- Play Hard
- 23rd Jan 2026
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The rise of the ‘Solo Saturday’ – how to spend some ‘me-time’ in the North East
There’s been a subtle shift in how we think about weekends.
The ‘Saturday with mates’ is still golden – but there’s a growing, joyful alternative: the Solo Saturday.
Whether you’re newly independent, intentionally introverted, or just fancy a bit of uninterrupted you-time, spending a day alone can feel oddly luxurious. And in the North East?
We’ve got tonnes of brilliant options that are anything but awkward. Here’s how to ace your solo weekend, local-style.
Kick off with coffee (and no small talk required)
Nothing says this day is mine like positioning yourself at a window seat with a good brew and no agenda. Starting slow isn’t a sign of loneliness, it’s intentional choice. And with a good view of the world around you, it suddenly feels like a front-row seat to life.
Laneway & Co
69 Front Street, Tynemouth, North Shields, NE30 4BP
This café on Tynemouth Front Street is moments from the beach and perfect for people-watching or cracking open that book you’ve been meaning to start.
Butterfly Cabinet
200 Heaton Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5HP
The décor in this quaint café in Heaton is undeniably perfect. A long brunch and excellent pastries – ideal for settling in solo.
Flat White Kitchen
40 Saddler Street, Durham, DH1 3NU
In Durham, spots like Flat White Kitchen are ideal for solo lingering – a cosy interior, excellent coffee and plenty of window seats for gentle people-watching.
Café Etch
5 Gilkes Street, Middlesbrough, TS1 5ET
Over in Middlesbrough, Café Etch is a welcoming, unpretentious place where sitting alone with a book or your thoughts feels completely natural.
Arts and culture – with time to wander
One of the best things about doing museums and galleries alone? You can spend five minutes or fifty in the same room – no judgement, no rush, and no need to explain why you’re staring at something. Bliss.
Beamish Museum
Beamish, Stanley, DH9 0RG
Wandering the open-air museum solo lets you fully soak up the nostalgia, chat to costumed staff if you fancy, or just stroll quietly through history.
The Bowes Museum
Newgate, Barnard Castle, DL12 8NP
One of the most beautiful buildings in the region, the Bowes is perfect for a reflective visit. The galleries are calm, the exhibitions thoughtfully curated, and the surrounding parkland is ideal for a quiet wander afterwards.
Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Winter Gardens, Burdon Road, Sunderland, SR1 1PP
A brilliant mix of art, local history and a lush indoor garden. It’s easy to spend a few hours here solo, drifting between galleries and enjoying the calm atmosphere.
National Museum of the Royal Navy
Jackson Dock, Maritime Avenue, Hartlepool, TS24 0XZ
More engaging than you might expect, this interactive museum is fascinating to explore alone – especially if you enjoy taking your time reading displays and imagining life at sea.
Solo cinema is a power move
Let’s clear this up: going to the cinema alone is not sad – it’s elite. You pick the film, you pick the seat, and you eat all the snacks. What more could you want?
Across the region, there are plenty of cinemas where solo viewing feels completely normal.
Forum Cinema
8-9 Market Pl, Hexham NE46 1XF
This is a particular gem, showing a mix of indie films, classics and new releases in a friendly, community-focused setting.
Omniplex Cinema
4 Lambton Street, Sunderland, SR1 1TP
This is perfect if you just want to disappear into a blockbuster with a massive bag of popcorn.
Everyman Newcastle
75-85 Grey St, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6EF
Fancy treating yourself to a bit of luxury? Newcastle’s Everyman cinema is the kind of place where going solo feels like an indulgence rather than a compromise, with plush sofas, candlelit screens and proper food brought straight to your seat.
Walk it off: Coast, country or parkland
One of the best things about a Solo Saturday is the freedom to walk without destination or deadline. Headphones optional – sometimes the silence does the work for you.
Coastal routes
A stroll along Seaham Beach, the cliffs at Saltburn, or the path from Amble to Warkworth offers sea air, space and plenty of thinking time. These routes are popular but never intrusive – perfect for walking alone without feeling isolated.
Countryside escapes
Hamsterley Forest, Derwent Valley, or Teesdale provide wide paths, dramatic scenery and that wonderful sense of switching off. Ideal if you want to feel properly away from it all for a few hours.
Town and city green spaces
Preston Park in Stockton, Hardwick Park near Sedgefield, or Ropery Woods in Sunderland feel like quiet retreats without needing a long journey.
Lunch alone, done properly
Eating alone is one of life’s underrated pleasures – especially when the setting is right. Bring a book, scroll aimlessly, or just enjoy being present, it’s your call.
The Tea Rooms at Ushaw
Ushaw Historic House, Woodland Road, Durham, DH7 9RH
A peaceful, elegant spot where solo dining feels positively encouraged. Take your time and enjoy the surroundings.
Thirteen Café
13 South Parade, Whitley Bay, NE26 2RE
Thirteen Café is a cosy, highly rated cafe that’s become a favourite with locals and visitors alike for breakfast, brunch and lunch. The friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere make it just as lovely to sit and relax solo as it is to meet a friend, and there’s even outdoor seating if you fancy soaking up some sea breeze with your espresso.
The Station Buffet
Barter Books, Alnwick Station, Alnwick, NE66 2NP
Station Buffet is a cosy, character-filled café tucked inside the historic Barter Books building – a vast second-hand bookshop set in Alnwick’s old Victorian railway station, complete with original waiting rooms and open fires. It’s one of those welcoming Northumberland gems that’s brilliant company all on its own.
The Factory Kitchen
The Biscuit Factory, 16 Stoddart St, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1AN
Think sun-drenched, conservatory-style interiors and a rooftop terrace overlooking the Ouseburn Valley — perfect for a solo mid-gallery refuel. The seasonal celebrates local produce with global twists, from Turkish-spiced eggs and chargrilled toasties to house-baked cakes and brunch classics.
A gentle finish
As the day winds down, keep things simple. Watch the sunset from Penshaw Monument, enjoy a quiet drink in a Northumberland pub, or browse a local bookshop. If you’re feeling adventurous, a solo gig or theatre show can be surprisingly empowering.
Because Solo Saturdays aren’t about being alone – they’re about choosing yourself. And in the North East, with its warmth, beauty and character, it’s one of the best places to do exactly that.
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