Get Your Geek On: 14 Geek Hangouts In Newcastle

There was a time when calling someone a geek wasn’t a polite thing to do, but as with other former insults the word hasn’t just been reclaimed - it has actually become a point of pride, and quite rightly too! Newcastle has always been particularly packed with shops and hangouts for the gamer / fantasy / comics community, so here’s a guide to some of the best.

Forbidden Planet, Grainger Street

One of the original comics specialists, Forbidden Planet has grown to be a veritable temple to all aspects of geekdom. They sell comics of course – from Marvel and DC titles to more obscure independent publications – but also manga books and DVDs, all sorts of merchandise and clothing and gaming supplies too. So whether you’re looking for a classic Love & Rockets issue or a Rick & Morty tee, Forbidden Planet is the place to go.

Fantastic Toys & Collectables, Grainger Market

As you’d expect, the Grainger Market has some excellent geek-adjacent outlets including this Aladdin’s cave of vintage collectables, toys and oddities. From Hello Kitty backpacks to GI Joe action figures to model cars and vehicles, some of this stuff is very rare and very collectable indeed!

GAME, Eldon Square

GAME really is the don for electronic gaming, the absolute Temple Of Boom! They sell consoles, PCs, components, accessories, games, collectables and just about anything else a keen gamer needs. They offer trades, sell pre-owned items, have excellent and experienced staff, host gaming sessions and launch events and can get you blasting baddies in no time!

Geek Retreat, Grainger Street 

Perhaps the first city centre shop to proudly embrace its geekiness, Geek Retreat grew from a single store in Glasgow just a decade ago to a dozens-strong chain all across the UK. The joint offers a friendly and inclusive environment for gamers with a café, shop and place to play games and meet up.

The CTRL Pad, The Gate

If your idea of heaven is gaming away the afternoon with your mates, then The CTRL Pad at The Gate is the place to head. Laying claim to being Newcastle's first and only video-gaming lounge, it has a large range of games - from old school arcade classics to the latest first person shooters - and holds regular tournaments and competitions too.

Universal Export, Grainger Market

Flying the flag for comics culture in all its forms – back issues, graphic novels, trade paperbacks – and assorted collectables and ephemera, Universal Export is a treasure trove of lost classics and obscure issues your collection is missing.

CeX, Grainger Street & Northumberland Street

CeX is a second hand buy / trade / sell behemoth that’s expanded to 600 stores worldwide in three decades, and Newcastle has two branches. So whether you want to trade up your console, trade in games you’ve finished or just get some new tech at budget prices, they’ve got you covered.

HMV, Eldon Square

HMV has been a big deal in music retail for decades but these days it’s a big deal in gaming too, stocking all the latest consoles, games, accessories and merch. So whether it’s a Playstation 5 with Hogwarts bundle or a Pokémon Pikachu Mini Waffle Maker (seriously!), HMV is a must-visit!

Warhammer Newcastle, Hood Street

In an increasingly digital world, Warhammer are still kicking it old school. This tabletop gaming franchise has been around for four decades and shows no sign of fading thanks to enthusiasts still preferring to meet in real life to wage elaborate campaigns, compare model painting tips and generally geek out. You can stock up on orcs, buy campaign packs, pick up collectables and more.

Geeky’s, Grainger Street

Geeky’s is a local competitor for CeX, with just a Newcastle and a Sunderland store, but when it comes to all things game-related – consoles, games, accessories and the rest - they offer a big range and keen prices. They do repairs too.

Travelling Man, Grainger Street

The final star of the Grainger Street geek constellation is Travelling Man, a branch of a small chain of some thirty years standing that specialises in games and comics with a reputation for a great stock of manga titles. With friendly knowledgeable staff, a mail order arm and awards for great service, Travelling Man is a must-visit for any Grainger Street geek.

That Retro Game Shop, Grainger Market

Stacked and packed with all sorts of retro gaming goodies, this place is full of everything a video gamer needs. It stocks a wealth of games and the consoles to play them on (from Megadrives to SNES, PS2s to Gameboys), plus all sorts of super-cheap DVDs.

YuMe World,The Gate

YuMe World at The Gate gets its name from the Japanese word for "dream". A mindbending games emporium for all ages and tastes, it's a gamer's dream and certainly lives up to its moniker. With everything from video games and air hockey to virtual reality experiences, there's tonnes of geeky fun to be had at YuMe World.

Be More Geek, Eldon Square

Be More Geek is the Eldon Square outpost for all things collectable in geek culture – pop toys, anime merch, action figures, mugs and the rest. From an Assassin’s Creed tankard to a Billy Idol Pop Rock figure, you’d honestly be amazed at some of the stuff Be More Geek stocks!

Newcastle really is something of a phenomenon when it comes to all things geek, with so many places catering to the various elements of geek culture. So whether you want to collect a Baby Yoda plushy, upgrade your controller or make a Pokemon waffle, this city will see you right!