- Play Hard
- 13th Feb 2026
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The ultimate girls’ weekend in Newcastle and Gateshead
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From shopping sprees and long brunches to riverside culture and dancing into the early hours, a trip to Newcastle and Gateshead is made for friendship-fuelled weekends.
Whether you’re celebrating something big or just carving out time together, this two-day itinerary blends indulgence, culture and effortless fun.
Friday: Check in, dress up, head out
Where to stay : Base yourselves in the heart of the city at Motel One Newcastle, or for a luxe option, Hotel Gotham Newcastle is the city’s newest hotel, serving up all of the glam vibes. Dakota Newcastle is a great Quayside pick, with views of the River Tyne and some of the best negronis in the city.
Dinner and drinks: Start the weekend with a walk along the Quayside before settling in for a proper catch-up at Dobson & Parnell. The vibe here is high-quality, slow dinners with a great wine selection. Afterwards, soak up the city buzz before heading back to your hotel or nearby bars for a nightcap.
Saturday morning: Brunch and retail therapy
The most aesthetic brunch: Ease into the day with brunch at Sunday Coffee & Kitchen. A firm favourite for great coffee, ginormous pancake stacks and a laid-back atmosphere. If you fancy trying a neighbourhood vibe, Kiln in Ouseburn is one of the best spots in the area, just 10 minutes from the city centre. Order a mimosa and the Turkish eggs and thank us later.
Shopping at Eldon Square: No girls’ trip would be complete without some retail therapy and Eldon Square is the hub of it all. One of the North East’s premier shopping destinations, it’s home to over 140 stores including independent department store Fenwick, Sephora, Mango, All Saints and many more. With plenty of places to refuel for coffee, a quick lunch, or something more substantial, it’s the perfect one-stop spot for outfit upgrades, beauty treats and spontaneous finds.
Saturday afternoon: Food, culture and riverside views
Triple A Food Tours: For something a little different, book onto a Triple A Food Tours experience. It’s a brilliant way to explore the city through its food scene – meeting local independents, tasting your way around Newcastle and learning a few insider stories along the way.
Culture on the Gateshead side: Cross the river to visit the Baltic, where ever-changing exhibitions sit alongside panoramic views of the Tyne. If live music or performance is more your thing, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music is just moments away and worth a visit as one of the most striking landmarks on the Quayside.
Quayside stroll: Round off the afternoon with a relaxed riverside wander. Grab a coffee at The Staithes Café or pause for a pint at Axis – both ideal spots for people watching and slow afternoons.
Saturday night: Steak, cocktails and dancing
A glam dinner: Back in the city, dress up for dinner at Gaucho Newcastle. With its glamorous setting, bougee bar and indulgent menu, it’s perfect for celebratory evenings and just-one-more-glass conversations.
Dance the night away: When it’s time to turn the energy up, head to Manahatta Newcastle for cocktails, music and a dancefloor that guarantees a memorable end to the night.
Sunday: Coffee, people-watching and goodbyes
Farewell breakfast: Finish the weekend gently with coffee and pastries at 100 Grey Street. Settle in with a flat white, watch the city wake up and savour those final chats (and stories from the night before). Head home already planning the next trip.
Want more inspiration for a weekend break? Check out NewcastleGateshead Initiative for everything you need, from hotels to activities and things to do.
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