Planning guides
Dirty weekend guides for couples in Newcastle
Practical, slightly cheeky advice for anyone planning a weekend away with their partner. Read up on what to do, what to pack and how to keep a surprise quiet, then send us the details when you'd like the whole thing arranged for you.
- Written for couples
- Cheeky, never crude
- Local Newcastle know-how
Start here
Our dirty weekend guides
These dirty weekend guides are written for Newcastle by people who plan weekends for couples in the city. Each one covers a single job from start to finish, based on the questions couples ask us most. They're free to read, and you don't need to book with us to use them.
IdeasDirty weekend ideas in Newcastle
Ideas for the room, the dinner, the spa and the hours you spend out of bed. It also covers the coast, how many nights to book and the best times of year to go.
Read the guide
PackingWhat to pack for a dirty weekend
A practical packing list with a wink, from what to wear to dinner to the small things that make a hotel room feel like yours. It also explains what you can happily leave at home.
Read the guide
SurprisesPlanning a surprise weekend away
How to book the dates, pack their bag and keep the plan quiet without any awkward slips. There are also ideas for the reveal, which is half the fun.
Read the guideWhere to begin
Which guide should you read first?
That depends on how far along you are. If you've only just decided you need a weekend away together, start with the ideas guide, because it helps you work out what kind of weekend the two of you actually want.
If the dates are already set
Go straight to the packing guide and start a list. It covers the weather, the dress code at dinner and the little comforts worth bringing, so you're not stuffing a bag at midnight on Thursday.
If your partner mustn't find out
Read the surprise guide before you book anything. It explains how to clear the dates without raising suspicion and how to keep emails and bills discreet. Our surprise weekends away page shows how we can help.
If the weekend is only days away
Shorter notice is sometimes possible, especially midweek and outside the busiest months. Send us your dates straight away, then use the packing guide to get ready.
Common sticking points
Where do couples usually get stuck?
Most of the questions we hear come back to the same few worries. The guides tackle them in more depth, but knowing about them early makes the planning much easier.
Choosing the right room
A room can look lovely in photos and still have a tiny bath or a view of the bins. Knowing what matters to you both, such as a big bed, a deep tub or a quiet floor, makes the choice much easier.
Planning too much
It's tempting to fill every hour, but the best weekends leave plenty of room for doing nothing. One booked dinner and one treat is often all you need.
Not knowing the city
If you've never stayed in Newcastle, it's hard to judge which areas feel romantic and which are loud on a Saturday night. The pages below will help with that.
Know the city
What should you read about Newcastle before you book?
These pages answer the questions couples ask most often about where to stay and how a booking works. They sit well alongside the guides once you have a rough idea of the weekend you want, and the areas guide is a good first stop if you've never visited.
Areas for couples
A look at the Quayside, Grainger Town, Jesmond, Ouseburn, Gateshead and the coast. It explains how each one feels on a weekend away and which kind of couple it suits.
Explore the areas
Romantic hotels
The kind of rooms we look for, from big beds and deep baths to river views. It also covers late check-outs, upgrades and the house rules hotels set.
See where to stay
How it works
Every step from your first message to check-in, including how quotes, changes and payment options work. It's the best place to start if you've never used a planner before.
See how it worksRather hand it over?
Planning it yourselves or handing it to us
Some couples enjoy the hunt for the perfect room and the perfect table. Others would rather skip the research and spend the time looking forward to the weekend. The guides will help you ask the right questions either way.
If you'd like us to plan it, tell us the occasion, your rough dates and the kind of weekend you have in mind. We'll email back a tailored plan with a hotel, dinner and any extras you fancy, and you can change it until it feels right.
If you already have a few ideas, such as a spa treatment you've been eyeing or an area you'd love to stay in, include them in your message. If not, we'll suggest options based on what you tell us and explain why each one should suit you.
Quick answers for couples
- We arrange the bookings, and you keep the final say on every part of the plan.
- For a Friday and Saturday in spring or summer, get in touch a few months ahead.
- Both of you must be 18 or over, and hotels may ask for photo ID.
- Payment options are explained in your quote.
- Our FAQs cover hotels, changes and late check-outs.
Questions
Common questions about planning a dirty weekend in Newcastle
Short answers to the things couples ask before they start reading. Each guide goes into more detail.
How many nights should we book?
Two nights is the classic, because it gives you a whole day with nowhere to be. One night works well if you add a late check-out request, and a midweek stay is often quieter.
Is Newcastle a good city for a romantic weekend?
It's compact, so most of the good bits are within walking distance of each other. You can have dinner on Grey Street, a late drink on the Quayside and a morning by the sea at Tynemouth, all from one hotel.
Are the guides only for people who book with you?
No, they're free for anyone to use. If you'd like us to take over the bookings after reading them, the quote form is on every page.
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.