How to Spend 48 Hours in Newcastle this Autumn

Where to stay

First things first, any autumnal adventure needs the perfect base camp. Somewhere you can escape to when the weather turns, curl up with a coffee (or cocktail, we’re not judging) and relax. If you feel like splashing out, then a stay at Hotel Gotham is certainly on the cards this season. This gorgeous venue opened in late 2025 on Pilgrim Street, and offers a wide range of rooms – from the cosy club to spacious directors suite. Even better, their SIREN Restaurant and FIRE Bar are both based on site, so you won’t have to head far for some hearty food.

Alternatively, if you don’t fancy stretching the budget, but a city centre location is still super important, then book a stay over at the Four Points Flex by Sheraton. Their Westgate Road location is a stone's throw from some of Newcastle’s most iconic nightlife venues (because a little rain has never stopped northerners from partying!), and is super efficient for Central Station and Metro too.

And last but by no means least, there’s the Premier Inn hotel on Newgate Street. You’ll be ridiculously close to the action here, with St. James’ Park just up the road, and entertainment hub The Gate down the street. Because what trip to Newcastle is complete without watching the Toon Army play at home, or stumbling out of a bar come closing time…?

Where to eat

The colder months call for proper comfort food – think soups, seasonal small plates, and Sunday roasts. The kind of grub that makes you fancy a kip afterwards. And we’re starting our culinary journey at Newcastle’s iconic Grainger Market – home to plenty of fantastic food vendors, but for this season, Redheads Mac & Cheese is the obvious choice. These masters of mac’n’cheese have been serving the good stuff since 2019, and offer toppings including chorizo, carbonara and (our personal favourite!) sticky rib.

Alternatively, if the cooler weather has you longing for family sharing-style feasts, then The Lubber Kitchen on Blandford Street has you covered. Their European-inspired menu changes fairly frequently, but you can always expect a focus on quality veg, and sustainable fish and meat – think whipped cods roe, stuffed beef tomato, celeriac kebab and more.

Also no stranger to moving with the seasons is Hibou Blanc, just off the Bigg Market. This elevated eatery offers crispy slow-cooked pulled pork shoulder, sauté of early autumn mushrooms and blackcurrant cheesecake… to name just a few! You’ll enjoy it all inside their stunning Sunlight Chambers, a Grade II space oozing old school glamour with warm interiors that’re perfect for escaping the chill in the air.

Or perhaps you’re after something with a little more spice? Well, Indian street food restaurant Mowgli was made for cosy season, with fairy lights adorning practically every inch of the space. That’s not forgetting their delicious menu too, packed to the rafters with street plates and curry recipes handed down from founder Nisha Katona’s Bengali ancestors.

Where to drink

There’s no better way to explore the city than with a coffee (and sweet treat) in hand and luckily, Newcastle boasts some superbly talented baristas to keep you caffeinated throughout your stay. Take Pure Knead Bakery on Dean Street for example, whose roots stretch back to 2015 at Tynemouth Market – so they know a thing or two about a good cup of joe. This autumn, you won’t want to miss out on their gorgeous coffee flight, which includes three seasonal serves: white chocolate, caramel and miso, custard tart latte, and pumpkin spice latte… duh.

If you’re after a quick bite to eat while you fuel up, then Tiny Tiny over on Carliol Square is the ideal spot. Their classics menu runs all day, and includes some unbelievably tasty options including Mexican bean rancheros and shakshuka on toasted sourdough and of course, their coffee makes the perfect pairing for every dish too.

If back to school season also has you craving new stationery and unread books, then you’ll want to head over to the Book Club Café inside Newcastle Library on your trip to the Toon! There’s plenty to keep you caffeinated here, including specialty drinks like dark chocolate mocha and salted maple iced latte. Bonus points for bringing your book with you!

When the afternoon starts to come to a close, and you’re looking for somewhere with stronger serves, then start your journey at Vampire Rabbit. Since opening back in 2024, this lovely lot have made a name for themselves in the city centre thanks to their delightfully imaginative cocktail creations like the Bitter Candy Brew served with its very own teacup and saucer.

Prefer craft beer over cocktails? Not to worry, Mean Eyed Cat on St. Thomas’ Street is a great choice. This indie establishment boasts six cask and eight keg beers, rotating real ales and craft beers from local, national, and international suppliers, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. But if none of that tickles your fancy… then there’s always the Mean Eyed Cat’s legendary frozen margs!

Alternatively, for a more indulgent autumn experience, take a trip to House of Tides on the Quayside for their After Hours event. With a cosy, candlelit atmosphere, gorgeous wines and cocktails, this stripped-back experience is perfect for late-night catch-ups, reminiscing on your adventures around Newcastle. Consider us jealous.

Where to go

While you’re here, you’ll definitely want to get into the spirit of spooky season with a trip to Newcastle Castle for their Halloween at the Castle series of events! Explore the historic location after dark (if you dare!) with the immersive storytelling of their Halloween Ghost Tours, learn about the history of Newcastle’s very own witch trials, and enjoy loads more eerie excitement.

Or, perhaps you prefer your culture a little less creepy? The Laing Art Gallery will be right up your street, with their exhibition on the connections between art, poetry and the pre-Raphaelites. From Dante Gabriel Rossetti to William Holman Hunt, you’ll explore over 100 masterpiece paintings, revealing how these legends were inspired by the likes of Geoffrey Chaucer, John Keats, and Alfred Tennyson.

Also perfect for embracing back-to-school season is The Lit & Phil – Newcastle’s incredible independent library boasting over 170,000 books! Take a wander through the stacks (and stacks and stacks) of books, or join them for one of their regular lectures, lunchtime concerts or literary readings.

Where to shop

Whilst some of you might want to get a head start on the Christmas shopping, there’s loads of autumnal goodness that you won’t want to miss out on this season… especially those gingerbread and white chocolate cookies from M&S! Regardless, there’s something so comforting about wrapping up warm with a cuppa as the months get colder – and no-one does tea quite like Bird & Blend on Grainger Street. Their spiced pumpkin chai is a classic choice, but if you’re feeling brave, why not try their “Cherrified!” blend, or Spearmint S’Cream matcha? Delicious!

We love Spotify as much as the next person, but nothing beats putting a physical record on – and luckily Newcastle boasts a whole host of fantastic record shops to explore. This season, we’re recommending that music lovers take a trip to Reflex Records on Nun Street – a small indie store in the heart of the city centre, and a treasure trove of goodies, no matter what artist or genres you have on repeat. And now you’ve got your mood set with some new music and a new drink, why not lose yourself inside a new book too? Blackwell's is one of the largest academic and specialist bookstores in the UK, and we’re lucky enough to have a store right by the university on Percy Street, where you can pick up everything from cosy crime and contemporary fiction, to faraway fantasies and fascinating non-fiction.

Onto more practical things now, and if the cool breeze has you reconsidering your wardrobe, then there’s plenty of gorgeous places to shop in the city centre. Take Café Mountain for example, and their flagship store on High Bridge, where you can even enjoy a delicious coffee whilst you browse! Offering long-lasting pieces including jackets, shirts, trousers, tees and more, it’s definitely worth popping in before you absolutely need to get the big coat out.

Also on-hand to make your wardrobe more practical throughout these months is Deichmann on Northumberland Street. These shoe specialists have loads of styles on offer, including boots, heels, trainers and more. Even better, new Deichmann members and students can save up to 20% off – so it’s definitely worth a look!

And last, but by no means least on this shopping spree, we're taking a trip to the Geordie Witch inside Fenwick. If your yearly rewatch of Practical Magic or Hocus Pocus has you feeling like you want to stir the pot (or cauldron?) a little, then this magical shop is perfect for you, offering crystals, candles and magical homeware, just to name a few!

What to do

You might think that the city gets quieter with the cooler months, but there’s still loads to explore and enjoy with your pals. Take Flight Club’s Bottomless Brunch for example, where you can feast on bottomless sharing pizza whilst getting competitive in an hour-long session of Social Darts, and sipping away on a bottle of prosecco or four beers each. We’ll cheers to that!

Or, if you prefer something a little more low-key, then head over to Worthy Wax for one of their wholesome candle making workshops! Inside their serene Carliol Square studio, you can build your own signature fragrance, pour your own candle, and leave with something entirely unique. Plus, you’ll get ultimate bragging rights when your mates visit and ask where you got that gorgeous candle from.

Meanwhile, The Stand Newcastle is brightening up the dark nights with their regular comedy nights! Catch up-and-coming talent, your favourite comedy troupe, or a whole line-up of acts at Red Raw – there’s well and truly something for everyone here. Save us a seat, yeah?

There is so much to pack into a 48-hour trip to Newcastle – but trust us when we say that it’s all worth it! And hey, if you’ve got to come back for another taste of the Toon this season, then worry not. You’ll always be welcomed with open arms!

Featured image: House of Tides

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