Whether you’re new to the bonny capital of the North or you’ve lived here all your life, we’re certain there’s somewhere you haven’t been on the Metro. As the first modern light rail system in the United Kingdom, the Metro has been serving passengers around Tyne and Wear since 1980.
Whatever the weather, Metro can take you somewhere special. Adult day tickets are currently priced at £5.20 a day (all zones), and the two lines stretch all way from Newcastle Airport to South Shields.
So, if you’ve exhausted everything on Netflix and you’re bored of being stuck in your student accommodation, take a look at our pick of the top 10 Metro destinations for students in Newcastle.
1. For some local scran…
First up is Fat Hippo (nearest station: West Jesmond). Located on St George’s Terrace in West Jesmond, this branch of the Fat Hippo is out of the way enough to be quiet, and close enough to Jesmond student housing to be accessible.
The nearest Metro Station (West Jesmond) is a mere five-minute walk away, meaning that even if you hail from student accommodation in Newcastle or a student flat in Sandyford, you’re never too far away from Fat Hippo’s tasty burgers and triple-fried chunky chips.
Menu: https://fathippo.co.uk/menu/food-jesmond
2. For a tasty cuppa…
Our second choice is Quilliam Brothers’ Teahouse, located just across the road from Haymarket Metro and well-known for their incredible choice of tea, coffee and cake.
A firm favourite with those in Newcastle student accommodation, Quilliams (as it is affectionately known) closes at 12 each night, making it a perfect destination for those late-night study sessions.
They have a pretty active Facebook page, which you can view here: https://www.facebook.com/QuilliamBrothers/
Time to consider some alternative nightlife options! Whether you live in student accommodation in Newcastle city centre or are based in student housing further out, you’ll likely have spent a lot of your nights out within the NE1 postcode.
3. For a musical night out…
The Metro runs until around 1am on both lines, in both directions, meaning you can either start or end your night a little further afield if you want to. For a more mellow evening, try The Cluny down in the Ouseburn Valley.
The closest station to The Cluny is Manors, and you’ll find it’s within walking distance of most Shieldfield
and Byker student accommodation, too.
At The Cluny you can expect local music nights, great food and drink, and a laid back atmosphere. A far cry from the Bigg Market, but very cool and loads of live music to be enjoyed.
Website: https://thecluny.com/
4. For a sea-soaked pint…
Fancy a pint near the beach? Leave your student accommodation and hop on the Metro at Central Station to South Shields. There, you’ll find The Steamboat, a fantastic local boozer voted as one of the best in the region.
Its relaxing atmosphere and proximity to other local clubs and bars makes it a great place to start the night, especially if you plan on staying in South Shields for a while longer.
5. For a relaxing walk through nature…
One of the unsung heroes of the North East’s green belt can be found a mere 25-minute walk from Palmersville Metro Station. The Rising Sun Country Park features duck-filled ponds, a nature reserve, grassland, and even a farm.
Because hiking around 162 hectares of grassland is pretty tiring work compared to hiding under a duvet back at your student accommodation, the Rising Sun Café serves home-cooked food and refreshing drinks 9am to 3.30pm Mon-Sat and 10.30am to 3.30pm on Sundays.
Find out more here: https://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/category/385/rising-sun-country-park
6. For park based events…
Saltwell Park is Gateshead’s fantastic 55-acre garden, packed with things to do and see. There’s a boating lake, bowling greens, a café, a visitor centre, and plenty of green space.
It’s a bus and Metro ride away from Newcastle city centre. Catch the Metro to Gateshead Interchange, then hop on the 53/54 bus.
For more on Saltwell Park, check out the Council Website: https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/3958/Saltwell-Park
7. For getting thrifty with that student loan…
If Newcastle’s good for anything, it’s shopping. If you’re sensible, you’ll have moved into your new student accommodation with only the essentials, and left the outfit choosing til later when your student loan drops.
Thankfully, you’ll be able to find everything you need just across the road from Monument Metro station. Intu Eldon Square is your one-stop shop for big, high street names like Topman, Levi’s, and Adidas.
Plus, when you’re all worn out from splashing that cash, Eldon Square has recently upgraded its food quarter to feature three floors of incredible restaurants and cafés. Find out more here: https://intu.co.uk/eldonsquare
8. For a taste of culture…
There’s really nowt more Geordie than spending an afternoon at St James’ Park to watch Newcastle play. Whether you support the team or not, you’ll definitely find yourself in your local coursemates’ good books if you suggest attending a home game together.
Wherever your student accommodation is located, you should be able to catch a Metro to St James’ Station, which is located (you guessed it) right by St James’ Park. Afterwards, it’s only a short walk into town to either celebrate the victory or… just celebrate. Geordie-style, of course.
All Toon-related updates are to be found here: https://www.nufc.co.uk/
9. For a whole load of silly fun…
If you’ve ever been to Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach you’ll know not to get too excited by waterfront funfairs.
However, South Shields’ Ocean Beach Pleasure Park is actually a great little addition to a beach day out, especially if you want to celebrate the end of exams with a group of friends, or spend some time away from your student accommodation as the weather gets warmer.
Just down the road from South Shields’ Metro Station, this great mini theme park features your typical offerings – think rickety roller coasters and fish n chip stands – as well as a pirate-themed crazy golf course.
Here’s their website: https://www.oceanbeach.co.uk/
10. For the classic beach experience…
Newcastle is one of the few metropolitan cities in the UK that’s within reasonable distance of a decent beach. In fact, the Metro line from Monument towards the Coast can get you to fantastic coves like Whitley Bay, Tynemouth, Cullercoats, and King Edward’s Bay in under 45 minutes.
Tynemouth Longsands beach is one of the most popular in the North East, and it’s easily accessible by Metro – just get off at Tynemouth and follow the streams of happy beach-goers trekking down towards the seafront.
More information here: https://www.visitnorthtyneside.com/activities/activity/54/
Thanks for reading! Whether your student accommodation is in Newcastle, you’re planning to move elsewhere, or you’re reading this as a graduate, we’re sure you’ll come away from this with somewhere new to explore on the Metro.
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