As the leaves turn golden and the nights draw in, autumn brings a special kind of magic to Newcastle and the wider region. Here are six ways to make the most of the season.
Autumn is an enchanting time of the year. The air feels fresher, the landscape glows with amber hues, and my favourite knitwear makes a welcome return!
It’s a chance to slow down, seek out cosy corners and linger over quiet moments.
Newcastle and the surrounding region offer the perfect backdrop for embracing autumn’s charms, and I’ve rounded up a few of my favourites in this blog post.
So, grab a blanket, wrap up warm and get ready to soak up those snuggly autumnal vibes.
Tuck into an Indian Sunday lunch in Jesmond
I love comfort food through the autumn months, and Chakh Dhoom’s Sunday lunch – with a spicy twist – hits the spot. Picture this: smoked Tandoori chicken supreme, poppadums, mango chutney, gunpowder veg, Tandoori roast masala potatoes, Bihari potato mash, an onion bhaji, and spiced potato and lentil stuffed poori. Not forgetting your own jug of gravy – pure autumnal indulgence!
Unwind with an evening spa experience
Ease yourself into hibernation mode with a soothing spa experience. There’s nothing quite like sinking into a bubbling hot tub as the sun sets, surrounded by twinkling fairy lights. Middleton Lodge (pictured below) and Rudding Park are two of my top picks, both offering picture-perfect spa evenings with a delicious meal afterwards.
Enjoy a frothy hot chocolate
Hot chocolates are the epitome of cosy girl season. When I’m not at home whipping one up with my Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser (IYKYK), I’m seeking out a cosy local cafe. For a super snug setting with people watching on the side, enjoy a cup of rich cocoa from the Theatre Royal’s stylish city centre cafe, 100 Grey Street.
Pick your own pumpkins
Pumpkin picking is one of autumn’s simple joys, whether you’re planning hearty autumnal recipes, creating hygge-inspired displays at home or carving a spooky Halloween masterpiece. At Brocksbushes Farm near Corbridge, you’ll find a colourful variety of pumpkins to choose from, plus plenty of Instagram-worthy backdrops in its pumpkin patch. Make a day of it with a mooch around its farm shop or a bite to eat in the Courtyard Kitchen.
Visit a whisky distillery
For something a little different, head to Ad Gefrin, just over an hour’s drive from Newcastle and home to Northumberland’s first Single Malt Whisky. If you’ve ever wanted to find out how whisky is made, then its distillery tour will take you through the process, from grain to glass. Afterwards, take time to explore its Anglo-Saxon museum, dine in its bistro or enjoy a whisky and gin tasting session.
Go stargazing in Northumberland
Explore the wonders of the night sky with a visit to Kielder Observatory, set deep within a dark sky zone in Kielder Forest. Advance booking is essential, and each event includes a tour of the observatory and the chance to get up close to its telescopes. And, if the skies are clear, you’ll stargaze and view deep sky objects such as nebulae and galaxies. An experience that’s out of this world!
For more inspiration on cool things to do in and around Newcastle, sign up to my free monthly newsletter.
