead! The venue also has a well-stocked bar and you can get a full meal up to 1 hour before your show starts.

It may be smaller than the city’s other parks, but Leazes Park is the oldest in Newcastle upon Tyne, and simply perfect for a romantic afternoon stroll. Dating back to 1873, the park displays its Victorian heritage in the form of tree-lined paths, intricate bandstands and a central lake. Stop off at one of the many benches to take in the tranquility together.

The United Kingdom is home to the cream of the crop of high street fashion, as well as smaller boutiques, and Newcastle certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to shopping. Fashion, homewares, tech and beauty lovers alike will love a trip to Eldon Square shopping centre. Located in the city centre, Eldon Square hosts multiple high street retailers, local shops and an impressive selection of food options for hungry shoppers.

The Theatre Royal resides in a listed historical building in the heart of Newcastle. Showcasing the best in modern British theatre, West End musicals, ballet and even comedy, there’s something to excite all couples no matter your interests at the Theatre Royal – and the experience of taking in a play in the neo-classical building is an experience not to be missed.