From independent clubs and grassroots parties to seaside fish shacks and riverside walks, England’s North East has a character entirely its own. For DJ, producer and broadcaster Niamh, the region is deeply tied to identity, community and music culture — a place where underground nightlife and industrial heritage sit side by side.

Hailing from England’s North East, Niamh is securing her position as one of the most exciting emerging electronic music prospects in the UK and beyond. As a DJ, producer, writer and broadcaster, Niamh’s drive and versatility have seen her collaborate with some of the biggest names in electronic music while contributing to leading dance music publications and platforms. Her track Opposite Commute is out now.

Here’s her personal guide to some of the North East’s essential spots.

Where to Dance in Newcastle & North Shields

World Headquarters

If you’ve never been to World Headquarters in Newcastle, get to know. It’s an independent club and promoter based in the city centre, and it’s always got something on the go. We’re talking everything from almost every electronic sound imaginable to more hands-on community-driven projects too.

They host regular open decks for aspiring DJs, alongside a programme called Break The Loop, which supports and develops women and non-binary DJs who may not yet have the equipment or knowledge of where to even begin. Proper grassroots stuff.

King Street Social Club & Are You Affiliated

From there, head a little further north from Newcastle for an Are You Affiliated party at King Street Social Club in North Shields.

Man Power — the brains behind the party and now also the venue — is a bit of a local legend. Over the years, Are You Affiliated has brought names like Palms Trax, Crazy P and Erol Alkan to North Shields, which still feels like a slightly surreal sentence to write.

They’ve already announced forthcoming parties and teased a few upcoming guests too, so it’s worth timing your trip around one of them.

Where to Eat, Explore & Experience the North East

Riley's Fish Shack

While you’re up that way, spend some time exploring Tynemouth and stop by Riley’s Fish Shack for a bite to eat.

Even in relentless UK rain, Tynemouth is beautiful — but catch it on a particularly good day and you’ll genuinely wonder whether you’re in the North East or Barbados. Truth.

Tiny Tiny

Afterwards, hop on the Metro and make your way back into Newcastle city centre.

A strong recommendation here is Tiny Tiny, a spot that does a bit of everything beautifully. Whether you’re after a full meal, a quick snack or simply one of their elite mint teas, it’s the kind of place you end up lingering in longer than expected.

Quayside Walks, Music Culture & River Views

Newcastle Quayside & The Tyne Bridges

You’ll then want to wander down to the Quayside — somewhere I love spending hours.

Stretching along the River Tyne between Newcastle and Gateshead, it’s one of the most iconic walks in the region. Along the way you’ll pass cafés, riverside bars and some of the North East’s most recognisable landmarks, including the Tyne Bridge and the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

If you happen to be there on a Sunday, make time for the independent market too — and bring some spare pennies.

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

While you’re on the Quayside, definitely head into The Glasshouse, formerly known as The Sage.

The venue is a major international music centre and educational space on the Gateshead side of the river, home to three performance spaces and the Royal Northern Sinfonia. Alongside concerts, it hosts workshops, talks and community classes spanning a huge range of genres and disciplines.

It’s also completely free to walk around and explore, with a lovely café, shop and plenty of spaces to sit, read and discover more about music culture. For any music geek — regardless of genre — it’s a dream.

A Day Trip to Durham & Beamish Museum

Beamish Museum

After Newcastle, continue your way down towards Durham — but make sure to stop at Beamish Museum en route.

The open-air museum recreates life in North East England from the 1800s through to the mid-1900s, with historic streets, homes, shops, transport and working spaces spread across a huge site.

As someone who comes from a family that worked in the coal mines in the North East, spaces like Beamish feel very sentimental because they honour the area’s industrial heritage which is so crucial to so many of our identities, mine included.

Beyond the history, it’s simply a beautiful place to spend a day wandering. And yes — definitely go to the sweet shop.

Discovering Durham

Once you’re done there, continue into Durham city centre and simply soak it all in.

It’s a beautiful, sprawling little city best explored slowly and without too much of a plan.

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