How to Find Us
Opticians in Grainger Market, Newcastle city centre. You’ll find us where you’ve always found us: inside Grainger Market, in the heart of Newcastle city centre, behind the same Victorian shopfront we’ve traded from for well over a century.
Grainger Market is one of Newcastle’s most historic buildings, and it can be a maze the first time you visit. This page tells you exactly how to reach us — whether you’re driving in, hopping off the Metro, or walking up from Central Station.
Our address and phone number
The Northern Optical Company1–4 Grainger Market
Newcastle upon Tyne
Tyne and Wear
NE1 5QG
Phone: 0191 232 7284
Map
The map below is centred on Grainger Market. Our unit sits inside the market building, so please use the walking directions underneath as well as the pin.
View our location on Google Maps · View a larger map
Opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
| Tuesday | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
| Wednesday | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
| Thursday | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
| Friday | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
| Saturday | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
We are also closed on bank holidays, when Grainger Market itself is closed.
Finding us inside Grainger Market
Grainger Market has eight entrances, spread across Grainger Street, Clayton Street, Nelson Street and Nun Street. Inside, the market is laid out as four numbered alleys plus the covered Arcade.
We’re in Alley 1, Units 1–4 — the alley closest to the Nelson Street side of the building. The simplest route:
- Enter the market from Grainger Street or Nelson Street.
- Head for Alley 1 — the alleys are numbered and signposted from the main walkways.
- Look for our original Victorian fascia and window display of frames. You can’t miss it.
Still stuck? Give us a ring on 0191 232 7284 and we’ll talk you in. Every trader in the market knows where we are too — just ask any of our neighbours.
Getting here by car and where to park
There’s no parking inside Grainger Market itself, but there are two large council-run car parks within a five-minute walk, plus several more a little further out. Newcastle city centre is a controlled parking zone, so it’s almost always easier to use a car park than to hunt for a space on the street. On-street parking does exist, but it’s best not to rely on finding a space this close to the city centre.
Grainger Town car park (closest)
- Waterloo Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4DP
- Roughly a 4–5 minute walk to our door
- 401 spaces, including 12 Blue Badge bays and electric vehicle charging points
- Holds both the Safer Parking Award and a Disability Parking Accreditation
- Pay by card or PayByPhone (location code 8103)
Come out onto Waterloo Street, walk up towards Clayton Street and Grainger Street, and the market entrances are straight ahead.
Eldon Square car park
- Percy Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RZ
- Roughly a 5–7 minute walk, downhill through the city centre
- 497 spaces, including 33 Blue Badge bays
- Open 8am to 10pm every day
- Pay by card or PayByPhone (location code 8102)
Handy if you’re combining your appointment with shopping in Eldon Square — walk down through the centre and out onto Grainger Street.
Other car parks nearby
- Eldon Garden — Percy Street, a minute or two from the Eldon Square multi-storey
- Dean Street and Quayside car parks — a slightly longer but flat walk up Grey Street
- Carliol Square and John Dobson Street — useful if you’re approaching from the east of the city
Tariffs and opening hours change from time to time, so it’s worth checking the Newcastle City Council car parks page for the latest before you set off.
Blue Badge parking
There are around eight Blue Badge bays on Nun Street, directly alongside the market — the shortest possible walk to the door. Grainger Town and Eldon Square car parks both have accessible bays close to the lifts. Please note that parking charges still apply to Blue Badge holders in council car parks, with a one-hour grace period after the time you’ve paid for.
Getting here by Metro
The Metro is the easiest way to reach us from anywhere in Tyne and Wear.
- Monument — about a 3 minute walk. Take the Grainger Street exit, turn left, and the market entrances are on your right.
- Central Station — about a 6 minute walk up Grainger Street.
- Haymarket — about a 10 minute walk down Northumberland Street and Grainger Street.
Monument sits on both the Green and Yellow lines, so you can reach us directly from the coast, the airport, Sunderland, Gateshead and everywhere in between without changing.
Getting here by train
Newcastle Central Station is around a six-minute walk away. Leave by the main entrance, turn left onto Neville Street, then right up Grainger Street — the market is a short way up on your left. It’s a gentle uphill walk on paved streets the whole way.
Getting here by bus
- Eldon Square bus station — about 5 minutes on foot
- Haymarket bus station — about 10 minutes on foot
- Plenty of services also stop on Clayton Street and Grainger Street, right outside the market
Park and Ride
If you’d rather not drive into the city centre at all, Nexus runs free and low-cost Park and Ride sites on the Metro network. Regent Centre, Four Lane Ends, Callerton Parkway, Kingston Park, Northumberland Park, Heworth and Stadium of Light all connect to Monument in well under half an hour. Check the Nexus website for current charges and space availability.
Cycling and walking
Grainger Town car park has eight bicycle stands and ten secure bicycle lockers. There’s further cycle parking around the market and along Grainger Street. We’re right in the middle of the pedestrianised core of the city, so if you work or shop in the centre, you’re almost certainly already within a ten-minute walk of us.
Accessibility
Grainger Market is on one level and step-free throughout. Entrances have a gentle ramp between the outer and inner doors, and the alleys are wide enough for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and prams. Accessible toilets are available within the market.
The market also runs Slow Shopping every Tuesday between 2pm and 4pm — music is turned off, deliveries are kept to a minimum, and traders take extra time with customers. If you’d find a quieter visit easier, that’s a good window to book an appointment with us.
If there’s anything we can do to make your visit more comfortable, please call us on 0191 232 7284 before you come in and we’ll do our best to help.
Book your eye test
We’ve been caring for Newcastle’s eyes since 1896 — NHS and private eye examinations, enhanced 3D OCT scans, contact lenses, and a carefully chosen range of frames and sunglasses.
Call 0191 232 7284, or use the links below to get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly are you in Grainger Market?
We’re in Alley 1, Units 1–4, closest to the Nelson Street side of the market. Enter from Grainger Street or Nelson Street and follow the signs for Alley 1.
Where is the nearest car park to Grainger Market?
Grainger Town car park on Waterloo Street (NE1 4DP) is the closest, around four to five minutes’ walk. Eldon Square car park on Percy Street (NE1 7RZ) is the next nearest.
What is the nearest Metro station?
Monument, about three minutes’ walk. It serves both the Green and Yellow lines.
How far are you from Newcastle Central Station?
About a six-minute walk up Grainger Street.
Are you open on Sundays?
No. Grainger Market is closed on Sundays and bank holidays. We’re open Monday to Saturday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Is your practice wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Grainger Market is step-free throughout, with ramped entrances and wide alleys. There are Blue Badge bays on Nun Street directly outside.
