Looking back at 2025 – another year for the books
17th December 2025
2025 was a year of remarkable achievements for the North East. Milestone moments put our region firmly on the national and international stage and paved the way for more to come.
Newcastle welcomed not one but two major music ceremonies: the MOBO Awards and the Mercury Prize, with Sam Fender taking home the top honour. His St James’ gigs also generated £17 million for the local economy.
Mercury Prize by Chris Owens for Generator
Travel and film buffs were impressed with, Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later. Shot in our region, it’s inspired visitors from far and wide to explore its stunning filming locations. Enthused sports fans lapped up the Women’s Rugby World Cup opener at the Stadium of Light, while Newcastle celebrated the Magic Weekend’s 18th anniversary at St James’ Park with top Super League clashes.
The S&DR200 festival marked 200 years since the first Stockton & Darlington Railway journey on 27 September 1825. A spectacular open-air show in Bishop Auckland used projections, drones and 100 performers to bring history to life, while Locomotion in Shildon showcased an exhibition of Railway Firsts celebrating S&DR’s pioneering innovation.
Big projects were announced. A £120 million investment will turn Newcastle’s last major brownfield site into a new neighbourhood with up to 2,500 homes. This transformation will bring green spaces, shops and better connections, creating a lively community on the city’s riverside. A £10 billion AI and data centre in Northumberland is set to create thousands of jobs, while the Eastern Green Link will deliver renewable energy to the grid.
Reinforcing how our region leads in innovation, Newcastle University added to the momentum by improving dementia care, helping prevent inherited diseases and creating tools to spot heart and cancer risks early. The university is also cutting carbon with solar panels and biofuel, aiming for net zero by 2030.
Culture and leisure also shone. A wave of new and refurbished venues opened their doors, giving us even more places to enjoy. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the latest additions and upgrades from 2025 that you should check out soon.
Opened in March 2025, Dakota hotel brings understated luxury to the Quayside. With 118 beautifully designed rooms and suites featuring rainfall showers with Molton Brown products, you’ll find comfort and style in every detail.
Take in gorgeous riverside views, enjoy exceptional dining at The Grill and sip fizz in the Champagne Room. Business or leisure, Dakota offers a contemporary escape.
We fell in love with Hotel Gotham. Housed within a stunning Grade II-listed former fire, police and magistrates’ building, it’s Newcastle’s most decadent new destination for luxury stays, stylish dining and immersive nightlife. The five-star venue opened in November 2025, offering a multi-sensory escape packed with personality and panache.
Wylam Brewery recently added another establishment to its growing roster: Sandhill Arms, located on the Quayside amidst rich Tudor history.
This warming spot serves tasty Pink Lane pies, bar snacks and a wide selection of local and global drinks. It’s a welcoming place to bring your dog, and for those looking for a social gathering space, private hire is also available.
Located in the Grade II-listed Worswick Chambers on Pilgrim Street, STACK Newcastle is a venue across three floors, featuring eight bars, seven street food outlets and two cocktail bars that can be transformed into function rooms.
Attraction Sideshow invites you to enjoy circus-themed interactive games, adding a high-tech twist to traditional pub favourites such as shuffleboard and darts. Karaoke booths are also available. The outdoor terrace, with a stage and a large entertainment screen, sets the scene for their event’s programme.
Located in the historic former premises of the Duchess High School, the Bailiffgate Hotel opened its doors in April 2025. The iconic building overlooks the Barbican entrance to Alnwick Castle, which since Norman times has been a constant presence in the landscape. The hotel features 48 bedrooms, suites and apartments, as well as a stylish bar and restaurant together with a private dining space.
Last summer, The Tempus unveiled lakeside retreats in Alnwick. Nestled within the Charlton Hall countryside estate, the eight cabins offer stylish accommodation with private terraces and outdoor spa baths overlooking the lake. Fresh air, contemporary design and rural calm, together in harmony.
Cottages at Beamish Museum, Durham
Enjoy a trip back in time with a stay at Beamish Museum’s Georgian-style holiday cottages, set within the museum’s 1820s landscape in renovated original buildings. The self-catering accommodation, Potter’s Cottage and Drover’s Rest, has been carefully decorated by the museum’s team, concealing modern appliances.
With gardens that offer stunning views across the landscape, both cottages accommodate up to two guests, with Potter’s Cottage being dog-friendly.
The Pin at Ramside Hall, Durham
Ramside Hall Hotel and Golf Club revealed their Entertainment Centre, The Pin, for laid-back days and lively nights.
Equipped with a 43-bay Toptracer driving range, six-lane bowling alley, interactive games, a huge sports bar with curved screens, it’s all topped with a crowd-pleasing food and drink menu.
In 2025, Redhills Durham Miners Hall underwent a stunning refurbishment. Often called Durham’s “other cathedral,” it now thrives as a bustling community hub, celebrating the proud history of mining communities while inspiring future generations.
As a landmark of working-class organisation and solidarity, Redhills offers a unique window into the social and economic transformation of North East England. Today, it hosts cultural events, conferences and exhibitions, welcoming all who visit.