City guide · England
First date ideas in Newcastle: where to meet and how to get home
By The Fling Compass editorial team · Last checked
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Newcastle is small enough that most first dates end up within a ten-minute walk of Monument. That's no bad thing: it's busy, central and sits right on top of a Metro station.
The Quayside and the Ouseburn give you two good alternatives. The Quayside for old pubs and the bridges, the Ouseburn for a more laid-back valley of pubs and venues just east of the centre.
Saturday nights in the middle of town are loud and lively. For a first meeting with someone off an app, you'll probably want somewhere you can hear each other.
Where to go in Newcastle
Grey Street and Monument
The heart of the centre, handsome and busy, with Monument Metro station underneath.
The Quayside
Old pubs and the river, down the steep streets from the centre. Lively at weekends.
Ouseburn
A valley of pubs, music venues and studios just east of the Quayside. More relaxed, with more character.
Exhibition Park
North of the Haymarket, with a brewery tap in a striking old exhibition building.
Places for a first drink
Busy enough to feel relaxed, quiet enough to talk, and easy to leave. Check opening times on their own sites before you go.
- 01
Crown Posada
pub · The Side
A narrow, old-fashioned pub on the way down to the Quayside, open until late at weekends. Small enough to feel cosy, busy enough to feel safe.
- 02
Tyneside Cinema
cinema bar · Pilgrim Street
The independent cinema's cocktail bar and coffee shop, a short walk from Monument. Easy to turn into a film if you're getting on.
- 03
The Cumberland Arms
pub · Ouseburn
A pub overlooking the Ouseburn Valley with plenty of character. A good choice if you'd rather be away from the city-centre crowds.
- 04
Wylam Brewery
brewery tap · Exhibition Park
The brewery's tap is in the Palace of Arts in Exhibition Park, a building that's hard to miss. Roomy and relaxed, with beer brewed on site.
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Getting home
The Tyne and Wear Metro runs through the city centre at Monument, Central Station and Haymarket. Late-evening times differ from station to station, so check the timetable for yours on the Travel North East site before you go out.
Metro has customer service and security teams on trains and at stations day and night, and its trains carry CCTV. Some stations, Monument included, only have staff some of the time, so use the help point if you need assistance.
Newcastle Central is a short walk from Grey Street and the Quayside. Look up your last train on National Rail before the evening starts.
Only hackney carriages can be hailed or picked up from a rank. A private hire car has to be booked in advance; if it isn't the car you booked, don't get in.
Staying safe in Newcastle
- If something on the Metro doesn't feel right, you can discreetly message or WhatsApp Metro Control on 07345 222 710 through its Report It To Sort It service. For non-urgent police matters call 101, and in an emergency 999.
- On the platform, wait where the CCTV cameras can see you. Nexus recommends exactly that.
- The Quayside's steep streets are fine with other people about and less fun on your own after midnight. Head back up towards Grey Street or the station where it's busier.
- The Ouseburn is best for an early evening rather than a late finish. It's a walk back to the Metro, so book a cab from the pub if it's late.
The full list is in our first-date safety checklist.
Get the UK first-date safety checklist
A one-page checklist for the night before, sent to your inbox. Free, and you can unsubscribe in one click.
First dates in Newcastle: questions
Does the Newcastle Metro run late?
Into the late evening, but times differ by station and by day. Check the timetable for your stop on Travel North East before you go out.
How can I report a problem on the Metro?
Use a station help point, or message or WhatsApp Metro Control on 07345 222 710. In an emergency, call 999.
Quayside or Ouseburn for a first date?
The Quayside if you want the classic river views and to be near the station. The Ouseburn if you'd prefer somewhere quieter with more character.