Central Arcade
A stunning Victorian arcade in Newcastle, boasting intricate tile work and a grand glass ceiling, offering historic charm and unique shops.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, enjoy the quiet charm
Central Arcade
Best Time
Fewer crowds, enjoy the quiet charm

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Victorian arcade in Newcastle, boasting intricate tile work and a grand glass ceiling, offering historic charm and unique shops.
"Such a gorgeous arcade with beautiful features and a real Victorian look architecture. "
📸 Capture the Details
Don't miss the intricate tile work and glass ceiling – perfect for photos!
⚽ Retro Football Fan?
Visit Toon Kit Collector for a fantastic selection of vintage football shirts.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Victorian Architecture
Marvel at the ornate tile work, grand glass ceiling, and historic charm of this Edwardian shopping arcade.
Toon Kit Collector
Hunt for rare retro Newcastle United football shirts and other vintage kits.
Photogenic Booths (Leeds)
Strike a pose in these cute Korean-inspired photobooths for fun memories with friends.

Fern Modern Sushi (Leeds)
Experience exquisite omakase-style sushi crafted with passion in an elegant setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Victorian Charm & Hidden Gems
Beyond the Architecture
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Details
Don't miss the intricate tile work and glass ceiling – perfect for photos!
⚽ Retro Football Fan?
Visit Toon Kit Collector for a fantastic selection of vintage football shirts.
👻 Haunted History?
Rumors of ghosts add a spooky layer to this historic arcade.
☕ Grab a Smoothie
The Naked Deli nearby offers great smoothies if you need a refreshment.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Details
Don't miss the intricate tile work and glass ceiling – perfect for photos!
⚽ Retro Football Fan?
Visit Toon Kit Collector for a fantastic selection of vintage football shirts.
👻 Haunted History?
Rumors of ghosts add a spooky layer to this historic arcade.
☕ Grab a Smoothie
The Naked Deli nearby offers great smoothies if you need a refreshment.
📍 Leeds Location
In Leeds, check out the fun photobooths and amazing sushi spots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Central Arcade for its stunning Victorian and Edwardian architecture, particularly the intricate tile work and glass ceiling, offering a beautiful, historic atmosphere. While some note a lack of diverse or full shops, the unique boutiques and overall charm make it a worthwhile visit for its aesthetic appeal and historical significance.
"Central Arcade is a beautiful spot in Newcastle, featuring stunning Victorian architecture, intricate tile work, and a gorgeous glass ceiling that gives it a truly special atmosphere. Walking through, you can really appreciate the historic charm of the place. With such a unique setting, it could be even more vibrant with a better selection of boutiques or specialty stores."
Highway Video
"Such a gorgeous arcade with beautiful features. There are some cool shops 🏬 but would be excellent to see more of them full and the area more explored/used.
Great record/music shop within it.
It’s definitely worth checking out when exploring Newcastle."
Radiate Repeat
"Amazing old fashioned arcade building built in 1908. Apart from shopping, it’s good spot for tourists too. It’s like hidden gem right in the heart of city. Real Victorian look architecture. Not many shops open but well worth a walk through. I like that music shop Windows."
UK Photo Journey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Central Arcade is located in the heart of Newcastle city center, easily accessible by foot from major transport hubs. It's a short walk from Monument Metro station and numerous bus stops along Grey Street.
No, there are separate Central Arcades. The one in Newcastle is known for its Victorian architecture, while the one in Leeds features modern attractions like photobooths and sushi restaurants.
Walking is the best way to explore Newcastle's city center, including Central Arcade. The Metro system is also efficient for longer distances.
There are several car parks near Central Arcade, including Eldon Square and Dean Street. However, public transport is often recommended due to city center traffic.
Central Arcade is generally accessible, but some older buildings may have limitations. It's advisable to check specific shop accessibility if needed.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Central Arcade is a public thoroughfare and does not require an entry ticket. You can wander through and admire its architecture freely.
The arcade itself is generally open during daylight hours, but individual shop hours may vary. It's best to check the specific opening times of any shops you wish to visit.
There are no entrance fees for the arcade itself. Each shop within the arcade will have its own pricing for goods and services.
Yes, Central Arcade is typically open on Sundays, though some individual businesses may have reduced hours or be closed.
Visiting on a weekday morning is usually the quietest time to experience Central Arcade and appreciate its architecture without the hustle and bustle.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Central Arcade Newcastle features a mix of independent boutiques, including a popular vintage football kit store and a music shop.
While direct dining options within Newcastle's Central Arcade are limited, nearby Grainger Market and surrounding streets offer a wide variety of food choices.
Toon Kit Collector for football memorabilia and any unique independent boutiques that catch your eye are highly recommended.
Leeds' Central Arcade boasts excellent dining, including Fern Modern Sushi for high-quality Japanese cuisine and Bisque Bakery for pastries and breakfast.
While not a dedicated souvenir shop, you might find unique items in the independent boutiques that could serve as memorable keepsakes.
📸 📸 Photography & Atmosphere
Absolutely! The stunning Victorian architecture, intricate tile work, and glass ceiling make it a photographer's dream.
It offers a charming, historic atmosphere with a sense of stepping back in time, despite some shops being less occupied.
Yes, the detailed mosaics, the play of light through the glass roof, and the vintage shop fronts provide many unique photo opportunities.
It's a beautiful example of Edwardian shopping arcade design, featuring ornate tile work, decorative ironwork, and a grand glass roof.
It's polite to ask permission before taking photos inside individual shops, especially if they are busy.
🎫 👻 History & Hauntings
Central Arcade in Newcastle was built in 1906 and is a fine example of Edwardian shopping arcade architecture, designed by Oswald and Son.
Yes, there are local legends and rumors of hauntings within the historic Central Arcade.
It represents a preserved piece of Newcastle's Edwardian commercial past, showcasing the grandeur of early 20th-century shopping arcades.
Local history books and online resources about Newcastle's architecture often detail the history of Central Arcade.
Yes, it was designed and built as a shopping arcade, intended to provide a sheltered and elegant retail experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
In Leeds, the Central Arcade is a hit with families thanks to the Photogenic photobooths. These offer a fun, interactive experience where kids can dress up and create silly photos together. It's a perfect activity for a family outing, providing lasting memories and plenty of laughs. The presence of Bisque Bakery also offers sweet treats that are always a hit with younger visitors.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles and lighting conditions. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer, more dramatic light. The arcade's relatively quiet nature during off-peak hours allows for unhurried composition. Don't forget to look up – the ceiling is a masterpiece in itself!
⚽ Football Memorabilia Hunters
Even if you're not a hardcore collector, browsing the shelves can be a nostalgic trip, showcasing the evolution of football fashion. The shop's presence adds a unique, niche appeal to the arcade, drawing in a specific but passionate crowd.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel of Central Arcade
Visitors often remark on the historic charm and the feeling of stepping back in time. While some sections may have fewer active businesses, the arcade's enduring beauty lies in its preservation. It's a testament to the craftsmanship of its era, designed by Oswald and Son, and offers a unique glimpse into Newcastle's commercial past. The arcade's structure itself is a work of art, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply seeking a beautiful and atmospheric stroll.
Beyond its visual appeal, the arcade has also been a stage for unexpected events, such as a Formula E car driving through it, adding a modern twist to its historic setting. This blend of old and new, quiet charm and occasional excitement, makes Central Arcade a dynamic and memorable destination.
Exploring the Unique Boutiques
Beyond the football theme, the arcade has historically housed other interesting businesses, such as a music shop, which sadly is no longer there but was a beloved spot for vinyl collectors. The charm of Central Arcade lies in discovering these niche businesses that offer something different from mainstream retail. Visitors often express a desire for more shops to fill the spaces, but the existing ones contribute significantly to the arcade's character.
In Leeds, the Central Arcade offers a different kind of retail and entertainment experience. Here, you can find Photogenic, a popular spot for Korean-inspired photobooths, perfect for creating fun, personalized memories with friends. For foodies, Fern Modern Sushi provides an exceptional dining experience with its omakase-style dishes, and Bisque Bakery is a long-standing favorite for pastries and breakfast. These Leeds-based attractions highlight how 'Central Arcade' can refer to diverse, engaging destinations.
Whispers of the Past: History and Hauntings
These whispers of paranormal activity add an intriguing layer to a visit, especially for those interested in local legends and the supernatural. While concrete evidence is scarce, the atmosphere of the old arcade, with its quiet corners and historic ambiance, can certainly spark the imagination. It's a reminder that many old buildings carry stories beyond their bricks and mortar, inviting speculation and adding a touch of mystery to the visitor experience.
Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, the historical context of Central Arcade, combined with these tales, makes it more than just a shopping destination. It becomes a place where history, architecture, and folklore intertwine, offering a richer, more engaging exploration for curious visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit