Play Hard

Here’s where to have fun in Newcastle

This week’s reopenings haven’t just been for the bars and restaurants ¬– here are 6 activity hotspots that’ll have you feeling like a big kid

Written by Becky Hardy

Published 22.05.2021

Hatchet Harry’s

You may have spotted on Insta that the HLN team have been down to this little hotspot recently, and we loved it! Urban axe throwing definitely isn’t just for the lads – and if you don’t believe us, check out our interview with co-founder Jack.

A top way to let loose, release a little tension and enjoy a healthy bit of competition with your mates, an added bonus about axe throwing at Hatchet Harry’s is that you work up quite the thirst… and you’re only round the corner from some of Newcastle’s hottest bars…

Hatchet Harry’s, 18 Forth Banks, Newcastle NE1 3PG

Visit Website

Lane 7

If you fancy a night out where there’s not even the faintest chance of boredom, then Lane 7’s your spot. Here you get to choose from bowling, ping pong (or it’s alcoholic big sister, beer pong), mini-golf, karaoke and American pool, without the drag of having to fight off competition from kids.

There’s food, there’s drinks – plus there are live DJs every Friday and Saturday night. All in all, it’s a pretty belter place to start your night off right.

Lane 7, 80-90 St James’ Boulevard, Newcastle NE1 4BN

Visit Website

Ghetto Golf

Ok, so this definitely won’t be news to you – Ghetto Golf is so. Much. Fun. Absolutely nothing at all like real golf (no offence), it’s even slicker than our average crazy golf set-up – although that could be down to the quirky cocktails mixed right in the centre of this seriously twisted 18-hole course.

The neon-graffitied walls and bangin’ DJ sets gives this place a real club vibe… which is a little odd if you emerge at teatime ready for your 4am kebab. But it’s so worth the momentary discombobulation.

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

Visit Website

The Escape Key

Reckon you’re a born problem solver? Argued your case that it should actually be you who replaces Daniel Craig as 007? Put your money where your mouth is at The Escape Key.

The action-packed escape rooms here combine The Crystal Maze-style headscratchers with Fort Boyard-style tension and promise to test your relationships to the limit! On the plus side, if you can survive an evening escaping from all of these North East-themed hostage situations, then you’ll probably be together for life.

The Escape Key, 60-62 St Andrew’s Street, Newcastle NE1 5SF

Visit Website

Inflatespace

This one’s definitely for all the big kids out there!

The UK’s largest inflatable theme park has everything from warp-speed slides, astroballs and planet hops to space riders, crater climbing and battle beams. It’s like Takeshi’s Castle and Gladiators got together and had an activity-centre baby.

InflateSpace Newcastle, Units A3, A4 and A5, Benfield Business Park, Benfield Road, Newcastle NE6 4NQ

Visit Website

Point Blank Shooting

The ranges are fired up, the steins are chilling and the minefield wing roulette is ready to spin because Point Blank has officially reopened this week.

This speakeasy bar-come-simulation shooting range is the perfect way to still enjoy cocktails with the gals, but while also channelling those Black Widow from The Avengers vibes, (even if you’re probably more like Melissa McCarthy in The Heat).

Our advice? Go there on a Sunday. Then you can enjoy bottomless beer or prosecco and as much pizza as you can eat while getting trigger-happy.

Point Blank Shooting, The Gate, 117 Newgate Street, Newcastle NE1 5RF

Visit Website