Side Photographic Gallery
A hidden Newcastle gem showcasing powerful documentary photography in an intimate, free-entry gallery space just below the Tyne Bridge.
Tucked into a quiet alley just below the Tyne Bridge, Side Photographic Gallery is a free-entry art space in Newcastle upon Tyne dedicated to powerful documentary and social-realist photography. Housed in a modest, split-level building, it showcases rotating exhibitions of local, national, and international work, often focusing on everyday life, social issues, and regional identity. The gallery is known for its intimate atmosphere, thoughtful curation, and an excellent shop offering photography books, prints, and related media. While small in size, it punches well above its weight in terms of impact and is a must-visit for photography lovers and anyone interested in visual storytelling.
A brief summary to Side Photographic Gallery
- 5-9 Side, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3JE, GB
- +441912322208
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Check the gallery’s website or social media before visiting to confirm opening hours and see what exhibition is currently on display.
- Allow at least an hour to fully appreciate the exhibition, read the texts, and browse the excellent photography shop.
- Visit on a weekday afternoon for a quieter, more reflective experience with fewer crowds.
- Combine your visit with a walk along the Quayside and a drink at a nearby riverside pub to make a full afternoon of it.
- Don’t miss the small study area and the range of photography books and prints in the shop – perfect for a meaningful souvenir.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from Newcastle city centre
From the main shopping streets or Central Station, allow 10–15 minutes to walk to Side Gallery. Follow signs towards the Tyne Bridge and the Quayside; the gallery is located in a narrow lane just below the bridge on the Newcastle side. The route is mostly flat and well-paved, suitable for most visitors.
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By public transport from Newcastle Quayside
From the Quayside, walk approximately 5–10 minutes uphill towards the Tyne Bridge. Side Gallery is tucked into a side lane on the Newcastle side, just before the bridge. Local bus stops near the Castle Keep and Central Station provide frequent services into the city centre, from where the gallery is an easy walk.
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By car from Newcastle city centre
Drive into Newcastle city centre and follow signs for the Tyne Bridge or the Quayside. Street parking is limited and often metered; the closest public car parks are in the Grainger Town and Central Station areas, about a 10–15 minute walk away. The gallery itself is not accessible by car, so park in the city centre and walk the final stretch.
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From Newcastle Central Station
From the station, walk west along Neville Street and then onto Westgate Road, continuing towards the Castle Keep and the Quayside. Allow 15–20 minutes for the walk, which is mostly flat and well-signposted. Side Gallery is located in a narrow lane just below the Tyne Bridge on the Newcastle side.
Side Photographic Gallery location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Side Photographic Gallery
A hidden gem in the heart of Newcastle
Tucked away in a narrow alley just below the Tyne Bridge, Side Photographic Gallery feels like a secret worth discovering. The entrance on Side, a quiet lane in Newcastle’s historic core, leads into a modest but deeply atmospheric space that has been a champion of documentary photography since the 1970s. The gallery’s unassuming exterior belies the richness within: a carefully curated programme of exhibitions that explore life in the North East and beyond through the lens of both established and emerging photographers. The split-level layout, with its exposed brick and industrial touches, adds to the sense of stepping into a place where art and community intersect.Photography with purpose
The gallery’s focus is firmly on social-realist and documentary photography, often highlighting stories of everyday life, work, and social change. Exhibitions frequently feature powerful series that capture communities, landscapes, and moments of history with honesty and empathy. Whether it’s gritty urban scenes, portraits of workers, or intimate family moments, the work on display invites close looking and reflection. Text panels and captions are thoughtfully written, providing context without overwhelming the images, making the gallery accessible to both photography enthusiasts and casual visitors. The changing programme means there’s always something new to see, encouraging repeat visits.An intimate and engaging space
Side Gallery’s small size is one of its strengths: it creates an intimate, almost conversational atmosphere where visitors can engage deeply with the work. The split-level design means different sections of an exhibition can unfold gradually as you move through the space, and the lighting is typically kept low to draw attention to the photographs. Friendly, knowledgeable staff are usually on hand to answer questions or offer insights into the current show. The gallery also hosts talks, artist events, and educational visits, reinforcing its role as a living cultural space rather than just a static exhibition hall.More than just a gallery
Beyond the exhibition rooms, Side Gallery offers a well-regarded shop that’s a destination in itself. Here you can find a carefully selected range of photography books, monographs, postcards, posters, and DVDs, often featuring the work of the photographers currently on display. These items make for meaningful souvenirs and support the gallery’s mission. There’s also a small study or reading area on the first floor where visitors can browse catalogues and related material, adding another layer to the experience. While there’s no café on-site, the surrounding area is full of excellent places to grab a coffee or a meal after your visit.Practical details for your visit
The gallery is free to enter, with donations welcome to support its programme. Opening hours are typically limited to a few days a week, so it’s wise to check the current schedule before making the trip. The space is compact, so a visit usually takes around an hour, though photography lovers may want to allow more time to absorb the details and read the accompanying texts. The gallery is located in a historic part of the city, close to the Tyne Bridge and the Quayside, making it easy to combine with a walk along the river or a visit to nearby pubs and bars. Its slightly tucked-away location adds to its charm, but a quick glance at a map will ensure you don’t miss it.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Guildhall
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Discover Newcastle’s historic Guildhall, a stunning 17th-century civic landmark rich in architecture and medieval heritage.
Castle Wall Well
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A medieval well marking Newcastle's 13th-century defensive walls and urban heritage.
Newcastle Keep
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Climb 99 steps through four centuries of medieval power and emerge onto rooftop views that define Newcastle.
The Black Gate
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Medieval fortress gateway where Newcastle's story began, now fully accessible with rich exhibitions.
Quayside
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Quayside is a dynamic riverside district where iconic bridges meet vibrant culture, blending industrial heritage with modern art and lively waterfront life.
The High Level Bridge
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A pioneering double-deck Victorian bridge uniting rail and road across the River Tyne, symbolizing Newcastle’s industrial heritage.
The Custom House Plaque
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A historic marker on Newcastle’s Quayside commemorating the 1766 Custom House and the city’s maritime trade heritage.
Newcastle city walls
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Medieval stone fortifications protecting a border town from Scottish invasion, now a historic monument woven into Newcastle's urban landscape.
Grey St
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Newcastle's finest street—a sweeping curve of neoclassical elegance and cultural heritage.
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River God
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St John the Baptist Church
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Iles Tours (Iles Group Ltd)
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Newcastle and District War Memorial
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A Portland stone tribute to courage, unveiled in 1923 and crowned by a bronze Saint George.
Unmissable attractions to see
Historic England North East & Yorkshire
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Explore Newcastle’s finest Jacobean merchants’ houses, famed for Bessie Surtees’ romantic 1772 elopement and richly preserved period interiors.
John Grundy Local Heroes Plaque
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Celebrate Newcastle’s rich heritage with the John Grundy Local Heroes Plaque along Hadrian’s Wall Path, honoring a beloved TV historian and cultural advocate.
All Saints Church
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Castle Garth & The Black Gate
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Newcastle Ghost Walks - Haunted City Tours
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Explore Newcastle’s haunted streets and historic landmarks on immersive ghost tours filled with chilling tales and authentic paranormal encounters.
Castle Garth
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Explore the medieval heart of Newcastle with panoramic views from the iconic Castle Keep and historic Black Gate at Castle Garth.
Newcastle Castle
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A Norman fortress at the heart of Newcastle, where royal power, rebellion, and city history converge above the River Tyne.
Site of Anglo-Saxon Church
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Explore Newcastle’s ancient heart where Roman roots, Anglo-Saxon heritage, and medieval stone keep converge in Castle Garth’s historic site.
Tyne Bridge
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Long Stairs
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Newcastle Cathedral
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Trinity House
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Discover Newcastle’s maritime heritage and medieval charm at Trinity House, a historic gem on the quayside with centuries of seafaring stories.
Bonkers About Alice
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Quayside Sunday Market
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A lively riverside market blending historic charm, artisan crafts, and vibrant street food every Sunday along Newcastle’s iconic Quayside.
Lit & Phil Library
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Essential places to dine
Uno's Trattoria
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Babucho
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Simla Restaurant
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Prima Restaurant
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Aveika
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Dobson and Parnell
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Kaltur Wine Bar & Restaurant
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House of Tides
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Native Cave Restaurant And Bar
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Miller & Carter Newcastle
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Portofino Restaurant
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The French Quarter
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The Broad Chare
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The Quayside - JD Wetherspoon
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Zucchini Pasta Bar
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Quayside News
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Souvenirs upon Tyne
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Retro , Vintage Clothing Newcastle.
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Discover timeless style and unique vintage finds at Retro Newcastle, your go-to boutique for retro clothing in the heart of the city.
Earl and Coco
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Quirky treasures and artisan delights await in this hidden gem of Newcastle's Grainger Town, where every find tells a story.
Corner Shop
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Independent city-centre shop offering curated everyday essentials and gifts on historic Pilgrim Street.
Living Essential
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Grainger Street's go-to for stylish, affordable homewares that make city living cozy and practical in Newcastle's heart.
Garms Newcastle
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Phillips & Wilde
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Discover exquisite gift baskets and gourmet hampers in Newcastle's iconic Grainger Market – perfect for festive cheer, corporate gifts, or personal indulgences amid vibrant market buzz.
Cath Kidston
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Soul Rebel (Newcastle)
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Newcastle Gifts
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The Yesterday Society Vintage Boutique
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Waceland
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Analog
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The Head of Steam Quayside
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Alvinos Bar
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Jalou
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Lady Greys
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Slug & Lettuce - Central Newcastle
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Newcastle's go-to for endless cocktails, bottomless brunches, and non-stop party vibes on Grainger Street – where every hour is happy hour.
The Mushroom Bar
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A compact, budget-friendly club-bar on Grainger Street that keeps late-night DJs, drink deals and a party crowd at its heart.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
