Play Hard

Six alternatives to dinner and drinks

Don't get us wrong, we all love dinner and drinks. But in such an exciting region, there are loads of fun options for dates or catching up with friends. Here are six of our favourites...

Written by High Life North

Published 07.02.2020

The Stand Comedy Club

Heading to The Stand which has been entertaining the North East for seven years. Comedians including Kevin Bridges, Chris Ramsey and Frankie Boyle are just some of the names who took to the stage in an attempt to get the crowd in stitches of laughter. Sit back, enjoy the show and prepare to leave with an aching belly from so much laughing.

31 High Bridge Street, Newcastle, NE1 1EW

www.thestand.co.uk

Kielder Observatory

Cosy up under the darkest skies in Europe and gaze up at the breathtaking night sky. A public astronomical observatory which is open all year round, Kielder is one of the most romantic spots in the region. Learn about the galaxy from expert astronomers or attend one of the forty monthly events, which include an introduction to astronomy, late-night explorer and astro-photography.

Kielder Observatory, Kielder Village, NE48 1ER

www.kielderobservatory.org

The Pottery Experience

Show off your creative streak at Jesmond’s pottery café. The creative hub specialises in pottery painting and making. So, whether you are after a couple of creative hours painting a ready-made ceramic or you want to get your hands dirty with a potter’s wheel, The Pottery Experience is the place. Enjoy a cuppa and a sweet treat whilst you’re doing it, and pick up your masterpiece 3-7 days later once it has been glazed and fired.

81 Fern Avenue, Jesmond, NE2 2RA

www.thepotteryexperience.co.uk

Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens

Sunderland Winter Garden is the perfect choice for any outdoor lovers as it can be enjoyed regardless of the weather. The tropical paradise is home to over 2,000 plants that thrive underneath the glass dome. Take the treetop walkway for a birds-eye view of the beautiful Mowbray Park or enjoy a coffee and a slice of cake at Holmeside Coffee Shop located inside the gardens.

Burdon Road, Sunderland, SR1 1PP

www.sunderlandculture.org.uk

Ghetto Golf

Ghetto Golf takes the concept of mini-golf to a whole new level. Famous in major cities around the country, the Newcastle venue offers a unique urban golf experience with local artwork splashed across every wall. The crazy golf concept combines theatre, cocktails and DJ’s in an 18-hole setting guaranteed to give you a fun experience. From the Tunnel of Love pedalo swan to the giant Teddy Claw machine, each hole is entirely different and even more theatrical as the course goes on.

The Clay Shed, Hoult’s Yard, Walker Road, NE6 2HL

www.ghettogolf.co.uk

Axe throwing at Hatchet Harry’s

Urban axe throwing has become the newest activity trending around the UK. If you and your friend’s or significant other have a competitive nature, then this is the date night for you. Hatchet Harry’s offers an indoor axe throwing range where you will be taught the Canadian back yard past time. Each session lasts an hour and a half where you’ll learn the ropes, master your technique and end with a mini axe throwing tournament.