Planning the perfect girls’ weekend away? Whether you’re celebrating a birthday with your bestie, treating your Mum to a special Mother’s Day getaway, or just craving some quality time with your closest friends, Newcastle and Gateshead offer everything you need for an unforgettable trip. Think spa sessions, stylish shopping, Instagram-worthy brunch spots, rooftop cocktails, and riverside street food markets, all wrapped up in one chic itinerary.
Pack your bags, grab your girls, and get ready for a weekend of fun, relaxation, and indulgence with our itinerary.
Whether you're arriving in Newcastle by train, car, or plane, you'll find plenty of fantastic hotels to suit your stay. Kick-start your weekend by checking into one of Newcastle and Gateshead’s top stays, each offering a blend of luxury, style, and convenience.
For breathtaking Quayside views, Hilton NewcastleGateshead is a standout choice, while Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter boasts the Mineral House Spa for the ultimate relaxation. If you prefer a boutique experience, Grey Street Hotel offers a charming city-centre stay with its own tranquil spa. For a sophisticated riverside retreat, the highly anticipated Dakota Newcastle, opening in April 2025, will bring chic interiors and a stylish bar to the Quayside. Wherever you stay, you're perfectly placed to explore the best of the city.
Located in the heart of Newcastle city centre, The City Baths offers a luxurious spa experience in a beautifully restored historic setting. The Turkish Baths provide a traditional heat and water journey, designed to cleanse, detoxify, and revitalise.
For added indulgence, explore the Temple Spa treatment menu, featuring luxurious facials and massages.
Just a short journey from the city, Metrocentre in Gateshead is one of the UK’s largest shopping centres, offering an unrivalled shopping experience with a mix of high-street brands, luxury retailers, and top dining options. Whether you're after the latest fashion, beauty must-haves, or a shopping spree with the girls, Metrocentre has it all.
Explore fashion favourites like Zara, Mango, and Primark, or discover premium brands at Flannels and Victoria’s Secret. Beauty lovers will be spoilt for choice with Harrods Beauty, Sephora, and Bath & Body Works, offering the latest in skincare, makeup, and fragrances.
With plenty of restaurants and cafés, you can refuel after a day of shopping, whether it’s a quick bite, a coffee break, or a sit-down meal. Easily accessible by bus and train, Metrocentre is the perfect destination for a stylish shopping day out.
After a day of pampering and exploring, treat yourself to a stylish dining experience at one of Newcastle’s most Instagram-worthy restaurants. Whether you’re looking for creative cocktails, beautifully plated dishes, or a chic atmosphere, these top spots offer the perfect setting for a memorable evening.
End your night in style at ABOVE, Newcastle’s premier rooftop bar, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the Quayside and city skyline.
With its sophisticated open-air terrace, plush seating, and stylish decor, ABOVE creates an elevated experience, making it an ideal place to celebrate a special occasion or simply toast to a fantastic weekend. The cocktail menu features a mix of signature serves and classic favourites, all made with premium spirits and fresh ingredients.
For the ultimate experience, arrive just before sunset, when the sky transforms into shades of pink and gold, providing a picture-perfect moment to round off your evening in Newcastle. Whether you're in the mood for a refreshing spritz, a bold espresso martini, or a champagne toast, ABOVE offers a truly memorable night out with a view like no other.
Start your day with a delicious and picture-perfect brunch at EL&N in Fenwick, one of Newcastle’s most Instagrammable cafés, known for its vibrant interiors, indulgent dishes, and beautifully presented lattes.
If you're in the mood to explore more, Fenwick Newcastle is home to other fantastic food and drink spots, including Mother Mercy, a stylish venue serving expertly crafted cocktails, and Fred’s, a café offering freshly baked pastries and delicious all-day options.
After brunch, take time to wander through Fenwick Newcastle, a premier department store renowned for its luxury fashion, beauty, and homeware collections. The store’s beauty hall, the largest outside of London, is a must-visit for beauty lovers, featuring high-end brands, skincare essentials, and exclusive fragrances. Whether you're picking up a unique souvenir, treating yourself to a designer handbag, or simply browsing the latest trends, Fenwick is the ultimate shopping destination in Newcastle.
A Sunday visit to the Quayside Market is a must when in Newcastle. Begin your journey by strolling down Grey Street, often regarded as one of the most beautiful streets in the UK, with its stunning Georgian architecture and vibrant atmosphere. The walk will set the perfect tone as you head towards the bustling market on the riverside.
At the Quayside Market, you’ll find a lively mix of artisan crafts, handmade jewellery, unique gifts, and independent local stalls, offering everything from organic produce and homemade baked goods to quirky artwork and eco-friendly products. Feeling hungry? The street food scene is a highlight, with vendors serving a variety of global flavours, from loaded burgers and wood-fired pizza to sweet treats like crepes and artisan doughnuts.
As you browse, enjoy scenic views of the River Tyne, with the iconic Tyne Bridge and Millennium Bridge providing a stunning backdrop. If time allows, cross the Millennium Bridge and visit BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, where you can explore cutting-edge exhibitions and thought-provoking works by artists from around the world.
For animal lovers, Newcastle’s pet cafés offer the perfect opportunity to take a break from sightseeing and spend some quality time with adorable furry friends while enjoying a coffee and a treat.
If you’re a cat enthusiast, head to Catpawcino, conveniently located on the Newcastle Quayside, next to the Quayside Market. This cosy café is home to a variety of friendly cats, each with their own unique personality. Relax with a cup of coffee or tea, and you might find a purring companion snuggling up beside you or hopping onto your lap
Prefer dogs? Dog & Scone, located near Newcastle Central Station, is the ultimate destination for dog lovers. This charming café allows you to meet and play with resident dogs of different breeds while sipping your favourite drink. The café is designed for maximum doggy interaction, so expect plenty of wagging tails.
Keep following the river from the Quayside, and you’ll find yourself in Ouseburn, Newcastle’s creative hub and one of the city’s most vibrant and culturally rich neighbourhoods. Once the industrial heart of the city, Ouseburn has transformed into a bohemian enclave filled with independent galleries, cosy pubs, quirky cafés, and live music venues. The area is brimming with character, making it the perfect spot to wrap up your weekend.
Wander through independent art spaces such as The Biscuit Factory, the UK’s largest independent commercial gallery, showcasing a mix of contemporary art, jewellery, and ceramics. For a taste of live music or comedy, check out venues like The Cluny, a much-loved hotspot for intimate gigs.
While in Ouseburn, Flora Rose is an absolute must-visit. This charming lifestyle shop features a curated selection of goods from female-owned small businesses, offering everything from handmade jewellery and home decor to unique gifts. The shop’s warm and inviting atmosphere reflects the creative spirit of Ouseburn, making it a delightful place to browse and pick up something special.
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