After a long week of lectures, seminars and time in the library, the weekend is often the best time for a little break. Here’s some of the North East’s hidden beauties in travelling distance for your weekends during term time!
Beamish
Beamish is an open-air museum educating people about the North East during the Edwardian and Victorian eras. Located in the County Durham countryside, Beamish provides a fun weekend day trip for friends. Featuring farms, towns, pit villages, railway stations and tram rides alongside perfect spots for a picnic, Beamish is packed with history, Victorian treats and a nice relaxing break from university work – and if you do History then it counts as revision, right?
Tynemouth
A quick metro ride away is also the beautiful coastal village of Tynemouth. Get yourself some fish and chips and visit the local gift shops before heading to the beach for a nice stroll beside the sea. If you’re feeling cultured, you can even visit Tynemouth Priory. In the summer, Tynemouth is the perfect place to have a disposable barbeque with a side of Dark Fruits and catch up on what’s been happening with your friends during the week, and if you’re feeling brave then a dip in the sea is a must.
Bamburgh Castle
Known as the ‘King of Castles’, Bamburgh Castle is a prime weekend spot to learn all about the history of the castle and the rebellion and bloodshed that occurred there. Surrounding the castle is also Bamburgh beach, one of the most beautiful vast beaches in the North East, perfect for the ‘gram. This location provides the perfect opportunity for a peaceful weekend day out after a hard week slaving over essays.
Alnwick
Alnwick could take up a whole weekend of adventures. If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, there’s Alnwick Castle where you and your friends can learn to ride broomsticks. Alternatively, if you are a nature lover and want to get some beautiful botanical photography, Alnwick Gardens provide the perfect spot for that Instagram shot. And finally, my personal favourite spot: Barter Books. This second-hand bookshop in Alnwick’s Victorian former railway station has all the aesthetics. It’s the perfect destination to stop for a little coffee. A must visit for book lovers!
The Metro Centre
If beaches, museums and books aren’t your thing, maybe the Metro Centre is more up your street. With bigger shops and food outlets than Eldon Square and easily accessible by bus, the Metro Centre is perfect for anyone wanting to shop till they drop! And just close by is Ikea, where you can get all the bits and bobs to decorate your new digs all at a low price. If you end up in Ikea, don’t hesitate to stop for some classic Swedish meatballs; they’re to die for.
Hadrian’s Wall and Fort
Hadrian’s Wall is a must visit for a day out at the weekend if you’re craving natural wilderness and stunning views with a dash of history. The historical site has just recently been praised on the news for being one of the most popular and best tourist attractions in the North East. And the masses of visitors aren’t wrong; it offers the opportunity to have a nice peaceful walk along the wall while visiting the remains of a Roman fort. The history friends amongst you will definitely be geeking out. Get yourself out of that dingy library and go and experience some fresh air and nature at one of the North East’s hidden gems.
