What makes the perfect day?
While the answer will be a little bit different for everyone, one thing most of us can agree on is that it should end with a delicious meal.
With that theory in mind, we’ve put together what we think are four of the most wonderful days out. Whether you want to be out in nature, soaking up your surroundings, or watching something entertaining, there’s sure to be something on our list that suits your personality. And as for the restaurants we’ve suggested, we think they offer some of the best food you’ll find in the North East.
So, clear a date in your diary, because you’re about to have the perfect day – make sure you share it with someone you love.
Visit Kielder Observatory, followed by a meal at The Pheasant Inn
You might actually need to do dinner first with this activity, as gazing at stars takes you late into the night!
The great thing about The Pheasant Inn, is that it is conveniently located for Kielder Observatory. And if you live too far away, you could stay overnight in this lovely family country inn. Perfect if you’re looking to make a night of it.
Oak beams and open fires give the venue a welcoming, comforting vibe, which makes it a lovely place to return to if you are out stargazing in the cold. With views looking out over the Northumberland countryside, you might want to stay for breakfast and lunch too.
The seasonal cuisine is made up of locally sourced, fresh ingredients, and the kitchen can cater for dietary requirements, as long as they have notice. With traditional British food on the menu, this is a restaurant that ticks all the right boxes. Make sure you leave room for dessert too, as there’s a long sweet list to work your way through!
You will need to book the restaurant in advance, as it’s very popular with locals. But it’s well worth the effort.
Just a short drive away is Kielder Observatory. This public astronomy viewpoint has events almost every night of the year – but you’ll need to check and book before you arrive. These events usually start at 8pm and run for three hours and are aimed at almost everybody over the age of six to enjoy.
Each session begins with a main talk, and then you can spend time looking through the powerful telescopes to enhance your learning. There’s no light pollution in the winter, allowing you to see the sky more clearly. In the summer, however, you might get to experience sunsets on another level.
The observatory is closed during the day, so evening events are the best opportunity you have to learn more about the stars, planets and everything else you can see through the telescopes. There’s nowhere to buy refreshments but there is a small gift shop if you wanted to take home a souvenir.
Surfing or wild swimming, followed by Riley’s Fish Shack
If the ocean is calling you, then head to Longsands Surf School and learn how to ride the waves. Check the weather before you go, because a good surf session needs a little bit of swell, and the Surf School only opens when conditions are right.
The great thing about this activity is that it has the possibility to become a hobby you’ll enjoy for a lifetime. Longsands Surf School also hire out equipment, so if you want to surf without a lesson once you’ve become more confident, you can.
The School is based at the end of the promenade and has been turning nervous newbies into skilled surfers since 2009. The lessons are ideal for kids from the age of six and adults, so you can take the whole family, plan an activity date or just hang (onto your board) with friends
And if surfing isn’t your thing, the water is great for wild swimming. This beach has been a proud owner of a Blue Flag award for over 30 years, so you know the water is clean and the views are stunning. We recommend bringing a towel and a flask of hot tea for some post-swim warmth.
When you’ve dried off, there’s only one possible option for dinner. You can’t spend a day by the beach and not finish with fish and chips!
Riley’s Fish Shack is located just around the corner on King Edwards Bay. With views of Tynemouth Priory and Castle to enjoy, this restaurant is also well known for its incredible fish options. Fed by the local North Shields Fish Quay, the Shack welcomes fresh fish deliveries every day, giving diners the most delicious, seasonal options.
Because the restaurant works in this way, the menu changes daily and is subject to availability.
The open kitchen style of the dining space allows you to see exactly what’s being cooked and how, adding entertainment to your evening. And of course, it’s not just fish on the menu – there are seafood options too, so if you’ve got a craving for oysters, pop in. While the restaurant makes its living from selling fish, it does occasionally have vegan/gluten free options. If you have a dietary requirement, call in advance to ensure they can cater for you.
This open air restaurant is best suited to warm, sunny days. On occasions of inclement weather, the team can sell blankets and hire out fire pits to help keep you warm as you enjoy your meal. Alternatively, Riley’s also do takeaways, so you can escape to the warmth of your car or head back home to complete your day.
This activity is great for large groups or small ones, with something for everyone to enjoy and a universally adored meal to finish.
A night at Live Theatre, followed by a meal at St Vincent
Fancy something a little more upmarket? Why not enjoy a matinee show at Live Theatre? This small venue is dedicated to brand new shows, so you won’t find any West End musicals here. Instead, you can enjoy fresh new comedy, drama, action and adventure, allowing you to experience theatre with an open mind and a different perspective.
Because everything is new, you can choose a show based on its write-up, without any pre-conceptions about what it might be like. This venue has become a rite of passage for new playwrights, helping them to launch careers in an accessible space. And with writing classes, script development advice and inspiring workplaces for new talent, it is a supportive space for new careers to evolve. Could you help to discover the next big thing in theatre?
Over the next few months, performances include Mother Courage and her Children, Big Ange, Crocodile Shoes by Jimmy Nail and The Suggestible’s Impro Panto. Have a look through the What’s On section at www.live.org.uk/whats-on and see if anything takes your fancy.
St Vincent wine bar and restaurant is next door and is the ideal spot to wind down after a performance. Whether you want to try a pure, organic local wine, a cocktail inspired by the owner’s travels, a tasty vermouth or you need a coffee fix, there’s sure to be a tipple to delight and inspire you. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable about their drinks, so if you need help deciding, they’re on hand with advice.
As for the food, it’s simple and full of flavour. The vibe is European and the menu changes daily, with a choice of small plates, large plates, alongside hand-crafted charcuterie, cheeses and desserts. If you eat nothing else, you have to try the cheesecake and thank us later! There’s a vegan menu too, so nobody in your party has to miss out.
Of course, you could eat before your show, in which case you might be able to eat from the set menu, offering two courses for £27.50 or three courses for £32.50. Plus, it’s Happy Hour 4-7pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Both venues can be found on Newcastle’s Quayside, and their proximity makes them perfect partners for your perfect day. This would be a great activity to enjoy with friends or with a loved one, giving you time to chat before or after watching a show together.
A coastal walk from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle, followed by a meal at The Jolly Fisherman
Dunstanburgh Castle can only be reached by walking this short, flat path from Craster, adding to the day’s adventure. The 1.3 mile gentle stroll is great for all levels of fitness and Dunstanburgh Castle is more than worth the effort – the ruins have an incredible story to tell. Plus, it stands in an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which gives you a good idea of what to expect.
Park up in the National Trust Car Park in Craster village and head to Craster Harbour. From here, follow the trail along the rugged Northumberland coast. The trail is gorgeous, giving you views over the bay, and it takes around 25-30 minutes to walk. It is worth noting that this trail isn’t particularly wheelchair or pushchair friendly. But it’s great for dogs, who are also welcome around the Castle ruins. You could also walk from Embleton for a slightly longer walk.
Once you get to the Castle, you can spend some time exploring this 14th Century relic. It has a fascinating history, fraught with turbulent relationships and family rivalry. It played a big role in the Lancastrian War of the Roses, before being abandoned some time in the Middle Ages. Many say the Castle is haunted, but if you are interested in history, architecture or photography, this is a great day out.
One of the best things about visiting this castle is that it doesn’t get very busy, even at peak times of year. This is most likely because of the effort to get to the venue, but if you treat the walk as part of your experience, it is a very rewarding trip.
There is a cafe inside the Castle that is great for snacks and drinks, but we think dinner at The Jolly Fisherman is a better way to satiate your appetite.
It’s back at Craster village, so once you’ve completed your stroll to the Castle, and returned, you are likely to be hungry. This refurbished pub offers incredible views over the sea and is a comforting place to round off your day. With stone flagged floors, low-beamed ceilings and a charming pub atmosphere, it seems fitting with the rest of your adventure.
Fish and seafood are caught fresh each day, sourced from local suppliers and ensuring seasonality. If you’re not craving fish, the menu caters to all other sorts of food too, including steak, pie and vegetarian dishes. On a Sunday, it’s a popular destination for its roast dinners – make sure you book in advance to ensure you get one of those.
And if you’re an ale drinker, make sure to sample some of the delicious beers on offer too.
Hopefully we’ve given you some great ideas for your next date, family activity or adventure with friends. All four of these experiences encourage you to slow down and make the most of the time you have with your loved ones. Treat yourself to more than just a dinner and enjoy some quality time.