5 Things to do in Newcastle - February

Category: Explore

With our three locations in Newcastle; Urban Study Jesmond, Melbourne, and Tyne Bridge, we've been exploring some of the best spots on our doorsteps. Newcastle is home to an abundance of independent eateries, shops and galleries all within easy reach of each other by foot; just be sure to wrap up warm when you head out! Here's our current hot list:

Shopping

Grainger Market – This place harks back to everything we love about British market trade; open Monday – Saturday 52 weeks a year, Grainger houses over 100 traders under cover. Stalls that particularly caught our eye were Pumphreys Espresso Bar, Nan Bei Chinese tea and dumpling table, Miller's Book Exchange and The Yesterday Society – vintage boutique. The variety at this market is unique and its location right by Monument station and Old Eldon Square is handy for all other shopping requirements. The Intu shopping center is just 5 minutes' walk away, which has high street fashion brands, an Apple store and many chain restaurants inside.

Eat and Drink

Cat Paw Cino cat café – if you love our feline friends, fancy a hot chocolate to die for, or simply feel like doing some cat yoga (yes, that exists), then this is the place for you. Created by a Newcastle student, Cat Paw Cino serves up delicious hot and cold drinks and snacks, including jam jar smoothies. Located right on the quayside, you get the best position to people-watch as well. There are just three rules at Cat Paw Cino: 1. Remove shoes and wash hands, 2. Do not pick up the cats or pull on their tails, 3. Only photograph without flash. Entry is £5 and drinks are under £3. Find them on social media!

The Fat Hippo Underground – another local favourite spot to eat and drink at, the Fat Hippo's philosophy is “GOOD FOOD. MESSY FINGERS. JUICY BURGERS. FAT HIPPO DO THE GOOD KIND OF GLUTTONY." Located under the arches of the old railway line, the atmosphere here is industrial, American, and just the right level of voracity.

History

Newcastle Castle – Old Newcastle boasts impressive Medieval, Roman and Norman architecture and ruins. Newcastle Castle is situated right in the heart of the historic center of the city; the fortress that named and shaped what it is today. The Castle is one of the finest surviving keeps in Britain and offers outstanding views from its rooftop. Go and explore it for an entry fee of £6.50 or £5.50 for students, open daily from 10am – 5pm, you won't be disappointed!

Culture

BALTIC – The BALTIC Centre has a constantly changing schedule of contemporary art exhibitions as well as several viewing platforms (from which you can see the newest Urban Study Tyne Bridge apartments!) Currently exhibited is the controversial, emotive installations of Monica Bonvicini (her hand around the room is displayed until 26^th February, after that is Holly Hendry, Wrot, 18 February - 4 June 2017) and a group exhibition drawing attention to the journey undertaken by migrants and refugees across the Mediterranean Sea, including an immersive VR simulation (Disappearance at Sea showing until 14^th May). Entry is free to all exhibitions at the BALTIC, open 10am – 6pm.