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Newcastle Castle: Delve into Medieval History with an Annual Admission Ticket
4.5
94 Ratings
Newcastle upon Tyne
Explore Newcastle Castle’s medieval history with an annual ticket. Discover the Black Gate, royal fortress, dungeon, and new immersive exhibits.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Newcastle Castle - Newcastle’s most historic buildings, the Castle Keep and its 13th century gatehouse the Black Gate, were once part of a much larger fortress. Given its tumultuous history, it is miraculous that so much of Newcastle’s castle has survived intact.
Today you can explore the ancient passageways and chambers where Kings walked and villains were imprisoned. Find the marks left by the inhabitants through the ages and learn the fascinating story of the Castle Garth community which grew up around the ruins. The two buildings that remain were cut off from each other by the Victorian railways of the 19th century - an unfortunate side effect of the North East’s trailblazing role in the Industrial Revolution.
Exhibits guide visitors through the Castle’s history over the years: from settlement in Roman times, to medieval stronghold, use as a modern day museum and everything in between. Simply purchase your ticket from the Castle’s all-new Black Gate reception to begin your journey.
What's Included
- Annual admission to Newcastle Castle
- Valid for 365 days from the specified start date
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks, unless specified
Additional Information
Explore the site of the Castle that gave the city its name and discover its medieval gatehouse, the Black Gate. Uncover the changing face of the Castle through the ages: from royal fortress and border stronghold to grim dungeon and teeming slum. New exhibits allow visitors to experience what life would have been like for inhabitants in these two astonishingly preserved medieval buildings.
- The Castle consists of two buildings: the Castle Keep and Black Gate. While the Black Gate is fully accessible, the Castle Keep has many steep stairs and uneven surfaces.
- Dogs, with the exception of guide dogs, are not permitted entry. Buggies can be parked in the reception of the Castle Keep.
- The Castle Keep is a Scheduled Ancient Monument with several upper storeys which are not accessible to disabled visitors. However, there is an audio-video walk-through of the Castle Keep in the Gaol, the only fully accessible room in the Castle Keep. The Black Gate, however, has been fitted with ramps and an external lift. This allows access to the upper-levels of the building, including the shop. The building also has an adapted accessible toilet on its first floor.
- Steep uneven stairs that you should be aware of.
Location
Newcastle Castle
The Black Gate Castle Garth, Castle Garth
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(94 Ratings)
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Mattpp1326xh
Aug 7, 2024
Much better on the inside - From the outside it looks like a small castle keep. None the less I wandered in and was stunned at the £12.50 entry fee. But I paid it, and boy am I glad I did! The castle is more like a Tardis - bigger on the inside. And staffed by guides who talk at length about a subject if prompted. There is reproduction armour to try on and weapons to examine. Stocks, a pillory, demonstration for children and great views over the city. The ticket is valid for a year, so I can always go back again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H3587udsuej
Aug 2, 2024
Very interesting - What a surprising gem in the heart of the city. Lovely staff, cheerful and welcoming. Great admission price. Lots of stairs, wonky corridors and easy read info. The views from the roof are wonderful. Well worth a visit and an affordable price.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Polly45
Jul 23, 2024
Very enjoyable - Didn't know this was here...obvious now I know...had a great time here exploring the nooks and crannies...chat off the ladies in costume who work there was very interesting...good work out getting to the top but well worth it for the views across the city....pleased we did it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Colleen
Jun 22, 2024
Newcastle Castle Tour - As a huge history buff, this place did not disappoint. A fantastic job was done displaying and annotating the various artifacts that have been collected over the years. This castle dates back to the 1200s and is in remarkable shape, a testament to the people of Newcastle. The views from the top are spectacular and it was a great way to spend an afternoon and learn a remarkable amount of history in a short period of time. Highly recommend checking this place out. (Also highly recommend walking across the parking lot and having an adult beverage on the rooftop terrace of the Vermont Hotel, overlooking the castle.)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maryam_f
Apr 10, 2024
It was a fantastic... - It was a fantastic experience. The castle was very fabulous and the staff provided great service. Overall it was very good.
Review provided by Viator
Melaniesb3079wj
Apr 7, 2024
Enjoyable and interesting family visit - Took the kids and they enjoyed it, as did we, especially the Keep part which has lots of rooms and places to explore and interesting info about the castle through the ages. Thought price was good for what we saw and we were there for about 90 mins- also did blue light card discount
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vensure1
Jul 8, 2024
Where the New Castle all began! - This was a very prominent castle in bygone days, during the Norman conquest, and it showed in the interior...it was suitably decorated with standards and other artefacts, with informational plaques that I took in - great for a history buff like myself. The spaces were rather confined and the stairs quite steep, which was mildly unpleasant, but I understand the need to preserve the spirit of the era.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zahira
Jul 7, 2024
Interesting Castle Keep - There was a lot to see at the Castle Keep, lots of interesting facts about the history. The view from the rooftop was worth the cost. Recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sanski66
May 31, 2024
Good to visit to learn about the history of Newcastle 😊 - Indeed, if you are not prepared for the stairs, better skip this 😂 but it’s really worth all the climb! We had been to Newcastle for a couple of times but this was our first time at the castle itself. Very nice to learn about the history of the region. There were plenty of activities to educate and activate the kids.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tokyoj2000
May 20, 2024
Great Views - This historic castle is worth visiting. It gives an interesting story about the castle's role in the city. If you climb to the top of the tower you are given a superb view. On the way to the top there are several side rooms for you to visit as well. I enjoyed myself here.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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