10 Things To Do In Newcastle This May

As we head into the new month and restrictions continue to ease across the country, we’re rounding up 10 things to add to your diaries in Newcastle this May…

DINING INDOORS >> 

From 17 May, we’re hoping hospitality is given the green light to open indoors. This means, not only will you be able to continue enjoying some of your al fresco dining favourites from across the city, but you’ll also be able to eat indoors, and at some of the restaurants unable to set up outdoors. If, like us, you’re already chomping at the bit to get back to some of the city’s most spectacular restaurants, you’ll have this date pencilled in your diary with everything crossed that we’ll get the go ahead! 

HOTEL OPENINGS >>

Like indoor hospitality venues, hotels are set to fling open their doors from 17 May. Why come and enjoy a day out in the city when you can make a weekend of it? Check out some of our longstanding favourites, or stop by one of the sparkling new hotels in town and make it your base when it comes to exploring Newcastle as restrictions continue to ease (we hope!). 

GARDEN GLORY >> 

Grey Street Gathering

Our Grey Street Gathering is back - and it’s an idyllic spot to sit back and take in the city this May! Whether you swing by on your lunch break, rest your legs mid-shopping trip, or you meet your chums to soak up a bit of spring/summer sun in the city, we can’t wait to see you enjoying our tranquil, city centre garden!

getintonewcastle.co.uk

GALLERY TIME >> 

IMAGE CAPTION: A Balloon Site, Coventry, 1943 (oil on canvas), Knight, Laura (1877 - 1970) / Imperial War Museum, London, UK / Bridgeman Images

Challenging Convention

There’s a brand new exhibition coming to the Laing Art Gallery this May, and we can’t wait to check it out! Challenging Convention, an inspiring exhibition curated by the Laing, will take situ from 17 May until 21 August. What can we expect to see? The collection brings significant works by four women artists: Vanessa Bell (1879 - 1961), Laura Knight (1877 - 1970), Gwen John (1876 - 1939) and Dod Procter (1890 - 1972). Through their lives and work in a climate of modernism in the 19th and 20th centuries, each of them have made a significant impact on the profile of women artists within traditional institutes and in the public eye. A truly inspiring collection and a must-see as we get back to gallery gazing this May!

laingartgallery.org.uk

FAMILY FUN >> 

Central Park Family Sessions

Central Park is the place to be this season, and we can’t wait to see the fun unfold as we head into May! Newcastle’s Times Square near the Life Science Centre has been fully transformed into the North East’s biggest beer garden - a lush green park for people to enjoy the great British summer with friends and family, in a socially-distanced way. Featuring a huge 4k LED TV, as well as beers, cocktails, street food and more, it’s going to bring that buzzy, city centre vibe we’ve all been craving! Throughout May, Central Park’s Family Sessions offer up plenty of opportunities to catch up with loved ones. Expect to see special events, live sport and lots of interactive fun for little ones. Book a table now!

centralparknewcastle.co.uk

CULTURE FIX >> 

Other Worlds: The Art of Atomhawk

If museums reopen as planned on 17 May, one of the first places we’ll be visiting is the Other Worlds: The Art of Atomhawk exhibition at the Great North Museum! Experience Tyneside like you’ve never seen it before as you delve into the personal process of a digital artist to see what makes them tick. Gateshead design studio, Atomhawk, has designers who have contributed films and video games with Guardians of the Galaxy, Age of Empires and Minecraft Earth. Will they inspire you to create something of your own?

greatnorthmuseum.org.uk

PIZZA PARTY >> 

Square

If you haven’t already got a slice of the action, make sure Square on Market Street is part of your foodie plans this May! With a new home in the old Kracklin unit, these Detroit-style pizzas by the slice (or pie!) specialists, certainly know a thing or two when it comes to serving up the good stuff!

hiptoeatsquare.com

GORGEOUS GOWNS >> 

Sisters of Grace Bridal

Whether you’re sporting a shiny new ring on your finger, you’re getting back to wedding planning, or you’re shopping for someone special, make sure you check out this dazzling new bridal boutique on Shakespeare Street. Our friends at Y.A.P Bridal are the brains behind the new business, and they’re delighted to share a signature brand of contemporary-luxe bridalwear. Boho designer brands include: Love Story Bride, Evie Young Bridal, Madison James and Kelsey Rose - a lush line-up indeed!

sistersofgrace.co.uk

FAB FRAGRANCES >>  

Molton Brown

We’re counting down the days until the brand spanking Molton Brown store opens its doors in Eldon Square! The 1,084 sq ft shop is set to open on 7 May and will stock the brand’s iconic bath and body products, plus elegant fragrances and gorgeous gift sets to help you treat someone special this spring/summer. Don’t miss this sparkling new store this May!

moltonbrown.co.uk

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP >> 

Vintage Vera

The city’s vibrant vintage sale is back and the May date is a must for your diaries! Make your way to The Gate on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16th May and shop stalls of unique clothing, rare garms, and cool accessories. It’s the perfect excuse to give your wardrobe a refresh as we head into the sunny season and our social lives pick up a little!

thegatenewcastle.co.uk/whats-on/vintage-vera