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Newcastle Castle: Delve into Medieval History with an Annual Admission Ticket
4.5
108 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.
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:
24 hours
Highlights
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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…
- 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
- Annual admission to Newcastle Castle
- Valid for 365 days from the specified start date
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- 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…
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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(108 Ratings)
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Gpb1725
Aug 5, 2025
Great Time spent in History - Great information and a lot of fun to explore the history of Newcastle. The tour takes about 90minutes but can spend as long as necessary. A lot of great insights into the history of the castle.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
B8795susp
Apr 25, 2025
Great Castle - Great castle, or rather, a former mini walled township. Such an interesting history with the Black Gate, Keep and former Garth. Great architecture, from Norman, later medievil, Victorian and Neo-Norman. Accessible entry with lifts available if needed. Plenty of things to do for children and adults alike with tours, activities, craft, brass rubbing, stories etc. Super views from the top of the keep, but there were lots of steps. I got my annual entry, and thought it was very good value in that respect.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Frank_v
Jan 13, 2025
Great experience for kids - We have been there the weekend before Christmas and our son (8 years) really enjoyed the nice explanation about the weaponry in the Castle. The guy that did the tour had great knowledge and made it a wonderfull experience from our end. Many thanks!
Review provided by Viator
Mwgerard221
Dec 26, 2024
Fun for any age - All of the guided tours were sold out but we still had a great time exploring Black Gate and the castle keep on our own.
We greatly enjoyed the exhibit run by the Society of Antiquaries, a local historical society. The displays were excellent and did a great job showing the area throughout the ages (not just the medieval castle times).
Staff was friendly and helpful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Navigator60056160819
Dec 21, 2024
The best place ever - I went with my family and and we got to explore the castle and it was really fun. They had the great hall they had prison. They had a bunch of stuff . The best part though was going to the top of the castle to see the view you could get a amazing view of the Tyne bridge and the quayside and the top was so cool . Definitely something to do in England.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael
Nov 26, 2024
Insightful - Lovely castle! Once you know the history, you will know what the castle really means. Sadly, you have to know that outside is another small castle/pillar, so I think the organiser should mention that clearly, or when you leave the first part of the castle.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chrisrc1560ef
Jul 31, 2025
Medieval Gym Disguised as a Tourist Attraction - Lace up those walking shoes and prepare your calves for the ultimate stairmaster challenge—Newcastle Castle doesn’t just have history, it has elevation. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to do leg day in a centuries-old fortress, this is the spot for you.
From the moment you spot the entrance—perched suspiciously high—you know you’re in for it. But like a true adventurer (or someone who refuses to turn back once committed), you begin the ascent. And just when you think you’ve earned a break, you’re greeted by the hilariously cruel sign: “99 steps to the best views in Newcastle.” At that point, your legs are too invested to quit, and your pride says, “We’re doing this.”
Each staircase leads to a new room full of fascinating tidbits about medieval life, assuming you can focus on reading while catching your breath. It’s easy to lose track of time as you explore—and possibly lose your sense of direction, thanks to the twisty layout and a slight case of stair-induced dizziness.
But the payoff? Sweeping views of the Tyne Bridge, the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, and the charming sprawl of Newcastle. Totally worth the quad burn.
Just a heads-up: being around 850 years old, the castle isn’t exactly a model of accessibility. So if stairs aren’t your thing, this may not be your ideal destination. But for the rest of us? It's history with a side of cardio. Bring water. And maybe a sherpa.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
The_coach55
May 14, 2025
Splendid Norman Castle with Great Views - Newcastle Castle is a short quarter of a mile walk away from Central station.
It is an old Norman castle built in 1080.
In 1643, during the Civil War it was besieged by Scottish troops on the side of the Parliamentarians.
There are several long and winding stairways to negotiate so it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
The views from the top of the castle are superb. A terrific panorama of Newcastle and the surrounding area.
I enjoyed the Great Hall with its collection of banners.
I paid £11.25 for over 65 admission. The regular price is £12.50. Your ticket allows readmission at any time during the subsequent 12 months.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wendy12312
May 3, 2025
Ideal to do during a day at Newcastle. - Nice to see. Nice as part of a day at Newcastle.
Lots of corridors and stairs. Nicely restored, additional information about the castle to read / view on site. View over the city.
About 1.5 hours stayed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mrwil_low
Apr 9, 2025
Newcastle's Castle - Worth visiting for its historical significance although this is quite a "bare bones" castle.
The gatehouse has a small shop and a bit of a museum about its history, including time as a slum and a pub. The keep is impressive, although it'll help if you know something about castles and local history. There is interpretation but this is principally by boards and a guide book. The views from the roof are great, and also show how close it came to being demolished by the Victorian railway programme.
You will need to be fit enough to clamber up (and back down) the hundred-plus medieval stairs in the keep as the Normans forgot to install a lift: it's well-lit but those with small children or more limited mobility will find this a challenge.
Your ticket does give a year's entry: a bit steep for a single visit, especially if you're a family.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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