One of the many things we love about the region is that it has so much to offer. From stunning stretches of coastline, the most beautiful countryside and towns and cities that have such a strong sense of identity.
That's certainly true of one of our favourite parts of Newcastle, the Ouseburn Valley. It really does have so much to it and in the past twenty years has undergone a huge transformation from it's long gone industrial past. We love it's quirky creative vibe and the area is home to some of the region's most talented artists. It's that mix of the old and the new in the Ouseburn that is so unique to the North East. The past and present very much meeting head on.
More often than not we use Lime Street as our starting point for exploring the Ouseburn with the distinctive chimney that dates back to the 1840's making a great meeting spot. If you've been watching the reruns of Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads then you will certainly recognise the spot as how it looked way back in the early 1970's.
36 Lime Street is the home to some of the artists referred to above and on a few weekends each year, Lime Street together with many of the other studios located across the Ouseburn open their doors to allow visitors the chance to meet the artists and see them at work. It's a wonderful insight into the processes of these amazing creatives.
One of the many great things about the Ouseburn is that for the first time visitor it really takes you by surprise by all it offers. I mean, it has it's own community farm and what a joy it is. Just outside the very centre of the city you can find yourself surrounded by life on the farm and meet it's very famous resident Suzi Pig.
Another Ouseburn experience is one that will take you on an adventure underground. The Victoria Tunnel is a preserved 19th-century waggonway that stretches under the city itself all the way to the Town Moor. Here in the 21st-century a team of dedicated guides will take you on a tour and you will discover so much about it's role over the years.
There are so many places in the Ouseburn to enjoy a fantastic bite to eat and a great drink. From established favorites to some recent additions which all have a great atmosphere and a very welcoming vibe. One such new addition is Dreamworld Cakes Patisserie, located on Stepney Bank. The pastries and cakes on offer are amazing and it makes a lovely place to chill and look out onto the cobbles of the bank.
The Cook House on Foundry Lane (all of the streets in the Ouseburn have names literally founded in history) originally began as two converted shipping containers right next to the entrance to the aforementioned Victoria Tunnel. It's new home opened in late 2018 offers a seasonal menu using and is a huge celebration of the seasonal produce of the region with the kitchen at the very heart of the operation. It's Sunday lunches are in a league of their own.
If you are looking for somewhere to have a drink, you are spoilt for choice. We absolutely adore that iconic view of the River Tyne and it's bridges from the window of the Free Trade Inn. There's some fab new micro breweries opened in the area over the last few years and are great places to really chill out and absorb that creative vibe. Check out the music performances that take place at the Tyne Bar each week.
There's one event in the calendar that really gives the opportunity to take as much as you can about all that is great about the Ouseburn and that's the Late Shows which annually takes place over a Friday and Saturday evening for one weekend in May at venues across Newcastle and Gateshead. The Friday evening is devoted to happenings in the Ouseburn itself and if you've never been to the Late Shows, you are in for an absolute treat!
There's so much else to see and enjoy here so do make a visit and have a wonderful time. Let us know about your favourite places to visit in the Ouseburn, Newcastle. Is there anywhere we've missed out? Somewhere we should definitely visit next time we're in Newcastle?
Our Top 5 places to Eat and drink in the Ouseburn (in no particular order)...
- The Free Trade Inn
- The Cook House
- Dreamworld Patisserie
- The Tyne Bar
- The Cumberland Arms
Our Top 5 things to do whilst visiting the Ouseburn, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
- Explore the Victoria Tunnel
- Stop and relax at one of the many independent pub venues
- Go to Ouseburn Community Farm and say hello to Suzi Pig!
- Walk along the Ouseburn to Newcastle's Quayside and see the bridges over the Tyne
- Grab some delicious food and enjoy this not so hidden part of Newcastle
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