There’s been a big push towards sobriety in today’s student population. Whether that’s for cost reasons, religious reasons, personal preference, or any other reason, we’ve got you covered. There are plenty of sober activities to keep you satisfied! Here are (in no particular order) the top ten sober hangouts in Newcastle.
1. Any and all sober society events
Society pages at Newcastle University tend to mark their socials/ meetings as sober when applicable. Other society events are more obviously sober – I’m a fan of the indie market stalls that visit the student union’s basement, watching student society theatre shows, LGBT Society’s LGBTea sessions, and the Creative Writing Society’s weekly writing sessions, amongst others.
2. Teashops and coffee houses
Claremont Teahouse is a favourite spot of mine. It’s quiet, sweet, and super close to both Newcastle and Northumbria’s main campuses. Its building (Claremont House) is absolutely GORGEOUS too! Newcastle Waterstones also has a great café for sitting with a great book and even better hot chocolate covered in marshmallows. Pink Lane bakery has a few spots dotted around, and is light, airy, and perfect for meeting your study group, taking a break between lectures, or just because you need a little treat.
3. The Metrocentre
The Metrocentre is a peak day out. Not even getting into its proximity to the happiest place on earth (IKEA), there’s so much to do. There’s arcades, restaurants, a LEGO shop, a Waterstones, and so SO much more. There’s something there for every budget, whether you’re just window shopping or going on a full spree. You can grab a train from Central Station that stops right at the Metrocentre, so it’s pretty cheap and easy to get to as well.
4. Pottery painting in Jesmond
Although on the pricier side, pottery painting is awesome. Nothing better than drinking hot chocolate or slurping noodles from crockery decorated with all the things that make you happiest. Whether going with friends, or crafting up a date, pottery painting somewhere like The Pottery Experience in Jesmond is super cute!
5. Charity/vintage shopping
There are loads of charity and vintage spots in Newcastle, in the City Centre alone. As far as charity shops go, Cancer Research, 2 British Heart Foundations, Amnesty International, Oxfam, RSPCA, Cats Protection, and a Salvation Army are all within a 15 minute radius of each other in the centre, with more Oxfams, St.Oswalds and BHFs dotted around Jesmond, Heaten, Gosforth, and beyond. Vintage stores and kilo sales come and go, but are always jam-packed, so grab some bags, a whimsical beverage, and get going! We love eco-friendly practices here.
6. Tynemouth’s beaches
Many a freezing Bonfire Night has been spent at Tynemouth. Get yourself a disposable BBQ (and some safety instructions!), some fireworks (again, safety!!), a picnic, and your friends, and you’ve got a great night on your hands. During the day, Tynemouth’s beaches are a great walk, either on the sands or along the cliffside paths. Definitely bring money for fish and chips or ice cream…
7. Baltic Museum
A staple for visiting family and seeming cultured, but also just a cracking place to go. Crossing one of the bridges is always weirdly exciting, especially if you get to watch a boat pass under the Millennium Bridge. There’s five floors of art, a library, and an awesome gift shop (especially if you’re a David Shrigley fan).
8. Mini golf @ Junkyard Golf
I’ve been sorely defeated here many… MANY times. If you’re terrible at ‘real’ golf, maybe you’ll be better at punting balls into a bathtub or shooting them into a ferris wheel. Junkyard Golf also has EXCELLENT slushies and drinks, both with and without alcohol. Pick your ball and get going!
9. The markets
Tynemouth has a market every Sunday, filled with antiques, food, trinkets, clothes, and books. The Metro stops directly in the centre of it, and it’s an awesome way to spend your afternoon. Every so often, they host a Books Only market too, which is awesome if you’re a bookworm like me!
The Quayside Markets run on the weekend, some highlights being plant stalls, food stalls and a huge Carhartt stall right at the entrance. On a sunny day, it’s the best thing to try on some handmade clothes, buy a cactus to inevitably kill, and grab an iced drink. On a rainy day, it’s just as fun… but your cactus may drown!
Grainger Market is open throughout the week, with the flower stall by its Tesco/Eldon entrance being one of my favourites for Valentines or anniversaries! For food, stop by Acropolis Greek for some mouth-watering gyros!
10. The cinema
Student tickets are £5 in The Gate. ‘Nuff said. Grab some friends, some popcorn, and an oversized beverage, and have yourself a movie night!
FAQs on Sober Things to Do in Newcastle
Try a Quayside walk to see the Tyne bridges, explore Jesmond Dene, visit Ouseburn for street art and indie spots, or spend an afternoon at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and the Sage for music events. These are great for low key social time without alcohol.
Yes. Book an escape room, go bowling at Lane7, try indoor climbing at The Valley or Climb Newcastle, play mini golf, or head to a board game cafe. These make easy society socials without drinks being the focus.
Check Tyneside Cinema for indie films, Laing Art Gallery for exhibitions, the Theatre Royal and Northern Stage for live shows, and the Biscuit Factory for local art. Many venues run student priced tickets, especially midweek.
Do a coffee crawl in Ouseburn and Jesmond, try brunch spots in the city centre, or snack your way through Grainger Market. Many cafes offer great mocktails and alcohol free options, so you can still enjoy a night out vibe without drinking.
Yes. Walk the Quayside and Jesmond Dene, visit free galleries, join campus sports drop in sessions, or explore Ouseburn Farm. Look for student discounts on daytime museum entry and off peak tickets to keep costs down.
Hi, I’m Reid! I’m an English Literature Student at Newcastle University. I love writing fiction, poetry, and listening to the loudest music I can find.
Top tip for students? You don’t have to do everything in front of you. While University is ripe with both career opportunities and social events, remember to take life at your own pace!
