Newcastle city explorer - Things to do in lockdown

Check upcoming open days and book your place

A cosmopolitan city that blends together arts, sport, culture and heritage, any student will feel at home in Newcastle. It’s the largest city in the north east of England, with life up in the ‘Toon’ with the Geordies never being dull.

Newcastle is a top destination for UK and international students. It’s vibrant nightlife is balanced by natural settings, iconic landmarks such as the Angel of the North and the Millenium Bridge, and a unique food and drink scene.

The city is also famous for its two major sporting teams: Newcastle United, which competes in the Premier League of English football, and the Newcastle Falcons, in England’s Premiership Rugby division.

If you’re studying in Newcastle, you’re likely to be a student at either Newcastle University or Northumbria University. Both institutions ranked in the top 50 of the 2020 Whatuni Student Choice Awards University of the Year category.

Things to do in Newcastle - Hidden gems

The rules of lockdown currently dictate what to do in Newcastle. Where you can do so safely, explore these hidden gems…

Tyne Riverside Country Park: on the banks of the River Tyne, take a walk, run or bike ride along the green trails.

Havana and Three Hills Nature Reserve: in Hazlerigg, see if you can spot a few red squirrels running around.

Jesmond Dene: following the river Ouseburn between South Gosforth and Jesmond Vale, this natural escape is a chance to clear the head.

Ouseburn: a rejuvenated area of Newcastle that serves as a cultural hub, grab a slice from Gingerino's Kitchen and soak in this creative community.

Eat local in Newcastle

Places to eat in Newcastle

Lockdown has resulted in bars, cafes and restaurants temporarily closing. However, there are still many mouth-watering options for delivery...

Zapatista Burrito Bar: an independent burrito bar, these guys serve up fresh Mexican street food at an affordable price.

Sushi Me Rollin’: if you’re craving fresh Japanese sushi, look no further than the diverse menu at this Newcastle favourite.

Horticulture: with locally-sourced, organic food options, this should be your go-to brunch stop during lockdown.

Spread of food delivery on a table — Source: @horticulturencl

Shijo: home to some of Newcastle's best Japanese street food, you can find a range of hot and cold dishes all served with fresh ingredients.

Flat Caps Coffee: for coffee-lovers. We all need a good local joint and Flat Caps Coffee is a great pick, providing beautifully-roasted coffee paired nicely with one of their breakfast/brunch food options.

Local Newcastle food

Newcastle is famous for its local food which any student should try...

Pan haggerty: layers of potatoes with cheese and onion, this dish will make you feel right at home in Newcastle.

Pan haggerty on a table — Source: @greatbritishfood

Singing hinnies: akin to a scone, they are made of flour, butter, lard, currants, baking powder, salt and milk, finished with a sear on a griddle pan.

Stotties: as much a part of Newcastle as the Geordie accent, this flatbread is unique with an indent in the centre and its heavy texture. They make for a super-sized sandwich.

Pease pudding: spread in sandwiches or used as a dip, pease pudding is a smooth paste made up of split peas. It is often paired with ham or stotties.

Saveloy dip: a local favourite comprising smoked sausage, inside a roll, with pease pudding, mustard and stuffing. Oh, and then finally, the whole thing is swept through gravy.

While Newcastle’s food joints are closed during lockdown, have a go at making these local dishes yourself. Seasons and Suppers, 196 Flavours, Little Sunny Kitchen and North East Food have simple recipes that anyone can follow.

Covid testing near me - Newcastle

Students in Newcastle can book a free Covid test through the NHS online booking system or call 119. These tests are available to anyone showing Coronavirus symptoms. You can also book a test for someone within your household who is displaying any symptoms.

Newcastle has four walk-in test sites and one drive-through site. You must book an appointment in advance. The drive-through testing site is located at the NGP Park & Ride, NE13 9NR. The four walk-in testing sites are found at:

Etherley Road Car Park, NE6 2UT

CCE Car Park, Northumbria University, NE2 1XE

Newcastle General Hospital, NE4 6BE

Castle Leazes Car Park, Newcastle University, NE2 4NY

Students at both the University of Newcastle and Northumbria University have access to tests on campus. University of Newcastle students are also encouraged to have two Covid Rapid (LFD) tests a week when they are studying on campus, whether showing Coronavirus symptoms or not. Northumbria University also has an asymptomatic testing site available to students on their city campus in Sport Central.

Making friends in Newcastle during Covid

Physical interactions are limited to your household and support bubble during lockdown, but you can still find ways to make friends and virtually meet new faces.

Start with checking what virtual events your university is hosting over the coming months. As well as university virtual events, check out Meetup, where you can connect with like-minded people for talks, seminars and discussions online.

Newcastle events

Virtual events

Through lockdown universities have moved their events online. Check your student email, the university’s website and announcements from your students’ union. The Newcastle University Students' Union has a dedicated page to virtual events, with weekly language classes, exercise sessions and seminars.

Take a look too at events happening outside of your university. Bookmark NewcastleGateshead and Get Into Newcastle to keep tabs on what’s happening virtually in Newcastle.

Outdoor events

Outdoor events aren’t taking place during the national lockdown. When restrictions ease, there should be plenty to attend.

NewcastleGateshead and Get Into Newcastle will keep you informed about what’s on the horizon. If easing of lockdown allows, look forward to the This Is Tomorrow Festival at the end of May, the Mouth of the Tyne Festival and the UK Pride Festival both in July, and a TEDxNewcastle event with a date yet to be announced.

Health and wellbeing activities in Newcastle

While gyms and sporting facilities remain closed, being stuck inside has resulted in new ways to keep fit. Exercise routines on our bedroom floor, live virtual workouts and home gyms are now the norm.

If in need of some motivation, check out Axis Fitness who are sharing a host of different workouts on their Instagram. Newcastle University students can sign up through Technogym for virtual fitness classes with a range of yoga, HIIT, strength and much more.

Mental health support - Newcastle

As well as your body, look after your mind during lockdown. If you need support, tips on wellbeing or general advice on how to stay healthy and well, we would highly recommend either of the following resources:

Talking Helps: a psychological wellbeing service for those in Newcastle, Talking Helps are a team of trained wellbeing practitioners that offer therapy, advice, support and resources.

Student Minds: the UK’s leading mental health charity for students, Student Minds help students with their mental health, providing endless resources for whether for yourself, a friend, a parent or more specifically getting through COVID

Newcastle influencers - Who to watch

These talented creators will help you get the most out of your time in the north east...

Get Into Newcastle (@newcastlene1): if you’re wanting to keep up to date with what’s happening around Newcastle, food recommendations and places to visit, you need these guys in your feed.

Instagrammers Newcastle (@igersnewcastleuk): taking breathtaking shots of Newcastle’s unique landscape, you’ll find a few more hidden gems by following this account.