Do you ever search for things to do in Gateshead and the internet gives you lots of ideas but they’re actually in the city of Newcastle or somewhere else in the north east? Or most of the days out and attractions seem suited to families with children? Which is fine if I want to take the grandkids but the hubby and I do love to spend some leisure time as a couple and don’t always want to go very far to enjoy a lovely day out. So if you’re a local and fancy something to do in Gateshead or you are passing through to go somewhere else, then here are 15 things to do in Gateshead for adults you can add to your itinerary. Even if you’re a local you might find somewhere you haven’t been!
Saltwell Park
Situated right in the middle of Gateshead, Saltwell Park has been a favourite destination of mine since I was a small child. 50 years later and I’m still visiting this beautiful Victorian park on a regular basis. It’s one of the best places for a 6.30am morning walk, it’s so beautiful and really peaceful at that time of morning. But at any time of the day there are some lovely features it has on offer for you:
- Saltwell Towers – a beautifully restored gothic mansion house that includes a visitor’s centre and cafe. You can sit inside and admire the view or take advantage of the picnic tables outside the Towers (great if you have your dog with you).
- Woodland Dene – take a stroll down the dene’s paths and visit the original salt well at the bottom.
- The Lake – sit and admire the lake, full of ducks, geese and swans. And as it’s a boating lake, during the summer you can even take a boat out.
- The Rose Garden – you can find many squirrels hanging out around the rose garden, and also breathe in the intoxicating smell of beautiful flowers when they’re in bloom.
- Tennis Court & Basketball Court – fancy a bit of exercise? Take your tennis rackets along and have a game. And there’s plenty of grassy areas to relax on a blanket afterwards.
- Model Boat Club – members of the public are always welcome
- Maze – designed by William Wailes in 1860, the maze was restored to its former glory in 2005.
- The Food Market – visit at the right time of the month and you’ll find Low Fell Food Market in full swing in Saltwell Park.
Saltwell Park, East Park Road, Gateshead NE9 5AX (also accesible from Saltwell Road South)
Free entry
Open: Dawn till dusk
Free car park available at Joicey Road entrance (NE8 4SF)
Shipley Art Gallery
This Gateshead art gallery has been open since 1917 and since the late 90s has been established as a national centre for contemporary craft. So if you fancy a bit of culture in your local area then this is the place to head to. Spend an afternoon browsing the five gallery spaces which feature lots of different exhibitions, including work from local artists, throughout the year:
- Permanent exhibition of 300+ objects made across the world in the last 2000 years – from teapots to chairs.
- Sculptures
- Ceramics including the Henry Rothschild collection of studio ceramics
- Paintings
- Contemporary crafts
- There are also weekly art challenges available on the Shipley Art Gallery’s website, so you can complete your own masterpieces at home!
Shipley Art Gallery, Prince Consort Road, Gateshead, NE8 4JB
Free entry
Open: Tuesday – Friday 10am to 4pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm
No dedicated car park but there is free parking on the streets surrounding the Gallery.
The Angel of the North
Probably the most well-known Gateshead landmark. Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North can be seen standing on a hilltop just off the A1. Erected in 1998 the Angel stands 20 metres high with a 54 metre wingspan and was made from 200 tonnes of steel. You have to go and stand beside it to really appreciate how tall this statue is. If it’s not raining you could spend a lovely afternoon picnicking on the surrounding grassy banks or pop over to the local pub – The Angel View Inn – for a spot of lunch or just a coffee.
The Angel of The North, Durham Road, Low Eighton, Gateshead NE9 7TY
Free entry
Open 24/7
Parking is free but limited to space for 26 cars + 4 disabled bays
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
This removated flour mill stands on the Gateshead side of the River Tyne and features 5 floors of contemporary art from artists across the world. You’ll find a host of ever-changing exhibitions and activities as well as bitesize tours to find out more about the exibitions and what goes on behind the scenes at this art gallery. As well as a gift shop and restaurant there’s also a viewing terrace on Level 5 allowing you to appreciate the stunning views of Gateshead and Newcastle Quayside. Other features include:
- Baltic Front Room – picnic area with free hot drinks & free wi-fi
- Sensory Room – access to sensory toys, projections & lights
- Library – with a specialist collection of over 13,000 books on contemporary art and visual culture
The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, South Shore Road, Gateshead NE8 3BA
Free entry
Open: Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm
Parking is available at The Baltic car park from £2.00
Watergate Forest Park
Although this beautiful park has been open since 2000 I only discovered it in 2018. I can’t believe I didn’t know it was there. It’s a fab place to take a walk. The Park was originally Watergate Colliery and was transformed into a haven for wildlife as well as a recreational site for the public.
- Dog friendly
- 1.4 mile circular walk around the lake
- 3 mile Watergate & Washingwell walk taking in the views of natural and historic features as well as some interesting contemporary sculpture along the way.
- Cafe available via a small car park next to Emmanuel College (NE11 0AN)
Watergate Forest Park, off Whickham Highway, Lobley Hill, Gateshead NE11 9RQ
Free entry
Open: 12pm to 7pm
Free car park at main entrance
While it’s lovely to go away on holiday, micro-travel can also give us a real boost in energy and happiness. All of these attractions in Gateshead can give you that quick, enjoyable adventure.
Bowes Railway
The Bowes Colliery & Railway was built by George Stephenson in 1826 to carry coal from Springwell to other pits on the Tyne at Jarrow. It was aqcuired by Tyne & Wear Council in 1977 and added to the Preservation Scheme. Today it is a fascinating museum featuring diesel & steam locomotives, wagons dating back to the 1800s, coal mining tools and a reconstructed miner’s cottage. Bowes Railway also plays host to regular events throughout the year which have recently included a 1940s weekend and a 1950s/60s lunch. You’ll also find a gift shop and tearoom onsite.
Bowes Railway, Springwell Road, Springwell Village, Gateshead NE9 7QJ
Entry: £5 per adult, £2 per child
Open: Thursday 10am to 4pm, Friday 11am to 4pm & the last weekend of each month from 10am to 4pm
Free parking available
Metrocentre Gateshead
The Metrocentre shopping mall may be an obvious choice to include in a Things To Do in Gateshead for Adults blog post but you really could spend the whole day here as there is quite a bit to do!
- Shopping – from Next to Paperchase to TK Maxx
- Food & Drink – the foodcourt gives you lots of different options including Thai, Chinese, Italian, Mexican and Sushi. Something for breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks inbetween.
- Odeon Cinema
- Amusement Arcade (yes adults can have fun here too)
- Angry Birds Golf (you don’t need children to enjoy crazy golf)
- Hair & Beauty – get your nails done, your hair styled or pamper yourself with a facial
- Buzz Bingo – situated on the outskirts of the Metrocentre in their retail park
Metrocentre Gateshead, St Michaels Way, Gateshead NE11 9YG
Free to enter
Open: Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm, Saturday 9am to 7pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm
Free Parking
The Little Theatre
I recently visited this local amateur dramatics theatre for the first time and was very impressed. The Little Theatre is home to The Progressive Players and hosts regular shows throughout the year in their cosy 188 seat auditorium (plus additional room for wheelchairs). There is also a licensed bar and coffee shop onsite. We went to see A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square and thoroughly enjoyed it (even when the actors occasionally forgot their lines and had to be prompted – all part of the experience). Other plays have included Lockdown in Little Grimley and Bedroom Farce.
The Little Theatre, 1 Saltwell View, Gateshead, NE8 4JS
Entry: Adults £10, Concessions £8
See their website for upcoming events
Parking: no dedicated car park but there is free parking on the surrounding streets
Thornley Woodland Centre
One of the great things about Gateshead is you’re never far from a really pleasant walk. Thornley Woods are part of the larger Derwent Walk Country Park and have some beautiful walks that are clearly marked out for you. There’s also a circular walking route where you can spot several sculptures carved out of the trees. You can pick up a free trail leaflet from the Thornley Woodlands Visitor Centre before starting your walk. You’ll also find a small cafe at the centre if you want to pop in for a coffee and some cake before heading home. The Woodlands are also home to birds such as woodpeckers, nuthatch and sparrow hawks so if bird watching is your thing there are lots to spot.
Note: There were lots of steps and narrow pathways where we walked so make sure the trail you’re taking is right for you by asking at the Centre.
Thornley Woodlands Centre, Lockhaugh Road, Rowlands Gill, NE39 1AU
Free entry
Open: Monday to Sunday 10am to 4pm
Free parking at the Centre
The Glasshouse International Centre For Music
(formerly Sage Gateshead)
Affectionately known as ‘the slug’ this music centre is situated on the Gateshead side of the River Tyne next to the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. It features an eclectic range of events including:
- Contemporary Music Concerts which have featured Fleetwood Mac, The Simon & Garfunkel Story and Kim Wilde.
- Classical Music from Royal Northern Sinfonia, BBC Proms & the Belgian National Orchestra.
- Music Classes for all levels including:
- singing (Pop & Rock Choir, Choral Harmony & Songs From The Shows)
- instruments (ukulele, guitar & fiddle)
- bands (skiffle & rock and roll)
- The Sage also has a cafe, bar and brasserie
The Sage, St Mary’s Square, Gateshead NE8 2JR
Free to enter: see their website for prices of concerts and music classes. You can visit the bar, cafe or brassierie without booking to see a show.
Open: Various hours (see website)
Parking available: up to 30 mins free, 1 hour for £1.90, up to 2 hours for £3.50 or £4.80 for 2 hours +
Gateshead Riverside Walk
If you’d like to learn something of Gateshead’s history then this Riverside Walk will allow you to discover it’s evolving post war identity from heavy industry to public art. You can download a written guide for this walk here.
- Starts at The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and finishes at Dunston Community Centre.
- 2.5 miles long, mostly flat
- Discover landmark buildings and iconic heritage structures
- You might even see some otters
To start at The Baltic see above for address
Free to walk and guide is free to download
Open 24/7
Parking: There are several car parks along Gateshead’s quayside but charges do apply
There are also lots of free museums in Newcastle to visit if you fancy popping across the water.
Staiths Cafe
Along Gateshead’s Riverside Walk you’ll come to The Staiths Cafe which I highly recommend. Definitely one of many hidden gems in Gateshead. The food is delicious and there is seating inside or outside overlooking the Tyne which is lovely on a sunny day. Grab coffee and a snack or maybe breakfast or a burger depending on what you fancy. The Staiths also feature live music on a monthly basis so check out their website for dates & times.
The Staiths, 1 Autumn Drive, Staiths Southbank, Gateshead NE8 2BZ
Open: Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, Friday & Saturday 9am to 9pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm
No dedicated car park but parking is available on the surrounding streets.
Tanfield Railway
How about afternoon tea on a vintage steam train with unique Victorian carriages. Sounds lovely! Tanfield Railway offer this service throughout the summer at £58 for 2 people. See their timetable for selected dates & times. Or if you don’t fancy afternoon tea you could hop on the train on the world’s oldest railway and just admire the stunning countryside or explore the villages between East Tanfield and Sunnisde along the way. What better way is there to spend an afternoon.
Tanfield Railway, Marley Hill Engine Shed, Burdon Plain, Gateshead NE16 5ET
Entry: Full line return for adults £13.50, Afternoon Tea £58 for 2 people
Open: Sundays and Bank Holidays from April until the end of October.
Free Parking available at Andrews House Station, Marley Hill Engine Shed & East Tanfield Station
St Mary’s Heritage Centre
If you didn’t know this church was there you probably wouldn’t spot it! You’ll find it below the Tyne Bridge on the Gateshead side of the river. St. Mary’s Heritage Centre is a medieval Grade 1 listed building and until 1825 was the only place in Gateshead you could get married! As well as admiring this beautiful church, pop in and discover displays on the history of Gateshead or browse their local history resources which include historic maps and images. There’s also a heritage book shop for you to explore. St Mary’s regularly hold activities and events such as local history talks and tours, concerts and exhibitions so keep a look out on Gateshead Libraries Events page for updates.
St Mary’s Heritage Centre, Oakwellgate, Gateshead NE8 2AU
Free entry
Open: Tuesday to Friday 10am – 4pm, Saturday 10am – 1pm
Small number of free parking spaces
The Cafe Under The Spire
This cafe is a totally unexpected venue in the heart of gateshead, situated inside the renovated St Cuthbert’s Church on Bensham Bank in Gateshead. It stood derelict for years until it reopened as a daytime cafe and a nightime Indian Restaurant. It’s quirky interior is covered in tapestries and handmade mirrors throughout a warren of cosy rooms – ideal for a relaxing breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack with friends. The Cafe also features a delightful roof terrace where you can enjoy a drink and panoramic views over the River Tyne. Check out their Facebook Page for Menu details and live music events.
The Cafe Under The Spire: St Cuthbert’s Church, Bensham Road, NE8 2SH
Free to look around. Cafe & Restaurant prices on their website.
Open: Tuesday to Saturday 11am to 11pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm
Parking – limited free parking at the back of the cafe
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