If you’re looking for things to do in Newcastle this summer, The Hoppings is a fantastic addition to your to-do list. Europe’s largest funfair returns this year with over 400 of the country’s biggest and best attractions, from children’s merry-go-rounds to fast and furious thrill rides. Over half a million visitors come to enjoy themselves at The Hopping’s every year, bringing friends, families and groups together for a day out you won’t forget. Home to thrilling rides, attractions & great food stalls, The Hoppings is the ultimate summer destination for thrill-seekers. Best of all its less than 10-minutes by car to our flexible and comfortable Newcastle serviced apartment accommodation. Keep 17th to 25th June 2022 free for a great day out!
History and Heritage
The Hoppings first appeared on Newcastle Town Moor back in 1882 as a Temperance Fair. Originally the fair was held in conjunction with the annual race week hosted at the nearby Newcastle Racecourse. The idea behind it was to advise people to act ‘morally’ and abstain from alcohol. The next 50 years saw the introductions of the well-known rides and attractions we still use today. The Rotor (the spinning wall ride) was introduced in 1951 and in 1958 the Hook-a-Duck made its first appearance. Attendance at the fair increases and decreases with recessions but has never been below 100,000. The fair was only cancelled twice in its history, once in 2013 due to bad weather and a second time in 2020 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
The name ‘The Hoppings’ has unknown origins. The word Hopping means dance in middle English and first in those days included a dance spectacle. Another idea includes the type of clothing that the fair operators used to wear. It may also stem from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘hoppen’ meaning funfair. To this day, we still don’t know which is true.
The Attractions
There is a fantastic selection of rides, attractions and stalls to entertain all types of visitors. There are games like hook-a-duck and classic rides like Dodgems suitable for all ages. Children have a choice of over 100 age-appropriate attractions including bouncy castles, slides, teacups, mini coasters and much more – ideal to wear them out for bedtime! For thrill-seekers, they have the UK’s biggest rides to take you off your feet and way into space. Reach new heights with the Star Flyer sending riders nearly 200ft in the air or touch speeds of 80mph on The Mach Bomber, the UK’s favourite G4 listed attraction. For those who prefer a more relaxed funfair experience, you can enjoy panoramic views of Newcastle on the famous giant observation wheel
Practical Info
The Hoppings takes place every night between the 17th and 25th June 2022 on Newcastle Town Moor, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 3NH. The event is free to enter for all visitors and rides are priced individually and range from £1.50 to £5. You can prebook car parking at ta cost of £4 per car or £5 if you pay on the day. Car parks are open 30 minutes before opening time each day. Several toilet blocks around the site will include disabled toilets and baby changing facilities. You can bring your own food and drink but there is a wonderful selection of food providers offering a vast range of hot and cold food and drinks on site. The funfair is dog friendly, but you must keep your pooch on a lead at all times.
The site and the event are moderately accessible. This includes ramps and handrails around the rides and attractions, toilets for people with disabilities, and parking for the disabled nearer to the event site.
Accommodation in Newcastle
Make a weekend of it by booking serviced apartments in Newcastle and exploring the Toon in your own time. PREMIER SUITES are ideally located in the heart of the city, surrounded by bars, pubs, restaurants, shops and so much more. All major attractions are within walking distance, including The Hoppings which is a 25-minute walk or 10 minutes by car. We offer flexible, affordable accommodation for couples, groups and families in our one- and two-bedrooms suites. Each apartment is complete with a family-sized living space and bathroom, spacious bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen as standard.
Our best available rates and most up-to-date availability are exclusively available on our website. We look forward to hearing about your adventures in Newcastle.
