
Old Eldon Square
A historic public square in Newcastle, known for its John Dobson architecture and vibrant seasonal events like the Christmas Market.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Festive atmosphere & Santa visits

Old Eldon Square
Best Time
Festive atmosphere & Santa visits

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic public square in Newcastle, known for its John Dobson architecture and vibrant seasonal events like the Christmas Market.
"It's an okay place but not a must-see, though it has its moments, especially during events."

🎯 Christmas Market Dates
Check @newcastleschristmas for exact dates, usually running until mid-December.
🛍️ Shopping Nearby
Eldon Square shopping centre is adjacent, offering a vast retail experience.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Christmas Market Magic
Old Eldon Square
Experience festive cheer with stalls, food, and Santa's Grotto during the holiday season.

Historic John Dobson Architecture
Surrounding Terraces
Admire the elegant 19th-century terraces designed by renowned architect John Dobson.

The Basement Streetwear & Vintage
Old Eldon Square
Discover trendy streetwear and unique vintage finds, with daily £1 item deals.

Tiny Toon Play Area
Old Eldon Square
A free, imaginative play zone for kids featuring miniature versions of Newcastle landmarks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Beyond the Square: Explore the Surroundings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Christmas Market Dates
Check @newcastleschristmas for exact dates, usually running until mid-December.
🛍️ Shopping Nearby
Eldon Square shopping centre is adjacent, offering a vast retail experience.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the city centre and shopping areas.
📸 Great for Photos
The historic architecture and seasonal markets offer excellent photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Christmas Market Dates
Check @newcastleschristmas for exact dates, usually running until mid-December.
🛍️ Shopping Nearby
Eldon Square shopping centre is adjacent, offering a vast retail experience.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the city centre and shopping areas.
📸 Great for Photos
The historic architecture and seasonal markets offer excellent photo opportunities.
🧒 Kid-Friendly Fun
Tiny Toon offers free imaginative play for children.
✨ Vintage Finds
Explore unique vintage clothing and streetwear at The Basement.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Old Eldon Square is a central public space that shines brightest during its seasonal events, particularly the popular Christmas Market. While it offers architectural charm and access to shopping, some visitors find the square itself a bit small and lacking in a consistently vibrant atmosphere outside of these events. It's a decent spot for a brief visit or as a hub for exploring the surrounding city.
"Old Eldon Square has its moments, but it feels a bit underwhelming compared to other attractions. The area has some nice architectural features and historical charm, but it's fairly small and lacks a vibrant atmosphere. It’s a decent spot for a quick visit or a brief respite, but there isn’t much to do beyond taking a few photos. It could use some revitalization to make it more engaging and inviting for visitors. Overall, it's an okay place but not a must-see."
M C
""
Parsa Mahmoudi
""
Mihaela Petre
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Eldon Square is centrally located in Newcastle upon Tyne. It's easily accessible by public transport, with numerous bus routes stopping nearby and Newcastle Central Station a short walk away. If driving, there are several car parks in the vicinity, including those within the Eldon Square shopping centre.
Yes, Old Eldon Square is very easy to find as it's adjacent to the main Eldon Square shopping centre and close to prominent landmarks like Grey's Monument. Look for the signs for Eldon Square shopping centre, and you'll be right there.
For shopping, the most convenient way is often to park in the Eldon Square car park or take a bus that stops directly at the shopping centre. This puts you right on the doorstep of Old Eldon Square and the surrounding retail areas.
While there isn't a specific park and ride directly for Old Eldon Square, you can utilize the Tyne and Wear Metro park and ride facilities at stations outside the city centre and then travel into the city centre via Metro to Monument or Haymarket stations, both within walking distance.
Yes, cycling is an option, and there are usually cycle racks available in the city centre. However, be mindful of pedestrian areas and traffic when navigating to the square.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Old Eldon Square itself is a public space and generally free to enter. However, specific attractions or events held within the square, such as the Christmas Village or Tiny Toon, may have associated costs for activities or entry to certain areas.
As a public square, Old Eldon Square is accessible at all times. However, individual shops and attractions within or around the square will have their own operating hours. For example, The Basement is open Mon-Sat 9-5 and Sun 10-5.
Entry to the general Christmas Market area is usually free, but specific Santa experiences or workshops might require pre-booking. It's best to check the official Newcastle Christmas Market website for details on booking requirements for specific attractions.
Old Eldon Square frequently hosts events, especially during festive seasons like Christmas, with markets and a Christmas Village. It has also hosted temporary attractions like the 'Tiny Toon' play area. Keep an eye on local event listings and @newcastlene1 for updates.
Yes, you can browse the vintage shops around Old Eldon Square freely. Shops like The Basement and Friday Vintage are welcoming to browsers, allowing you to explore their unique collections.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Old Eldon Square is a central public space that hosts various events, most notably the annual Christmas Market and Village. It's also home to unique shops like The Basement for streetwear and vintage finds, and has previously featured family attractions like Tiny Toon.
Yes, Old Eldon Square can be very family-friendly, especially during events like the Christmas Market with Santa Stories and Elf School, or when temporary attractions like Tiny Toon are available, offering free, imaginative play for children.
Adjacent to Old Eldon Square is the large Eldon Square shopping centre, featuring major high street brands. Within the immediate vicinity of the square, you can find independent boutiques like The Basement for streetwear and vintage clothing, and Friday Vintage.
Yes, the Eldon Square shopping centre has numerous food outlets, including Smash Burger and Crepeaffaire, which have offered discounts during events. There are also cafes like House Brown located right on Old Eldon Square itself.
'Hippy Green' or 'Hippy/Goth Green' is a local nickname for the area around Old Eldon Square, particularly referencing the historic terraces and the alternative shops that have been located there, like Friday Vintage.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Old Eldon Square itself is more of a public space, the adjacent Eldon Square shopping centre houses a wide array of restaurants and food outlets. You can also find cafes like House Brown directly on the square.
Near Old Eldon Square, you can find diverse options ranging from fast food and casual dining in Eldon Square (like Smash Burger, Crepeaffaire, Tortilla) to cafes and potentially pop-up food stalls during events.
Yes, House Brown is a notable coffee shop located directly on Old Eldon Square, offering a place to relax and refuel. The surrounding Eldon Square shopping centre also has various chain coffee shops.
Tortilla in Eldon Square has hosted special 'Unlimited' events, offering unlimited burritos, tacos, and nachos for a set price. It's worth checking their schedule for any future unlimited food events.
The Newcastle Christmas Market, often held at Old Eldon Square, typically features a variety of food stalls offering festive treats, international cuisine, and seasonal drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic John Dobson terraces surrounding the square offer beautiful architectural shots. During festive periods, the Christmas market and village provide colourful and lively scenes. The 'Tiny Toon' attraction also offers charming miniature cityscapes for photos.
Yes, Old Eldon Square can be a good spot for street photography, especially when events are taking place, offering a dynamic mix of people, architecture, and temporary installations. The contrast between modern and historic elements can also be interesting.
For architectural shots, daytime offers good natural light. For a more atmospheric feel, consider visiting during events like the Christmas Market in the late afternoon or early evening when the lights come on.
You can generally take photos of the exteriors of shops like The Basement and Friday Vintage. For interior shots, it's always polite to ask permission from the staff first.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography in Old Eldon Square. However, for commercial or professional photography, it's advisable to check with the local council or event organizers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🛍️ Shoppers and Fashion Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers and History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Legacy of John Dobson
Locals sometimes refer to the area around these terraces as 'Hippy Green' or 'Goth Green', hinting at the alternative and vintage shops that have found a home within these historic buildings. This juxtaposition of grand Victorian architecture with modern independent retail creates a unique visual appeal for visitors and photographers alike.
Exploring these surrounding terraces offers a glimpse into Newcastle's rich architectural heritage, providing a more intimate and historical experience compared to the bustling shopping centre next door. It's a reminder of the city's evolution and the enduring beauty of its original urban design.
Events and Seasonal Attractions
Beyond Christmas, the square has also hosted other family-focused attractions. The 'Tiny Toon' event, for instance, provided a free, imaginative play area for children, featuring miniature versions of Newcastle landmarks like shops, a theatre, and a hospital. These temporary installations offer a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors, particularly those with young children.
Keep an eye on local event listings and social media accounts like @newcastlene1 for announcements about upcoming events at Old Eldon Square. These can range from pop-up markets to community gatherings, offering diverse reasons to visit throughout the year and experience the square's vibrant, ever-changing atmosphere.
Independent Retail and Vintage Finds
Another gem is Friday Vintage, located in one of the historic John Dobson terraces. This store embodies the spirit of the 'Hippy Green' nickname, providing a curated collection of vintage clothing and accessories. Browsing these shops offers a more personal and discovery-oriented shopping experience, often supported by passionate owners who are knowledgeable about their stock.
These independent retailers contribute significantly to the character of Old Eldon Square, offering a distinct alternative to the larger retail complex. They provide an opportunity to find unique items and support local businesses, adding a layer of authenticity to the visitor experience.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit