- Play Hard
- 19th Jun 2026
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- 0 minute
You know it’s a North East summer when…
Whether you were born and bred in the North East or arrived here for university, work or something else, chances are you’ve picked up on a few local habits along the way.
And nowhere are they more apparent than during the summer months, when the region comes alive with strawberry picking, beach days and those rare sunny spells that have us all relocating to the nearest beer garden for the foreseeable.
To celebrate the season, we’ve rounded up a few tell-tale signs that summer has officially arrived in the North East.
PINTS AT THE TYNE BAR IN PLASTIC CUPS
Having the sun warm up your winter-prone cheeks is one thing, but being able to do that under the bridge at the Tyne Bar with a pint in hand is even better. We’ve all spent months sitting outside in layer upon layer, just trying to enjoy a pint without our fingertips falling off. But when the plastic cups make an appearance at the Tyne Bar, that’s when you know summer has officially arrived. The tables spill out beneath the bridge, sunglasses emerge from hibernation, and suddenly everyone seems to have the same idea after work.
STRAWBERRY PICKING AT BROCKBUSHES FARM
Nothing screams summer like a fresh punnet of proper red strawberries – and when you’ve picked them yourself, practically on your doorstep, they taste even sweeter. Brockbushes Farm is the North East’s hub for fruit picking and the best place to get your fresh fruit fix. The arrival of strawberry-picking season at the farm has become a rite of passage for North East families, so if you haven’t reserved a day this summer to dedicate to this very serious North East activity, you must add it to your list immediately.
NE1’s SCREEN ON THE GREEN RETURNS
When you notice rows of wooden deckchairs pop up in Old Eldon Square, that’s when you know July is approaching. Returning every July and August, NE1’s Screen on the Green has become a staple of Newcastle summers, drawing crowds to the city centre for everything from family favourites to cult classics. Whether you’ve stopped to watch a few minutes while passing by or settled in with a box of popcorn for the full film, it’s one of those seasonal traditions that makes summer in the city feel that little bit more special.
PINT AND A PARMO IN TEESSIDE
You know summer has arrived on Teesside when someone suggests heading out for a pint and a parmo. Whether it’s a catch-up with friends in a beer garden or a sunny evening spent making the most of the weather, the region’s most famous dish somehow tastes even better when eaten outdoors with the sun hitting the pavements. Bonus points if that parmo comes from Signals in Saltburn-by-the-Sea.
FINISHING WORK AND HEADING STRAIGHT TO THE QUAYSIDE
Being a North East local means you’ll already be familiar with the mindset that if you can see the sun from your office window, a post-work drink on the Quayside has to be suggested. By the time 5pm rolls around, someone has inevitably sent the message – “Quayside?” – and before you know it, you’re making your way down Dean Street with a beverage of your choice in hand.
HIGH LIFE NORTH’S TOP TIP: Here’s some more alfresco and rooftop terraces inspo.
THE HOPPINGS TAKING OVER THE TOWN MOOR
Another sure sign that summer has arrived is the return of the Hoppings – Europe’s largest travelling funfair. You’ve probably already noticed the rides being hauled onto the Town Moor from the Great North Road, and in a couple of weeks, you’ll be able to catch the scent of fairground doughnuts drifting across the surrounding streets. That’s when you know it’s well and truly summer in Newcastle.
EVERY PATCH OF SAND TAKEN ON KING EDWARD’S BAY BEFORE 10AM
If there’s anything us Northerners know how to do, it’s taking full advantage of our beautiful coastline at the first sight of sunshine. King Edward’s Bay in Tynemouth is one of the region’s favourite places to pitch up on the sand and take up sunbathing duties for the day. If you’ve been to Tynemouth on a day where the temperature is above 15 degrees, chances are the beach will be packed with Geordies making the most of the UV rays before their summer holidays come around.
PUFFIN SEASON ON THE FARNE ISLANDS
This is a sight that will always feel like something out of a nature documentary. Every year, thousands of puffins return to the Farne Islands, bringing visitors from across the country to the Northumberland coast. Whether you’ve booked a boat trip from Seahouses or simply found yourself liking every puffin photo that appears on your social media feed, their return is one of the North East’s most charming signs that the warmer months.
Want more details? We went ourselves – here’s our guide.
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