Eat, drink and explore. 27 accessible spots in Newcastle

EAT

Food is the way to anyone’s heart; we’ve found the top spots to satisfy all your comfort food needs. If you fancy some pub grub, Northumberland Arms serves all the best locally sourced food we need and has disabled parking with a ramp and underfloor bar heating for dogs. And The Falcons Nest serve only the best comfort food and has level access, with onsite parking and accessible toilets with full table service.

Or, if you want to satisfy your cheese and carbs cravings, we’ve found the perfect Italians for you. Fortuna and Gusto both have level, step-free access, accessible toilets and have full table service so you can sit back and relax. They both also have ample room and furniture that isn’t permanently fixed, making it easy for you to manoeuvre.

DRINK

 There’s nothing better than a beverage on the weekend after a stressful week at work. STACK Newcastle is only five minutes from Monument Metro and is fully accessible to mobility scooters and wheelchairs. There’s an accessible lift to the upper floor and an accessible toilet upstairs with plenty to move around and outdoor heaters are available. Plus, the helpful staff are there to offer any assistance.

Or if you’d prefer a catch-up with the girls indoors, visit Pitcher and Piano, which has a level, double door access, and motorised scooters are allowed. There’s an accessible lift, full table service, and an accessible toilet on the ground floor.

ENTERTAIN

Getting lost in live performances, gigs and events is just the escapism we need – work hard, play hard, right? Enjoy dance, drama, music and comedy at Theatre Royal, The People’s Theatre, City Hall, Live Theatre, Northern Stage, Tyne Theatre and Opera House and Sage Gateshead. All of which have ramped access, accessible toilets, seats available and assistive listening. Plus, Theatre Royal, City Hall and Sage Gateshead have blue badge/accessible parking bays right outside – so you don’t have to worry about being late for the show.

With big events now back on, it’s safe to say it can feel a bit intimating being in large crowds, but we’ve got you covered. If you’re going to a footie match at St James’ Park, the stadium is well stewarded who’ll help guide you through the crowds to an accessible lift and your seat. But the best part is that the wheelchair spaces are close to other fans so that you won’t miss out on the buzzing atmosphere.

Or if you want to try your luck with a cheeky bet at Newcastle Racecourse, there’s an onsite car park, ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre, accessible toilets and the main grandstands are accessed by various easy and moderate slopes.

Fancy a cosy night at the pictures? Tyneside Cinema hosts accessible viewings, including relaxed and hard of hearing screenings. Not forgetting their step-free access, power-assisted doors, open plan layout, disabled toilets and grab bars throughout, plus accessible lifts with foldable chairs.

DISCOVER

Wanting to get inspired and captivated through art? We know just the art galleries for you. All with ramped, easy access, accessible lifts, open plan, and easy to navigate space for wheelchairs and artwork hung at lower levels, The Biscuit Factory, Laing Art Gallery and Aviary Gallery will make your cultural experience enjoyable. Laing also provides tactile displays for people with visual limitations, including braille captions.

Travel back in time and learn the history of our region at Discovery Museum that’s spacious, with plenty of accessible toilets and lifts with ramps and handrails fitted throughout. Going a bit further out of Newcastle, visit The Bowes Museum who bring access to all, including wheelchair loan facilities, wheelchair access to most areas and lifts, accessible parking bays and large print information is available.

Or, if exploring science is more on your radar, visit The Life Science Centre. The fully accessible venue offers ample space, lifts and curved ramps connecting floors, accessible toilets, and interactive exhibitions that are organised so wheelchair users can reach them.

Who doesn’t love getting lost in a book? Seven Stories, with disabled bays outside, accessible lifts and toilets, sensory backpacks available alongside early openings, and accessible sessions that’ll make your experience feel very inclusive.