Capital Experiences With a Northern Attitude!

It feels like everything happens in London, doesn’t it?  The biggest events, the best concerns, the best experiences! You just have to scroll socials or browse other experience sites and it can feel like anything and everything involves heading south.  But here’s the thing… it only seems that way. 

Personally, I am not up for remortgaging for a soy milk, no foam with whip espresso macchiato. And what’s more, whilst many companies hone in on what can be done in “the South”, the North has quietly been getting on with being brilliant. And honestly, our area deserves more recognition!  

One of the North East’s best kept secrets is that you can have proper, bucket list worthy experiences without the capital city chaos. Think about our dramatic coastlines, wide open countryside, historic cities and a food scene that punches well above its weight. All with shorter queues, our famed friendlier approach, and far less stress. 

Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, indulgence or something a little bit different, this region delivers without shouting about it. 

Being originally from the North East, I am proud to shout about the area! Take Durham… historic, atmospheric and effortlessly beautiful. The kind of place where wandering the streets feels like an experience in itself, especially with the River Wear winding its way through the city. Then of course Newcastle… I am biased towards Newcastle but I don’t think it is unfair to say its bold, buzzing and unapologetically itself. Think iconic nightlife, incredible food and a city that knows how to show you a good time.  

The North East is packed with standout experiences that rival - and often beat - anything you’ll find further south. Less fuss, more heart!  

Boeing 737-800 Flight Simulator Experience 

Who says you need Heathrow, Gatwick, or a six figure pilot salary to see what it’s like flying a 70-tonne Boeing 737-800? In the North East, you can step straight into the captain’s seat and take control of a commercial jet without leaving the ground. 

With highly trained instructors guiding you every step of the way, this isn’t a flashy arcade game… it’s the real deal. Choose from 15, 30, or 60 minutes, bring your co-pilots along with a group option for four, and prove once and for all that landing a plane is much harder than it looks on TV. Suitable from age 6+, which means yes… your child might land it better! 

Football Stadium Helicopter Tour Experience 

London might shout about its stadiums, but this is the North East, and we fly over ours. This helicopter tour gives football fans a bird’s eye view of up to iconic football stadiums. proving once and for all that the beautiful game looks even better from the sky. 

With space for up to four people, it’s the ultimate shared experience - whether you’re flying with fellow Geordie or dragging along someone who “doesn’t really like football”. And yes, this is your golden ticket to the home of the Magpies, soaring over Newcastle United territory like an absolute VIP.  

Treasure Hunt Across The UK 

This outdoor treasure hunt turns wandering into winning, with 2 hours and 30 minutes of clue solving and exploring our magnificent cities. 

Available all year round, it challenges you to uncover 40 famous landmarks and hidden gems, proving that some of the best discoveries don’t come with queues, crowds, or overpriced gift shops. It’s part puzzle, part adventure, and part excuse to properly explore what’s right in front of you - especially in places people usually scroll straight past on the map. Perfect for competitive couples, curious families, or friends who think they know the area really well. 

Q Hotels Spa Day in Hexham, Northumberland 

London spas might come with attitude and a waiting list, but this Q Hotels Spa Day in Hexham delivers ultimate relaxation. Tucked away in Hexham, this is your official permission slip to slow down, breathe out, and let someone else do the hard work for once. 

From facials and massages to body scrubs, exfoliations, and foot treatments, you can choose exactly how chilled you want to get with 30, 60, or 90 minute options depending on whether you’re dipping a toe into relaxation or diving in headfirst. You’ll also get full use of the spa and leisure facilities! 

Feeling fancy? Upgrade with a light lunch and prosecco, because a “you day” in the North East absolutely includes bubbles! Calm, indulgent, and refreshingly unpretentious just how spa days should be. 

Supercar Driving Experience 

If you think supercars belong exclusively in glossy southern showrooms, think again. This Supercar Driving Experience puts you behind the wheel of some seriously serious machines and no, you don’t even need a driving licence to feel like a total legend. 

Choose from heavy hitters like Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Jaguar, and Porsche, then take each one for a 3 or 6-mile blast around the track. And yes, that’s up to five supercars, because choosing just one would be cruel. Available Monday to Friday, it’s the perfect excuse to turn an ordinary weekday into something wildly unnecessary (in the best way). 

There’s a high speed passenger ride in a sports car, driven by their very own Stig style pro, the kind of ride that makes your stomach drop and your cheeks ache from laughing.  

Gaucho 3 Course Lunch With a Glass of Chandon 

Think great steak only lives behind velvet ropes in the capital? Not a chance. We know how to dine here in the north east and this three course lunch at Gaucho  proves that exceptional dining doesn’t need a London postcode to feel special. 

You’ll tuck into a starter, main, and dessert from a carefully curated set menu, packed with authentic Argentine flavours and cooked exactly how steak should be! Add a refreshing glass of Chandon sparkling wine, and suddenly lunch feels a lot more like an occasion. 

Set in Gaucho’s stylish, contemporary surroundings, this experience is effortlessly polished without being stuffy. And with multiple locations across the UK, it’s proof that standout dining has well and truly escaped the M25! 

So let's raise a glass to what we do here in the North East! Because sometimes, the best days out aren’t where everyone’s looking… they’re right up here, quietly stealing the show. 

Shaun.