20 Valentine's Day Ideas in Newcastle for Situationships

Things to Do

Encouraging our competitive sides really helps to break the ice and any awkwardness, and nothing says healthy competition more than shooting guns or throwing axes! 

At Point Blank you can raid the armoury and sharp shoot your way through scenarios for a fully loaded night out and at Game of Throwing you can both try your hand at some urban axe throwing at either of its two branches in The Gate or at Princess Square.

If AK47s and axes seem a tad excessive, then you can still keep that competitive mood at NQ64 with a whole range of retro gaming consoles and arcade machines like Donkey Kong, Ms PacMan, Street Fighter, Time Crisis and dozens more, to battle against each other and claim the bragging rights at the end of the night. They've got some great cocktails to sip on too.

Maybe you’re both night owls? Spot White is open from 12pm-6am for pool, snooker, ping pong, food and drink, or just a chill out. Soak in the best atmosphere and catch up on conversation while enjoying hot chocolate, milkshakes or coffee.

Newcastle Whisky Festival, taking place on 24th February at Newcastle Civic Centre, is back even bigger and better for 2024 and you can sample the very best home-grown whiskies from Scotland and around the globe. There are various sessions and ticket options and all allow you to simply approach any exhibitor stand - politely ask for a dram and you shall receive! It’s a great way to enjoy something you like and discuss the tastes together without feeling like a date!

Speaking of dates, the cinema is a classic choice. The super cosy, chilled Everyman cinema is a great option - cuddle up close on their sofa-style seats and take advantage of their waiter service which delivers drinks, snacks and hot food right to your seat.

Focusing your attentions elsewhere is easy at Dog and Scone Café where you can spend time together and with dogs! The garden-themed design creates the perfect relaxing environment where you can both enjoy delicious cakes, coffees and teas alongside mingling with some adorable four-pawed friends.

Things to Buy

For something a little bit different, CBK Adventures offers guided tours and gift experience vouchers that are perfect. Enjoy the region’s spectacular river and coastal views with paddle boarding, kayaking or seal spotting trips and a Quayside glow tour from October to March that's bound to impress.

If you’re looking to buy a present rather than book an activity then a novelty fun gift from Menkind allows you to add the personal touch saying you care, but without the need to go overboard! Definitely a great choice for gadget heads, gamers or collectors, whatever they’re into!

Instead of being too lovey-dovey, going funny with your gift is always a good option. The selection of great gifts, cards and more at Geordie Gifts are full of humour, and cheeky without being overly romantic - they’ll definitely show you’re on their wavelength. 

Ann Summers might seem an odd suggestion for anyone avoiding putting romantic labels on each other but there’s so much more to them than sexy lingerie and adult fun. You can purchase jewellery, scents and perfumes, funny novelties and games to play together, or even a gift card so they can explore things themselves, on their own time!

Places to Eat & Drink

Restaurants and bars are always worth a visit as friends or more, and if you’re into fancy venues and cocktails then two of the best in the city are Mother Mercy, an intimate basement cocktail bar hidden away from the bustle of Newcastle’s Cloth Market, and Tiger Hornsby - an elegant and quirky spot with live music and DJs that's located down on the Quayside. Both venues serve a huge range of the best cocktails, everything from the classics to the innovative signature drinks.

If you’re searching for cosier surroundings and a gentler, welcoming tone with the opportunity for conversation rather than competing with loud music, then both The Bridge Tavern and The Broad Chare on the Quayside are fine hostelries full of traditional charm and history. Enjoy drinks and food tucked away in your own corner and while away the time with ease.

Pepo is a bit of a hidden speakeasy with a focus on fruit flavoured cocktails served in their New York loft style location on Pilgrim Street. Be the ones in the know about this opulent but relaxed late lounge, and make it your place – especially if being cocktail connoisseurs is something you both have in common.

Informal and fun, American-style dining is exactly what Meat:Stack delivers. Go for the experience rather than thinking of it as a date and let your taste buds tingle with the amazingly flavoured burgers, fries, shakes and more.

Another great foodie destination is COOP Chicken House. They use the finest quality flame-roasted chicken with vibrant sauces and sides to accompany the main attraction. It’s a great relaxed eatery with an industrial-chic vibe and perfect as a place to eat out and spend time together.

Places to Stay

If you’ve spent the day exploring the city together - visiting iconic spots, doing activities or eating at one of the venues we suggest - then you might be pretty exhausted, so why not take the hassle out of travel and get a good night’s sleep by spending the night in the city.

When you want friendly service, somewhere relaxing but nothing overtly romantic, try the welcoming charm of Motel One which is centrally located on High Bridge and rated highly for quality and value. Another fantastic option is easyHotel, a budget hotel situated in the centre of the city’s cultural hub on the Quayside. 

Maldron Hotel is also ideal for an overnight stay and within minutes of all the key shops, restaurants and popular attractions too. Affordability, great location and top quality are all available right in the heart of Newcastle.

So, if you were wondering what to do or where to go for Valentine’s Day in your particular ‘situationship’, there’s a mass of choices in Newcastle that aren't too overtly romantic - whether that's buying a gift, sharing food and drinks or hanging out and having fun in the city.