Newcastle Lesbian Bars (& Other Cool Things to do)

If you’re wondering what Newcastle has to offer lesbian visitors, you’re in the right place. In this guide, I provide a complete overview of Lesbian Newcastle, including the best Newcastle lesbian bars, clubs, events, and things to do around the city.

Nestled on the banks of the River Tyne, Newcastle is an up-and-coming city bursting with history, culture, and diversity. We loved walking around the city hand in hand, taking in the sights and connecting with the friendly locals who made us feel right at home.

In terms of things to do, there is a lot to love about Newcastle. Of course, the city is renowned for its lively nightlife, but there’s so much more to it than that. From its iconic bridges to its thriving culinary scene, Newcastle has something to offer everyone.

In terms of lesbian life in Newcastle, we didn’t find any venues exclusively for the sapphic community. That said, there are many inclusive bars, venues, and activities that I know you queer girlies will enjoy. So let’s get to it and show you what we got up to in the ‘toon’.

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Queer & Lesbian Brighton FAQs

Newcastle is up there with the likes of London and Brighton as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the UK. Not only are there safe and inclusive spaces for the community, but there appears to be a tolerant and welcoming attitude among locals.

As I mentioned earlier, we had no concerns at all about holding hands in public and making it known that we were a couple. We participated in various local activities, visited different bars and restaurants, and took day trips to neighbouring towns. Not once did we feel unsafe or judged.

Of course, this is only our experience, and I can’t promise that this will be the case for everybody who visits. But I hope this reassures you that you can feel comfortable being yourself in this charming Riverside city.

• Book a hotel or hostel in Newcastle here
• Stay connected with a portable wifi hotspot or a local e-sim.
• Get to know the city on a best-selling tour.
• Don’t forget travel insurance.

Getting To Newcastle

Getting to Newcastle is easy, thanks to its well-connected transport network. Here’s how you can get to Newcastle.

• By Train: Newcastle Central Station offers frequent services to and from major cities nationwide, including London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Birmingham.
• By Air: Newcastle Airport (NCL) is approximately 6 miles northwest of the city centre. You can fly there from various domestic and International cities, including London, Amsterdam, Paris and Dublin.
• By Car: Newcastle is easily accessible by car via major road networks. The A1(M) motorway runs west of the city and connects Newcastle with cities in both the North and the South.
• By Bus: National Express and Megabus offer coach services to Newcastle from various cities across the UK. The bus station is conveniently located in the city centre.

Getting Around Newcastle

As I mentioned earlier, Newcastle city centre is relatively compact, so the best way to get around is on foot. The city is very pedestrian-friendly, and you tend to discover much more that way.

For those less abled on their feet and for areas further afield, the public transport network is reliable and easy to use. Buses cover most areas of the city, and the Metro is a reliable way to travel both within the city centre and beyond.

Where to Stay in Newcastle

There are plenty of places to stay in Newcastle, with options to suit all budgets and interests.

A popular area to stay is Grainger Town – home to picturesque streets lined with neoclassical buildings and a historic market that’s not to be missed.

We stayed in Grainger Town at the modern yet affordable Motel One Hotel. We had zero complaints about this property. There was no confusion or assumptions at check-in, the rooms were small but well-equipped, and the location was perfect for exploring the city.

Another popular area to stay is quayside; however, the city centre is relatively small and easy to navigate, so you needn’t worry too much about location.

You can also check out many other accommodation options here. Or use the Map below to see all your options:

Booking.com

Best of Lesbian Newcastle

I’m sure you’re keen to learn more about what there is to see and do in this exciting LGBTQ+ Friendly city.

Naturally, being queer does not prevent us from wanting to explore like any other tourist. You’ll likely want to experience the Newcastle highlights as well as check out the local ‘scene’.

First, I’ll list the best Newcastle bars for lesbians, and in the next section, I’ll cover all the other exciting things to see and do.

Lesbian Bars in Newcastle

Rustys

Set in the heart of the Pink Triangle, Rusty’s is a long-standing queer and lesbian bar in Newcastle.

It’s known for its friendly atmosphere, diverse crowd, and regular events, which include drag shows and dance parties.

While not exclusively for lesbians, Rusty’s is a welcoming space for all members of the community.

Switch

Just around the corner is another one of Newcastle’s most popular queer and lesbian bars. Switch is famous for its lively atmosphere, playing dance and party music, which is ideal for a fun night on the ‘toon’.

Again, Switch is an inclusive space welcoming all members of the LGBTQ+ community, so whether you’ll find many lesbians there really depends on the night.

Powerhouse

Located on Westmorland Road in the Pink Triangle, Powerhouse is one of Newcastle’s most well-known LGBTQ+ venues.

The venue welcomes all members of the community and has recently implemented an open-door policy, which hasn’t gone down too well with the gays.

The venue spans across four floors, covering a variety of music genres and atmospheres. It’s worth checking out if you’re into all-night parties.

Prohibition Cabaret Bar

Those not into the party scene might enjoy this next LGBTQ+-friendly venue – an award-winning entertainment space showcasing live music and cabaret.

Stop by on a Friday or Saturday for free live music, with the third Friday of every month being a fabulous Burlesque show. If you’re visiting Newcastle in the week, there’s a pub quiz every Wednesday.

The Ship

Find this next lesbian-friendly bar in the cultural quarter of Ouseburn. We didn’t make it to this part of the city on our recent visit; however, we’ve been told by locals that it’s the place to be for lesbians.

The Ship Inn is a traditional English pub with a modern and quirky twist. The kitchen serves up generous portions of vegan cuisine, and the bar can be vibey and atmospheric of an evening.

Lesbian Parties Newcastle

In addition to the venues mentioned above, there are the occasional lesbian nights that take place at various locations around the city. This Facebook group is an excellent resource for any upcoming parties.

Other Things to Do in Lesbian Newcastle

Now we’ve covered the best of the lesbian nightlife in Newcastle, let’s look at the other fun and affirming things to do in and around the city.

Walk Along the Quay

The quayside area of Newcastle was one of our favourite places to be during our visit. Especially around golden hour when you can watch the sun disappear behind the banks of the River Tyne.

Newcastle’s seven bridges make for a wonderful sight as well. Each is very different in design but equally magnificent.

The Piano & Pitcher Bar overlooking the Millennium Bridge is a great spot to grab a drink. You can also cross over the said bridge to The Baltic, where a free viewing platform overlooks the city.

Discover Grainger Town

Grainger Town is the historic heart of Newcastle, featuring stunning 1830s neoclassical architecture similar to that of London and Bath.

The area is also home to iconic Newcastle attractions such as Greys Monument, Theatre Royal, Newcastle Cathedral, and Newcastle Castle.

I recommend a walk down Grey Street, where you’ll find all your luxury brands and high street shops. There are also some lovely independent cafes and restaurants.

Finally, make sure to check out Grainger Market, where you can find hundreds of local traders and small businesses. It’s a great place to shop for local souvenirs or to grab a bite to eat.

Take a Cookery Class at Blackfriars

One of our favourite inclusive activities in Newcastle was the 3.5-hour cookery class we did at the famous Blackfriars restaurant.

The theme of the night was Ethiopian, which we’d never had before, so it was super exciting both learning to cook and trying a new cuisine.

Blackfriars Cookery School hosts classes throughout the year and offers a variety of different cuisines. Not only do you learn to cook various dishes, but you’ll also pick up some technical skills in the kitchen.

A Night at the Stand Comedy Club

If you consider yourself a stand-up comedy fan, you won’t want to miss The Stand Comedy Club. This venue is legendary across the UK, showcasing a plethora of local and international talent.

We caught the long-running Red Raw beginners showcase, regarded as the best open mic night in the country. The acts were brilliant, and we were in good company amongst a mixed crowd of straight and LGBTQ+ patrons.

Watch a Show at Boulevard

For a guaranteed fun-filled night on the ‘toon’, check out Boulevard – one of the UK’s most vibrant and entertaining cabaret drag shows.

Expect a spectacular show of fabulous queens, outrageous comedy, jaw-dropping dance routines, and stunning costumes.

Grab a Drink at the Oldest Pub in Newcastle

Set down a picturesque courtyard off the famous Bigg Market, The Old George Inn dates back to the 16th century and boasts various royal links.

It’s a cosy little spot in the day, serving various beverages and fantastic food. At night time, the place transforms entirely, matching the party atmosphere of the surrounding area.

Visit the Coastal Towns

We love that Newcastle offers a blend of city and coastal life. Just 20 minutes on the Metro, you can be in Whitley Bay or Tynmouth, two picturesque seaside towns.

Take a stroll down the promenade. Stop off for a coffee and cake in one of the independent cafes. Or indulge in the culinary scene, which is just as prominent on the coast as it is in the city.

If you head to Whitley Bay, we recommend a meal at Hinnies – a warm and friendly restaurant serving rustic and hearty Geordie-influenced classics.

Take a Day Trip to Durham

Similarly, the stunning cathedral city of Durham is just 15 minutes on the train from Newcastle. We recommend a day trip here to experience its quaint cobbled streets and spectacular architecture.

We took part in a food tour in Durham with Triple A Tours, and honestly, it was one of the best we’ve ever done. Not only did we get to sample an incredible amount of delicious food and drink, but we also got to learn a lot about the city from our incredible guide.

Explore Ouseburn

Based on what I said earlier about Ouseburn being a hotspot for lesbians, you may wish to take some time to explore the area.

What was once known as the ‘cradle of the industrial revolution’ is now one of the most vibrant creative communities in the North East.

The neighbourhood is home to various inclusive pubs, cafes, and restaurants, as well as hosting local talent across the arts.

Have Fun Exploring Lesbian Newcastle

That concludes our Lesbian Travel Guide to Newcastle. I hope you found it helpful and have a fantastic time exploring this exciting LGBTQ+-friendly city.

If you have any questions or feel we have missed anything, please reach out to us in the comment section below. 

Stay adventurous and happy travels.

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