What to do in Newcastle

The Dacia Magic Weekend is back in Newcastle as Betfred Super League returns to St James’ Park. After more than two years, the festival of Rugby League returns in all it’s former glory.

All 12 Super League teams will compete over the weekend, supplemented with in-bowl entertainment, a fan zone full of activities, food and drinks, and more! 

Known as the friendliest city in the UK, and proven to be popular with all our fans, Newcastle city centre offers the perfect setting for the Super League extravaganza. Below are a list of places to visit to make the most out of your visit to Newcastle, including exclusive deals and extra activities all within a short walk from the stadium.

The Gate

Just a couple of minutes walk from St James’ Park, Super League have partnered with Newcastle’s premier leisure destination, The Gate. Just like Dacia Magic Weekend, The Gate has something for everyone with restaurants, bars, pubs, cinemas and more! As a Magic Weekend ticket holder, you can also enjoy exclusive special offers over the weekend. You can find out more HERE.

The WonderBar

There’s something for everyone at The WonderBar. Enjoy a bite to eat from their tasty food menu with daily deals available and children’s meals from as little as £3.99 including a free Fruit Shoot.  

The WonderBar drinks menu includes an extensive range of beers and cocktails. A cocktail happy hour is available Sunday to Thursday, 4pm-7pm, with selected cocktails £4.  

Offer: Magic Weekend Ticket Holders can get 2 bottles of Moretti or Heineken for just £6. Refillable coffees for just 99p will be available all weekend too.

The Mayfair

The Mayfair Pub and Kitchen is the friendliest pub in the city and promises home cooked food, locally produced craft beers, gins and cocktails in a relaxed and welcoming environment that’s family friendly.

Home cooked quality pub grub and home cooked pizzas are served every day along with their very popular all day breakfast and traditional Sunday lunches with home made Yorkshire puddings! Children’s meals are also available, including a soft drink for just £4.95.

Offer: Magic Weekend Ticket Holders can get 10% off food with a Magic Weekend ticket. The Mayfair will be also showing all games on 11 screens and will be offering a Burger and a Bottle of Coors beer for just £5.95

Cineworld

Experience cinema like never before. Cineworld Newcastle is home to Screen X with 270 degree surround screens, 4DX with motion seats and special effects including wind, fog water, scents and even bubbles and the giant Superscreen with Dolby Atmos sound.

Offer: Magic Weekend Ticket Holders can get adult tickets at student prices with a Magic Weekend ticket.

Starbucks

Enjoy all your Starbucks favourites, located on 2nd floor at The Gate.

Offer: Magic Weekend Ticket Holders can get 10% off with a Magic Weekend ticket. 

The CTRL Pad

Newcastle’s very own gaming lounge, The CTRL Pad is packed with retro and bang up to date games and setups.

Gamers can enjoy over 200 games going back over 30 years across consoles including Sony PS4, PS3, PS2, PS1, Nintendo Switch, Wii U, Wii, GameCube, N64, Snes, Xbox and Sega Dreamcast plus HD Low lag monitors and HDTV’s.

Offer: Magic Weekend Ticket Holders can get 2 hours game time for the price of 1 hour (£5). With a Magic Weekend ticket.

Selfie Central

Selfie Central is one of the UK’s only selfie shops. Come along to snap it, share it and smash your social media game with Tik Tok and Instagram worthy photos and videos taken across 11 unique and funky sets and backdrops.

Offer: Magic Weekend Ticket Holders can get 20% off with the code #MAGIC20

Where to visit

Why not take in a little history during your stay and visit some of the cities most well-known tourist spots. The Newcastle Castle is steeped in history, originally a medieval fort which was built in the twelfth century. The Castle offers an intriguing insight into the history of this famous city and a pretty good view from above. 

Another top tourist attraction in the toon is the Great North Museum. Home to artefacts, fossils and galleries, the museum is a fascinating journey through history. There’s fun for all the family with ‘The Mouse House’ for under 5’s as well as regular activities for younger visits. Oh, and it’s free entry! 

The Life Science Centre is an award-winning tourist attraction which is a stones throw away from Newcastle Central Station. Another one for the whole family, the centre is home to plenty of  hands-on exhibits as well as lots of eye-catching displays. 

Places to eat

In addition to all the diners and restaurants available at The Gate, here is a list of other highly recommended locations that can fill an aching void.

If you fancy feasting on burgers, mac n cheese and other American favourites, Fat Hippo is the place. You can indulge in all your guilty pleasures at Newcastle’s burger institution, with their restaurant located right in the City Centre! 

Located in a 13th century medieval friary, Blackfriars lets you enjoy award-winning food whilst immersing yourself in history. Slightly more up-market, the Blackfriars is a terrific spot if you’re looking for something more formal. It’s a real favourite for locals which most would recommend, showcasing a seasonal and local menu bringing out the best of the North East. 

The Bridge Tavern offers locally sourced food which includes many classic pub dishes, as well as a Sunday roast to help you finish the weekend. It is also home to a micro-brewery, allowing you to enjoy a pint or two of locally brewed ales. The Bridge Tavern is located under the Tyne Bridge.

A spot of shopping

Intu Eldon Square is home to over 150 high street shops, specialists’ stores and is Newcastle’s oldest and most famous premium shopping centre. Or, if you’re less interested in the shopping, it’s home to a dedicated food and drink hub, Grey’s Quarter. 

Although it’s further afield from the city centre, the Intu Metrocentre is Europe’s largest covered shopping and leisure centre. As well as much-loved brands, the new Platinum Mall brings designer brands to a new setting. The huge shopping and entertainment complex is home to a whole host of shops, restaurants and more!