Events from NE1

Tiny Toon

NE1's miniature play village takes up residence at Old Eldon Square each summer with mini versions of iconic Newcastle landmarks, venues and businesses

NE1’s Tiny Toon made its debut at Old Eldon Square in the summer of 2024, joining NE1’s popular open-air cinema Screen on the Green and transforming the square into a lively hub full of family-friendly fun.

A miniature play village featuring replicas of local businesses and iconic landmarks, the award-winning activation is back by popular demand for its third edition this summer, open every day from Monday 20th July to Monday 31st August 2026.

This year’s Tiny Toon will see the return of its popular Tyne and Wear Metro train, Tyne Bridge and mini–Eldon Square shopping centre alongside miniature versions of a number of newcomers – Newcastle Building Society, Tyneside Cinema, Dakwala and Pink Lane Bakery.

Tiny Toon Opening Times (21th July - 31st August 2026)

Monday: 10am - 5pm
Tuesday: 9:30am* - 5pm
Wednesday: 10am - 5pm
Thursday: 10am - 5pm
Friday: 10am - 5pm
Saturday: 10am - 5pm
Sunday: 9am* - 4:30pm

*Tuesdays: Opens half an hour earlier for Toddler Takeover
*Sundays: Opens an hour earlier to host quiet sessions between 9am and 10am for visitors who prefer a slower more relaxed environment.

Please Note

*Last admission into the area is 30 minutes before closing

*Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times

*Due to the outdoor nature of the play space, there may be occasions where Tiny Toon may close unexpectedly due to weather conditions

*Photography and videography take place at our events for reporting, marketing, and promotional purposes. This includes use on our website, social media, partner reports, press releases, print publications, e-marketing, advertising, film, posters, banners and future event promotion. If you do not wish to appear in photos or videos, please make yourself known to a member of our team on the day. For further information please see our Privacy Policy or if you have any questions or queries relating to this please email [email protected].)

We’d like to say a huge thank you to our amazing partners who have made this year’s Tiny Toon possible...

Tyne and Wear Metro

Tyne and Wear Metro has been transporting the people of the North East around the region since 1980, carrying over 1.5 billion passengers since opening and recently undergoing a modernisation programme that includes of a brand-new fleet of trains.

Metro customers can embark on fantastic family adventures that won’t break the bank thanks to their Kids Go Free price promise that allows up to three kids aged 11 and under to travel for free on the Metro and Shields Ferry, all day and every day, when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Discover new destinations by signing up to their newsletter and receive journey inspiration directly to your inbox.

Find out more at travelnortheast.uk.

Eldon Square

Celebrating 50 years in the heart of Newcastle city centre, Eldon Square is the ultimate destination for family fun, fashion and food. Home to over 140 retailers and 30 restaurants all under one roof, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! From family favourites like MINISO and The Works to delicious dining at Frankie & Benny's and Bella Italia including offers like kids eat FREE this summer. Eldon Square is perfect for shopping trips, family celebrations or quick bites, open 7 days a week. Make a day of it and plan your visit today!

Find out more at eldonsquare.co.uk.

Newcastle Building Society

Following the recent launch of its flagship branch at Grey’s Monument, Newcastle Building Society is delighted to be part of Tiny Toon’s interactive play space this summer. Designed to spark young imaginations, children can role play at the counter and till, exploring how savings can help make future dreams come true.

At the heart of everything Newcastle Building Society does is its purpose of connecting communities with a better financial future. Supporting initiatives like Tiny Toon is one of the many ways it brings that purpose to life. To find out more about how Newcastle Building Society can support you and your family, pop into the Monument branch and speak to one of the team.

Find out more at newcastle.co.uk.

Tyneside Cinema

Founded in 1937 as Newcastle’s oldest surviving Newsreel Theatre, Tyneside Cinema has always been a place to learn through film. In nearly 90 years of The Tyneside, it’s provided a window to the world for the people of the North East, ensuring everybody can experience the magic of cinema. Today, Tyneside Cinema is a thriving arts hub and registered charity which aims to enrich people’s lives by thinking differently about and through film.

Find out more at tynesidecinema.co.uk.

Dakwala

Dakwala Bombay Canteen is an independent restaurant inspired by the vibrant streets and rich food heritage of Bombay. The name Dakwala, meaning postman, symbolises a messenger of flavours, delivering the stories, traditions and tastes of the city to Newcastle. Drawing inspiration from traditional khanawal canteens, Dakwala offers an authentic and heartfelt journey through Bombay’s diverse culinary landscape, offering everything from comforting classics to bold street food favourites, complimented by a modern Indian bar serving thoughtfully curated wines and creative cocktails. Together, food and drink come together to create a dining experience rooted in warmth, flavour and connection.

Find out more at dakwala.co.uk.

Pink Lane Bakery

Pink Lane Bakery is an independent bakery with three locations across Newcastle, including its city centre flagship store on its namesake street. Its expert team of bakers create some of the best artisan baked goods in the city, from sweet treats like pastries and cakes to savoury eats like bread, pies, pasties and their famous sausage rolls.

Find out more at pinklanebakery.co.uk.