Across the Tyne
Gateshead Quays for couples, just over the river
Gateshead Quays faces Newcastle Quayside from the south bank of the Tyne, a short walk over the Millennium Bridge. It adds contemporary art, concerts and the finest views of the bridges to a weekend for two, with a calmer feel than the city side.
- South bank of the Tyne
- Art and live music
- The best bridge views
Area overview
What is Gateshead Quays like for a couple?
Gateshead Quays is the riverside strip on the south bank of the Tyne, directly opposite Newcastle Quayside. It is the side of the river you gaze at from the bars, and the side you look back from for the best view of the bridges. The appeal of Gateshead Quays for couples is simple, with art, music and a drink by the water all a few minutes' walk from your hotel.
The area is more open and less crowded than the Newcastle side, with wide paved spaces, big modern buildings and the river right beside you. It is lovely in the late afternoon, when the light turns gold on the water and the Tyne Bridge starts to glow. Couples on an anniversary weekend often come here for a quiet moment before dinner.
Gateshead Quays at a glance
- It suits couples who enjoy art, concerts and river views.
- The Baltic and The Glasshouse stand side by side on the waterfront.
- The Millennium Bridge links it to Newcastle Quayside on foot.
- It is calmer than the city side, especially in the evening.
By day
Daytime on the quays: art, views and a slow walk
Most of what Gateshead Quays offers is easy to enjoy at your own pace, so it fits nicely after a late breakfast.
The Baltic
The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art fills a former flour mill with changing exhibitions. A viewing level near the top looks right along the Tyne, and wandering the galleries together gives you plenty to talk about over lunch.
The Glasshouse
The Glasshouse is the curving glass and steel music venue beside the Baltic, formerly known as Sage Gateshead. It hosts concerts across many styles, and an evening show makes a stylish date before a late dinner.
The Millennium Bridge
The Gateshead Millennium Bridge is a curved footbridge that tilts to let boats pass underneath. Stopping halfway across to look along the river at the other bridges is one of the sweetest small moments in the city.
After dark
What are evenings like on Gateshead Quays?
Evenings on the quays are quieter than on the Newcastle side, and the main draws are a concert at The Glasshouse or a drink with a view of the lit bridges. There are a few bars and restaurants on the waterfront, and the busier streets of the city are only a short walk across the river.
A good plan is an early drink on the Gateshead side while the light changes on the water, followed by a walk over the Millennium Bridge to dinner on the Quayside. Coming back the other way after a concert is just as nice, with the bridges lit up ahead of you. If you want dinner sorted, we can book a romantic dinner for two on either bank.
On a still night, the reflections of the bridges in the Tyne are worth a few minutes of standing close and staring.
Evening tips for two
- Check concert times before you plan dinner around them.
- Bring a warm layer, because the riverside can be breezy.
- The bridges are lit after dark and look their best then.
- The walk back over the bridge to the Quayside takes minutes.
Where to stay
Should you stay on the Gateshead side?
There are a few hotels on the south bank, and some have rooms that look straight across the river to Newcastle. Waking up to that view is a real treat, and the calm at night is a bonus for couples who care more about the bed than the bar. You are still only a few minutes' walk from the Quayside for dinner.
The choice on the Gateshead side is smaller than in Newcastle, so decide early if a river view is a priority. Our guide to romantic hotels in Newcastle compares the options on both banks. We request river-view rooms, upgrades and late check-out where the hotel offers them, and we confirm what is possible before you book.
Getting around
Getting to Gateshead Quays and around
From Newcastle Quayside, the easiest way across is on foot over the Millennium Bridge, which takes just a few minutes. You can also cross on the Swing Bridge or the Tyne Bridge and make a loop of it, which is a pleasant walk on a fine day. Gateshead Metro station is further up the hill, about fifteen minutes away on foot.
If you arrive by train, Central Station is a short taxi ride or a downhill walk from the river. If you drive, ask the hotel about parking and plan to leave the car once you arrive, because the quays are best explored on foot. For the streets beyond the river, see our guide to Newcastle city centre.
Sample plan
A sample Gateshead Quays day for two
Here is one way to fit the quays into a weekend in Newcastle. Our weekend packages show how a day like this sits around one or two nights.
- Saturday, 10.30am
A slow breakfast
Take your time over breakfast, because the galleries will still be there later.
- Saturday, 12pm
Over the bridge
Walk across the Millennium Bridge and stop halfway to look along the river.
- Saturday, 12.30pm
The Baltic
Explore the exhibitions, then head up to the viewing level for the panorama.
- Saturday, 3pm
Back to the room
Return to the hotel for a nap, a bath or whatever else the afternoon suggests.
- Saturday, 7.30pm
A concert
Catch a show at The Glasshouse, then step outside to see the bridges lit up.
- Saturday, 10pm
A late drink
Cross back to the Quayside for a nightcap and a short walk to bed.
Gateshead questions
Common questions about Gateshead Quays for couples
Is Gateshead Quays worth visiting on a romantic weekend?
It is well worth a few hours. The art, the music and the views back across the river add a different mood to a weekend that might otherwise stay on the Newcastle side.
How long does it take to walk from Newcastle Quayside?
It takes only a few minutes over the Millennium Bridge. From most Quayside hotels, you can be inside the Baltic within ten or fifteen minutes.
Does the Millennium Bridge still tilt?
The bridge tilts to let boats pass, and some tilts are scheduled for visitors to watch. Times vary, so check before you go if you would like to see it move.
Can you add a surprise to a Gateshead Quays weekend?
Yes, we can request room extras such as LED candles, petals or a cheeky hamper, following each hotel's rules. We keep our emails discreet, so the surprise stays a secret until you reveal it.
Start planning
Ready to plan your dirty weekend?
Send us your dates and a few wishes using the quote form. We will reply with a tailored plan for the two of you, a clear price and honest advice on where to stay and eat in Newcastle.