The city centre has a fantastic mix of independent retailers and large chain stores. Northumberland Street starts over the road from the University and runs towards Grey's Monument (a key meeting spot) it is a pedestrianised street (no cars!) and has large chain stores along it. Eldon Square, an indoor shopping centre joins Northumberland Street, so you can shop under cover if it rains.

Just past Greys Monument is the Grainger Market, built in 1835, it houses over 100 small businesses and self-emplyed independent traders. Alongside craft stalls, mini bazaars, jewellers, clothing and plant stalls, you'll find high quality butchers, artisan bakers, green grocers, street food traders, coffee shops and cafés.

Large supermarkets (usually located outside of the city centre) and discount stores (such as Home Bargains and B&M) are good locations to buy kitchen equipment, bedding etc. The closest ones are a 5 minute drive from the city centre. Primark on Northumberland Street is cheap to buy these things too.

The large supermarkets will also have an international food section in them, although the range on offer may be limited. The suburbs of Fenham (to the west of the city centre) and Byker (to the east of the city centre) have an array of specialist international food stores on their high streets, which are easily accessed using a bus. The city centre also has a growing number of international food supermarkets. The B.A.M.E Welcome Pack, created by our Students' Union lists some locations that are popular with students to buy international food.

The Quayside Market operates on a Sunday. It is a popular place to go for a walk, grab some street food and look at some of the local crafts on offer with the backdrop of the river and bridges. Macy, our student content creator describes one of the best weekend activities in our blog.

Shopping Opening Hours

Large stores in the city centre will generally open at 9am & stay open until 7pm.

Supermarkets usually operate 8am-10 or 11pm.

The Grainger Market is open 9am - 5.30pm Mon-Sat

Sunday Shopping

UK Law stipulates that shops over 280 square meters can open on Sundays, but only for 6 consecutive hours. Most shops open between 10am and 4pm. These stores must close on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day. Stores have to display their operating hours clearly both inside and outside their shop.

Please bare this in mind when planning on shopping on a Sunday.

Eating out

Newcastle has an abundance of places to eat in both the city centre and the surrounding areas, with food options to cater for every taste and diet. We could never cover every option here. There are chain restaurants and cafes, fast food options and small independant retailers for you to explore.

To get you started (and excited!) we have compiled some blog posts you might find helpful:

Buying food and drink on campus

Newcastle University is a 'cashless campus'. You can only use your credit or debit card or contactless payments for any purchases you with to make on campus. The Co-op and the food outlets in the Students' Union building are the only locations on campus where you can use cash (car can still be used here too).