Newcastle Castle Tours

Newcastle’s oldest building, Newcastle Castle comprises a 12th-century keep and the 13th-century Black Gate gatehouse. Once part of a huge fortress, the two separate, restored fortifications offer the chance to roam ancient chambers, chart the castle’s and city’s history, and soak in sweeping views of Newcastle’s Quayside.

The Basics
Originally incorporated into the “new castle” that gave the city its name, the castle keep and Black Gate offer a fascinating window into the fortress’ history. Follow in the footsteps of kings through the corridors and chambers; see a pit where prisoners were kept; chart the castle’s turbulent history through the museum and audiovisual installations; and enjoy the rooftop views from the keep.

Visitors can prebook entry to save time while in the city and then explore the buildings in their own time. Most guided tours of Newcastle and its Quayside include stops outside the Black Gate, while other options include extended tours that delve deeper into Newcastle’s history and include both admission to, and a tour of, the castle.
 
Things to Know Before You Go

• Newcastle Castle is a must-see for history lovers and families with children.
• The Black Gate is wheelchair-accessible, but the castle keep is not. A video tour of the castle is available if you’re unable to explore in full.
• The castle is partially stroller-accessible, and strollers can be stored at the Black Gate reception at staff’s discretion.
• Standard and wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available on-site.
• Be prepared for lots of steep stairs.

 
How to Get There
Newcastle Castle is located north of Newcastle’s Quayside, near St. Nicholas Cathedral, and on the Side, a street leading up from the Quayside. Reach it on foot by walking down Grey Street, then turning right on Moseley Street and left into St. Nicholas Street. The nearest metro station is Monument on Grey Street. Newcastle railway station is a 5-minute walk away via Neville Street and Westgate Road.

When to Get There
Newcastle Castle is open from midmorning to late afternoon daily, all year round. The busiest times are weekends and school holidays, so your best bet if you want to visit during a quiet period is to arrive soon after opening time on weekdays.

Don’t-Miss Stories and Secrets of Newcastle Castle
Newcastle Castle is steeped in legend, so be sure to check out some of its most disturbing sights and tales. Don’t miss the Heron’s Pit—a onetime cell where prisoners were thrown without light or ventilation—and hear about the ghost of a soldier that haunts the Black Gate.