Uncover the charm of Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley with this essential pocket guide – where local heritage, creativity and culture collide.
The Ouseburn valley is a thriving cultural quarter in Newcastle, often described as our very own equivalent to London’s Shoreditch.
It’s got that effortlessly cool, undiscovered vibe, as if it’s not quite reached the masses yet and, in fact, many of my friends still can’t quite grasp where it’s located. (A short walk from Manors Metro, in case you’re wondering!)
Where else in Newcastle can you see an assortment of craft beer pubs, live music venues, galleries and artist studios sitting side by side with a community farm? That’s before I even mention the area’s industrial heritage, with its skyline dominated by an old flax chimney and towering railway viaduct.
And when it comes to food and drink, this is the place to go if you crave something alternative and wholly independent.
So, with all of this in mind, I’ve rounded up five reasons why you need to venture to this part of the city, and how you can really make a day of it.
1 | There's quirky street art everywhere
Street art is perhaps one of the Ouseburn’s most distinctive and defining features. Brick walls, bridges, the gable end of buildings, tucked-away doorways and shutters – you name it, there’s striking art around every corner.
Every time I visit, something new catches my eye. My favourite is the ‘Howay Man‘ mural on Ford Street, and I love spotting the whimsical heart motifs by local artist, Mul.
2 | It's got a thriving arts and culture scene
The Ouseburn is home to a variety of artists and designer-makers, making it the perfect destination to immerse yourself in all things creative, handcrafted and original.
The Biscuit Factory is a beautiful contemporary art gallery showcasing paintings, ceramics, sculptures and jewellery, and for a glimpse into the world of printmaking, Northern Print‘s exhibitions and workshops bring this medium to life.
My top tip is to keep an eye out for events such as Ouseburn Open Studios and The Late Shows to get rare behind the scenes access to studios and galleries across the valley. It’s a brilliant opportunity to meet local artists and gain insight into their creative process.
And if you’re into live music, The Cluny is an intimate 300-capacity venue with a well earned reputation for spotlighting both up-and-coming and more established artists.
3 | Heritage lies at its heart
A pottery, flour mill, glass works, tanneries, lead factories, a bonded warehouse; the valley was once a thriving industrial hub, particularly during the late 1800s.
Nowadays, remnants of the Ouseburn’s rich heritage are still in plain sight – and buried beneath your feet!
The best way to discover the valley’s fascinating past is by joining a guided walk or tour. And one that you must tick off your Geordie bucket list is a Victoria Tunnel tour, which I did a number of years ago.
The tunnel was originally used by the Victorians as a wagon way to transport coal to the River Tyne and it later served as a vital air-raid shelter during World War II.
Kitted out with a hard hat and torch, you’ll descend into the pitch-dark tunnel and hear all sorts of interesting tales, from the Geordie lad who would unscrew lightbulbs in the tunnel when ‘courting’ his girlfriend, to the death of staithsman William Coulson. If you’re passionate about local history, you’ll love it!
4 | It's a foodie hotspot
Brunch, street food, bistro-style dishes, afternoon tea, craft beers, cocktails…the Ouseburn has it all when it comes to food and drink. In fact, there’s far too much to cram into this post, so instead, I’ll share a few of my top picks.
Dreamworld Cakes is the place to go if you have a sweet tooth and, trust me, you must try a cruffin – a croissant and muffin hybrid!
For banging brunch vibes and a great atmosphere, head to Ernest or Kiln.
Over at the Tyne Bar, it’s all about good music, craft pints and sunny Bank Holiday sessions or any excuse to be outside, really.
And for what I reckon is the best Sunday lunch in Newcastle, make a beeline for The Tanners Arms, which I’ve blogged about here.
5 | It's a hub for independent businesses - and there's a farm!
Independent businesses are dotted all over the Ouseburn, making it easy to shop local and support small enterprises right on our doorstep.
On a recent visit, I bought a bunch of gorgeous dried flowers and a framed print of Alnmouth from Sora Studio – a very pretty and stylishly curated space. Right next door, Flaura Rose stocks funky, vintage-style clothes full of personality.
For a good ol’ rummage, dive into Bibelot Nook, a treasure trove of pre-loved furniture and homewares. And if you’re a book lover, Forum Books has a small bookshop tucked inside The Biscuit Factory.
You’ll also find Ouseburn Farm, a community farm that’s home to sheep, cows, ducks, pigs and chickens. It hosts a range of events all-year-round, where you can bottle-feed a lamb or ‘pamper’ the resident tortoises on an adorable spa day.
And that’s a wrap – my top five reasons to visit the Ouseburn!
Of course, this only scratches the surface of everything you can see, eat and do in this creative corner of the city. I encourage you to set aside a few hours (or a whole day) to wander around and soak up the unique vibe of the valley.
For more inspiration on cool things to do in Newcastle, follow me on Instagram at @nclsparkles.
