Classes to Try in Newcastle This Year

The best classes to try in Newcastle this New Year

New year, new me. We’ve all said it so many times, but could this year be the year that you take the plunge and find a new hobby you truly love? If you live in Newcastle or close by, we’ve got plenty of ideas for classes in the city to try this new year.

These are a few of our favourites. Who knows you could be an expert potter, chef, yogi or boxer in no time.

Try a pottery class at the Pottery Experience

Where: 81 Fern Avenue, Jesmond, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE2 2RA

Always wanted to craft your own pottery to use at home? If the thought of creating your own mugs, plates, vases and more from a simple slab of clay appeals to you, then you should give it a go in 2024.

One of the best pottery classes in Newcastle is held at the Pottery Experience. In the Jesmond area of the city, it’s ideal if you’re a complete novice and want to try your hand at all things clay. Monthly classes are led by Lauren and the talented potters of the Pottery Experience. You’ll learn the basics and can really start developing your slab building skills. There’s a great community that attends most of the workshops too.

If you enjoy it, you can also sign up to one of the three-week pottery social courses or simply head down for regular wheel practice.

Cook up a storm at Blackfriars Cookery School

Where: Friars St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4XN

This is one of the leading independent cooking schools in Newcastle and the place to find some flair in the kitchen.

At Blackfriars, you can choose from a whole host of cookery classes to whet your appetite. Weekday classes are made for home chefs that want to explore something new. Different classes are held every weeknight at 6pm and last around three hours. Highlights include Bao and Beer, Vietnamese, Thai, Mexican, Fish and Seafood from Bengal, and more. You’ll learn all the skills, enjoy refreshments and have a meal to take home at the end.

There are also longer weekend classes, classes for kids and private dining too.

Get smiling at Happy Yoga

Where: 1st Floor, British India House, 15 Carliol Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6UF

If your goals in 2024 are all about a healthy body and a heathy mind, you can’t beat yoga. And there are plenty of fantastic yoga classes right across the city to boost your fitness, flexibility, and general levels of zen.

Some of the best yoga classes in Newcastle take place at Happy Yoga. Their mission is all about making yoga as fun and enjoyable as possible, ensuring it becomes a workout you actually look forward to doing. Whether you’re completely new to yoga, a mum looking to unwind or a runner wanting to fix sore legs and tight hamstrings, they have classes tailored around your needs.

Take to the stage at The Actors Forge

Where: St John The Baptists Church, Grainger St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5JG

If you’ve always secretly thought of yourself as a budding actor but never put yourself out there, now could be the time to step out of your comfort zone. And there’s no better place to do it than at the Actors Forge.

The Actors Forge is all about championing artists in the North East and they offer some of the best acting classes in Newcastle. If you’re a complete novice or you’ve done a little acting before, the best place to start is with one of the Foundation Courses.

The Saturday Foundations Course is held on Saturdays from 2.30 to 5.30pm. You’ll learn different acting techniques, with sessions covering dialogue, improvisation and more. The course leaders will also tailor the session to your needs and goals, with a focus on improving confidence, abilities and the craft of acting.

Try out a new fitness class

If you’re looking for a fitness class in Newcastle with a difference, why not try:

• Pole Dancing at Northern Pole Dance: This studio in the centre of the city has been running pole dancing classes in Newcastle for over 10 years and caters to all abilities.
• Boxing at McLean’s Boxing Gym: Training is run by Andy McLean – bronze medallist at the 1998 Commonwealth Games and former undefeated professional boxer.
• Pilates at Newcastle Pilates Studio: A bespoke, purpose built Pilates studio in Jesmond that will have you pushing your way to your fitness goals in no time.

If you’re jumping on the train and heading into the city to enjoy a class, don’t forget to book your tickets in advance online or on the TPExpress app to save yourself money and time at the station.