I only ever see Newcastle when hell freezes over. More specifically, the months of October-April.
I’ve had the amazing opportunity to go and work at a summer camp in America every summer that I’ve been at Newcastle University, which has its pros and cons. It’s an incredible experience, but it also means that I’ve never seen a Geordie summer. The only time I get to spend a notable amount of time in the city it’s usually raining, hailing, storming or snowing- or, sometimes, all of the above. But after reflection, I also think it’s a unique way of seeing a city when it’s only a small part of the year. So here’s a quick article of how I’ve seen Newcastle over the winters I’ve been here, and why I think Newcastle can be just as magical with grey skies.
I’ve lived near the sea my entire life, and coming to university I was nervous that I would miss the seaside atmosphere. But what I love about Newcastle is- even despite the weather- people will show up at Tynemouth come rain or shine. Even in the dead of winter, Tynemouth is still a lovely place to get some fish and chips (recommended) and even take a dip (optional). There are societies like the Cold Water Swimming society that organise trips every week to go and swim, whilst making friends along the way. It might sound cheesy, but it reminds me that there’s always a bit of home near me- even if the sea is so cold that you could catch hypothermia just by being five miles near it.
Similarly, who doesn’t love a Christmas market? I personally love Christmas, and had no idea that Newcastle even threw a Christmas market. But I was pleasantly surprised- the stalls sell everything from hot drinks to cute presents, and the log cabins that they’re situated in make the atmosphere so much more festive. Want something that’s not in the market? Well, many shops around the area put on Christmas deals too, ensuring cheaper Christmas shopping and more excuses to go out into town. Although winter can be miserable, Christmas is a great celebration- and Newcastle does it well. It transforms the city into a cheerful, glowing street of Christmas spirit, which does well to light up even the darkest street in the coldest months.
"Although winter can be miserable, Christmas is a great celebration- and Newcastle does it well."
Newcastle can be seen as derelict in the winter, fuelled by biased opinions of the North and its past reputation of being rough and uncultured. But as someone who only sees Newcastle in the winter, this is extremely unfair; not only does it have just as many activities to do during the winter as any other city, but I would argue winter is the best time to see the city. Many people would call it the city’s worst- but what other city does the cold quite like Newcastle?
Cold Water Swimming Society and the Newcastle Christmas Market