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to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
It's #EnjoyNuL Week (20th-26th March), so to celebrate, here's our rundown of five of the best things to do in Newcastle under Lyme!
Thanks to Staffordshire bloggers and influencers Bethan Shufflebotham and Sonya Farrell for their help putting this together.
New Vic Theatre
The New Vic Theatre is an absolute must visit on your next trip to Newcastle under Lyme!
One of Staffordshire’s cultural gems, the New Vic was Europe’s first purpose-built theatre-in-the-round when it opened in 1986, and is one of only 11 theatres of its kind in the UK.
It’s renowned for exciting, critically-acclaimed productions, and its ground-breaking work with New Vic Borderlines, which uses theatre to help disadvantaged groups, young people at risk of offending, and adults with learning difficulties develop positive attitudes and build self-worth.
There’s a packed programme of events all-year round, from theatre and poetry to live music and stand-up comedy.
Highlights for 2023 include John Godber's classic play Bouncers (28th March-1st April), a new adaptation of Arnold Bennett's The Card (20th May-10th June), and a spectacular version of The Nutcracker at Christmas (17th November-27th January).
Find out more at https://www.newvictheatre.org.uk/
Town Centre Events
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With its bustling markets, music festivals, and celebrations of Staffordshire's Greatest Showman Philip Astley, Newcastle under Lyme town centre is always a hive of activity!
Newcastle under Lyme Markets offer a great shopping experience, with a general outdoor market four days a week for all your essentials, and popular themed events like record fairs, antiques and collectibles markets, and the monthly Castle Artisan Market, for the very best locally-made produce and gifts.
The Homecoming in June celebrates Philip Astley, The Father of the Modern Circus, with spectacular acrobatics, circus skills workshops, street theatre, magic shows and more!
And each summer, the Lymelight Festival showcases the best local bands, while the Newcastle Jazz and Blues Festival attracts performers from far and wide to the town's many pubs and bars.
You could win a £50 voucher to spend at either of Castle Artisan Market's April events - just share your images of the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme before 5pm on Sunday 26th March!
Full details are available at https://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/ideas-and-inspiration/competitions/photography-competition
Image: Clara Lou Photography
Affinity Staffordshire
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There's more great shopping on offer at Affinity Staffordshire, home to over 40 top brands and discounts of up to 60%.
Browse the fantastic selection of men's, women's and children's clothing at Next, H&M, M&S, Crew Clothing and indies like Terraces and Rosie Wilson.
You'll also find footwear, gifts, homeware, and accessories, as well as stunning makeovers, refreshing coffees and indulgent desserts - everything you need under one roof!
And there's fun for younger visitors too with soft play, the Affinity Kids Club in the school holidays, and visits from a special someone at Christmastime.
Find out more at https://www.affinitystaffordshire.com/
Image courtesy Birmingham Mail
The Clubhouse
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Clubhouse Stoke is a fabulous underground crazy golf course which opened in Newcastle-under-Lyme in 2019.
After heading down the escalator, you’re met with a very rustic DIY course all handbuilt by the owners, with 18 holes to complete.
Perfect for those with a competitive streak, this wacky course will certainly put friends and family through their paces as you take on the inflatable man, Easter Island heads, windmills and loop-the-loop.
There’s even a UV room with Staffordshire-related artwork painted onto the walls, including Eddie Hall, potbanks and The Man of Fire, where you must attempt to get your golf ball through a basketball hoop.
After completing the course, there’s an even trickier 19th hole which can earn you a free game next time.
Clubhouse Stoke also has some amazing 80s games, including Space Invaders and Pac-Man for 50p a go, as well as gaming booths, table tennis and a beer pong table!
By Bethan Shufflebotham. Bethan's blog at https://beffshuff.com/ is packed with ideas on fashion, lifestyle, and things to do in Staffordshire, and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram too!
Image courtesy Bethan Shufflebotham
Brampton Museum
Less than half a mile away from Newcastle-under-Lyme Town Centre is a hidden gem which is the Brampton Museum.
Steeped in history, and the former family home of Thomas and Jane Mellard, this unique building is full of not just educational artefacts, but fascinating exhibitions.
Inside the museum there is always something to catch the eye and take you back in time - especially the fantastic Victorian Street upstairs.
Various art exhibitions have taken place at this hidden gem and the Brampton Museum has also had renovations, which include a brand new and exciting gallery space - the Jim Wain Courtyard Gallery.
There is always something to learn, something to talk about and enjoy when visiting this delight, where friendly staff are always on hand to greet and assist. With some free parking and beautiful gardens this museum is one not to miss.
Brampton Museum is educational, it’s intriguing and there are little gems to be found in every single room. This is a place to visit for all the family – young or old and one always on our list.
By Sonya Farrell. For more news on places to visit in Newcastle, follow Sonya on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, visit her website www.babababoon.co.uk, or subscribe to her regular newsletter at https://www.babababoon.co.uk/newsletter/
More Things to Do in Newcastle-under-Lyme
This is only the beginning when it comes to things to do in Newcastle under Lyme!
If stunning panoramic views are your thing, the climb to Mow Cop Castle is well worth it, while Apedale Country Park has plenty to offer too.
Apedale features in our Walks in Staffordshire: Newcastle-under-Lyme blog alongside three other fabulous options.
Looking for somewhere to refuel? Read our Four Great Places to Eat in Newcastle-under-Lyme blog for some of the best pubs, restaurants and tea rooms in the Borough, including Amore Italian, and Pasta di Piazza.
And with homely rural retreats including Betley Court Farm Cottages, the rustic charm of Slater's Country Inn, and the contemporary comforts of The Courtyard by Marriott, there's lots to choose from if you fancy staying longer.
There's also plenty more on food & drink, events, accommodation and attractions in our Newcastle-under-Lyme section at https://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/ideas-and-inspiration/explore-our-destinations/newcastle-under-lyme
Related
A world famous theatre-in-the-round presenting plays, musicals, concerts, and more. Facilities include a restaurant, bars, and onsite parking.
Open Monday to Saturday, with many Sunday event markets, Newcastle-under-Lyme Markets is your historic local market. We host up to 60 stalls selling 1000s of quality products in a high street setting with additional town centre attractions and heritage buildings. The market was established in 1173 and has become a defining feature of the town centre, attracting visitors from miles around.
With over 40 great stores offering up to 60% off including Nike Clearance, M&S and Clarks Outlets, you'll find a fantastic range of fashion and footwear, plus gifts, homeware and accessories all at amazingly low prices.
Brampton Museum consists of a number of galleries featuring collections telling the story of Newcastle-under-Lyme and its people from the Roman invasion onwards.
