Low Fell is a former village and now an affluent suburb of Gateshead in Tyne & Wear. But, being semi-rural and still full of independent shops and businesses, it’ retained its village atmosphere.
It sits in an elevated position, which means some homes can enjoy views of Gateshead and the area’s parkland. Nevertheless, a car journey of less than 20 minutes will bring you to the heart of the Newcastle where you can access all the benefits of a major city.
However, all this means that prices in Low Fell are in high demand and, as a result, prices are steep compared to surrounding areas. The current average rests at £214,000 which is considerably above Gateshead and Tyne & Wear at large. You can check out the latest prices here.
Want to know more about the wider area? Read our guides to Newcastle and Tyne & Wear.
Living in Low Fell: what to expect
Rows of stately Victorian villas, built by Newcastle industrialists, dominate the area. The main Durham Road, which divides the suburb, is lined with independent shops, cafés and pubs. The Cannon pub dates back to the 19th century and is as much a focal point of the community today as it was in Low Fell’s days as a village.
There’s plenty of tree-lined avenues in Low Fell and no shortage of parks. But for real wilderness, the North Pennines, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is 40 minutes away by car.
Schools are good too. Kells Lane Primary School and St Peter’s Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School both received top ratings at their last Ofsted inspections.
Where to start your property search
The stately Victorian and Edwardian villas and detached homes along Durham Road, some of which are Grade II-listed, represent the top end of the Low Fell market. As well as generous gardens, many of these imposing properties come with gabled roofs, mouldings and stained-glass windows.
Spacious and detached homes – set back from the wide road and boasting bay windows and large driveways – can also be found on Valley Drive
For semi-detached family homes, take a look at Kenwood Gardens and Saltwell Road South. The latter benefits from proximity to the local park.
For terraced homes, hunt along Melrose Avenue. Here you will find roomy three-bedroom terraces with high ceilings, grand hallways and ornate cornicing. Slightly smaller two-bedroom red-brick terraces are scattered along Durham Road.
For bungalows, try Home Avenue. Many are semi-detached and have three bedrooms with manageable gardens.
For traditional country-style property, try Kells Lane and Rock Grove where you’ll find a range of stone-built character homes. For a larger property, search for semis on Beaconsfield Road, many of which are fronted with charming stone walls.
Further along Durham Road towards Gateshead you’ll find more modern properties. If you want a new-build, have a look around the Park View development, which consists of elegant three-storey townhouses.
At the lower end of the budget spectrum, there’s plenty of flats for sale in Low Kell too – and many being in converted older buildings, come with attractive character features such as open fireplaces and bay windows. Kells Lane is a good place to start your search here.
Getting around Low Fell
By rail: Low Fell’s nearest train station is Newcastle Central. From here residents can catch a direct train to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hexham, Liverpool Lime Street, London King’s Cross, Penzance, Plymouth, Reading and Southampton. A journey to Edinburgh takes 90 minutes whereas a trip to London will take three hours.
The Metro, which links travellers to the rest of Tyne & Wear, can be accessed in Gateshead.
By car: The principle road in and out of Low Fell is the A167, which connects residents to Newcastle in less than 20 minutes. To the south lies the A1, which later links to the A195(M) and trails south towards Durham.
By air: Residents can head to Newcastle International Airport to fly to one of 80 destinations ranging from Cork to Dubai. Flight providers include budget airlines Ryanair and Flybe.
Things to do in Low Fell
History: See a classic example of Gothic revival architecture at St Helen’s Church. The church was consecrated in 1874 and is built in freestone, a fine-grained stone. Once inside, make sure you look up to admire the open timbered roof.
More neo-Gothic architecture can be seen in the form of Saltwell Towers, which were constructed 1862. It’s now a venue for local events and exhibitions.
Cultural: Live music events are hosted across several pubs in the area. The Three Tuns on Sheriffs Highway showcases, for example, showcases local bands and hosts a regular ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition and quiz nights.
The Black Horse is another popular drinking hole.
Little Theatre in Gateshead has been entertaining the residents of Low Fell since it was built in 1943. It’s the home of the Progressive Players who put on with regular local performances.
Head south of Low Fell to see the iconic Angel of the North. The statue is 20 metres high and is made of 200 tonnes of steel. Its 54-metre wingspan has been dominating the local skyline since it was erected in 1998.
Outdoors: Ravensworth Golf Club is open to members and visitors all-year-round. Its 18-hole golf course offers views of the Tyne Valley and the Angel of the North.
The Green Flag park Saltwell Park attracts two million visitors every year. Within its boundaries are ornamental and woodland gardens, a boating lake, bowling greens and a maze. There’s also a tea room.
Shopping: Durham Road serves as Low Fell’s commercial hub. Look here for independent boutiques, bars and restaurants as well as small versions of high-street staples such as Boots and Co-op.
More high-street favourites can be found at Team Valley Retail World, one of the biggest retail parks in the UK. Big brands such as Next, New Look and TK Maxx can all be found here.
Food and drink: Enjoy upmarket cuisine at Eslington Villa, which prides itself on classic cooking with a modern approach. Try the braised pork cheeks or steamed smoked haddock with samphire.
The Aletaster is a traditional pub which serves real ale and has a large beer garden for summer-time drinking. Make sure you don’t miss its annual beer festival.
Opt for something spicy at Angeethi, whose chefs have pledged to stay true to the fundamentals of traditional Indian cooking. In addition to popular dishes it serves specials such as jeera duck. It also runs cooking classes.
Mediterranean cuisine is served at Rosa 12. From its first-floor restaurant you can enjoy views of the surrounding hills but if you want something more intimate, head downstairs to the Lugano Cellar Bar.
Hidden Low Fell
Underhill is the the former home of Sir Joseph Swan – a Low Fell physicist and chemist who developed the first incandescent light bulb. His house on Kell Lane was the first domestic building in the UK to be lit with electric lightbulbs.
5 reasons to live in Low Fell
Village atmosphere
Plenty of local shops and restaurants
Excellent schools
Easy access to Newcastle
Attractive Victorian housing
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