Corporate Hire at Newcastle Castle
Reimagine your event…
Since 1178, Newcastle Castle has been hosting dignitaries and representatives to the highest standard. 800 years ago, it was sheriffs and mayors, lords and ladies, and even kings and queens. Today, it could be you and your colleagues who follow in the footsteps of medieval royalty. Whether it’s business or leisure, we have something to offer that will ensure an unforgettable experience…
ICONIC VENUE
Perched dramatically over the banks of the River Tyne, Newcastle Castle is an instantly recognisable monument with incredibly well-preserved medieval interiors. Rebuilt in stone, its wooden predecessor gave the city its name in 1080.
PRIME LOCATION
Lucratively situated near Newcastle Central Station, the quayside and a range of hotels, Newcastle Castle is a prime city-centre venue. Across the river, key Gateshead landmarks such as The Glasshouse are just a short walk away.
EXTENSIVE CHOICE
Our corporate packages suit a range of occasions and budgets. You can spend a couple of hours on a guided tour of the site, a full day sharing your ideas with conference delegates, or even go all-out with an immersive medieval experience!
Rooms and Spaces
The Harbottle Suite
Situated within our 13th-century gatehouse, The Harbottle Suite is the perfect balance of historic charm and modern practicality. With a projector and screen, sound system, toilets and kitchenette, it is a comfortable and accessible space.
Building: The Black Gate
Capacity: 50
Accessibility: Step-free access via lift
Available for: Learning, away days, historical workshops, evening events, evening meetings
The Chapel
With its vaulted ceiling and distinctive Norman stone decoration, The Chapel is the most breathtakingly beautiful space at Newcastle Castle. Reserved for use by nobility and royalty, it is tailor-made to welcome the most distinguished guests.
Building: Castle Keep
Capacity: 30
Accessibility: 4 steps
Available for: Drinks receptions, networking
The Gaol
The Gaol is the oldest room in Newcastle, adorned with a striking central pillar which reaches high into a spectacular umbrella-vaulted ceiling. Situated on the ground floor of the Keep, it has step-free access for a truly inclusive and special evening.
Building: Castle Keep
Capacity: 50
Accessibility: Step-free access via ground floor
Available for: Drinks receptions, networking, Medieval Tavern
The Great Hall
The largest room in Newcastle Castle, with a 43ft-high ceiling and stunning decorative entrance, the Great Hall speaks for itself. It is a grand room of distinction and the most sought-after corporate space for all manner of evening functions.
Building: Castle Keep
Capacity: 80 standing, 50 seated at tables
Accessibility: 50-54 steps from ground floor
Available for: Networking, evening dinners, drinks receptions, film nights
The Rooftop
For unbeatable 360-degree views of Newcastle and Gateshead, look no further than the Castle Keep Rooftop. It is a true hidden gem that astonishes both visitors and locals alike, and allows you to raise a toast in the most memorable fashion.
Building: Castle Keep
Capacity: 80 standing
Accessibility: 121-124 steps from ground floor
Available for: Networking, drinks receptions
Medieval Additions
You and your guests could be greeted by surly guards, serenaded by a medieval musician, or entertained by a dramatic sword fighting display – whatever your preference, Newcastle Castle helps you to create a truly unique and memorable experience. Just add a little medieval magic to your event!
Corporate Packages
Whether you’re looking to impress your clients or bond with colleagues, we have the package to suit you. Corporate Hire at Newcastle Castle starts from as little as £10 per head for our indispensable guided tour, and our packages are designed to accommodate a variety of time and budgetary constraints.
Viewing the Venue
For hire of our spaces, we encourage all clients to arrange a free, non-committal visit to Newcastle Castle, where a member of our Venue Hire team will give you a tour of the facilities and discuss our packages with you in person. To arrange a viewing, just click here.
Booking
Once you’re set on your package and ready to book, email hire@newcastlecastle.co.uk with your preferred package, dates, and any other relevant information, and we’ll make your dream event a reality!
If you have any questions regarding Corporate Hire at Newcastle Castle, you can email, call 0191 230 6300, or visit our FAQs and Important Information page for a quick response to your query.
Food and Drink
Newcastle Castle is a dry-hire venue*, which gives you the flexibility to hire in food and drink suppliers to suit your tastes. You’re also welcome to bring your own, with no corkage charge for alcohol.
We have worked closely with a wide range of suppliers in the past and can offer personalised recommendations, from gourmet canapes to hearty hog roasts, and fine wines to fully-stocked bars.
And while we have a variety of in-house furniture and decorations for you, you are welcome to supplement or replace these with your own.
*excludes Medieval Tavern Nights and other inclusive experiences
Tours
Led by our experienced and knowledgeable guides, we offer in-depth guided tours of the old Castle Garth and Newcastle Castle Keep. From Roman fort, to medieval fortress, to Georgian slum, learn all about where the history of Newcastle began.
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Join our guide through the heavily-defended Black Gate barbican, past the harrowing Heron Pit and through the many majestic rooms of the Castle Keep. Finish on the rooftop for stunning views and the perfect group photo.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Capacity: 80 (maximum 20 per guide)
Availability: Year-round, between 09:00 and 21:00
Price: £200 per guide (£100 when added onto room hire)
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Want more? Upgrade your tour to include a weapons and armour handling session. You’ll get to wield a variety of medieval armaments, from deadly swords and brutal battle-axes, to heavy chainmail and great helms!
Duration: 2 hours
Capacity: 80 (maximum 20 per guide)
Availability: Year-round, between 09:00 and 21:00
Price: £250 per guide (£125 when added onto room hire)
Workshops
Keen to learn more about the history of medieval Britain? Why not book a workshop with us! With four fascinating subjects to choose from you’re bound to be entertained. What’s more: you can come to the Castle, or we can come to you!
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The Castle’s gaoler will deliver an entertaining and interactive introduction to the world of crime and punishment in Tudor England. From weird crimes to gruesome punishments, expect plenty of interesting anecdotes and gory details.
Space: The Harbottle Suite (Black Gate) or your venue
Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
Capacity: 40
Food and Drink: Self-service hot drinks included
Availability: Year-round, between 09:00 and 21:00
Price: £350 (£200 when added onto room hire)
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The fascinating subject of medieval warfare will be illuminated by one of the Castle’s own men-at-arms. Learn how castles were defended in centuries past, from the basics like bows, swords and shields to medieval chemical warfare, engineering and exploding pigs!
Space: The Harbottle Suite (Black Gate) or your venue
Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
Capacity: 40
Food and Drink: Self-service hot drinks included
Availability: Year-round, between 09:00 and 21:00
Price: £350 (£200 when added onto room hire)
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Our medieval physician will introduce you to the bizarre and wonderful theories behind medicine in the Middle Ages. From the training undergone by doctors, apothecaries and surgeons to the four humours, leeching, amputation, medicinal diets and more, this one is not for the weak of stomach!
Space: The Harbottle Suite (Black Gate) or your venue
Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
Capacity: 40
Food and Drink: Self-service hot drinks included
Availability: Year-round, between 09:00 and 21:00
Price: £350 (£200 when added onto room hire)
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The Castle cook is fresh from the kitchen and would like you to try their new menu! From hearty staples like pottage and frumenty, to luxurious pies, exotic spices and… purple carrots? You’ll get to taste the the rich and varied world of medieval food, without a single potato in sight!
Space: The Harbottle Suite (Black Gate) or your venue
Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
Capacity: 40
Food and Drink: Self-service hot drinks and food tasting included
Availability: Year-round, between 09:00 and 21:00
Price: £400 (£250 when added onto room hire)
Evening Functions
Impress your clients and colleagues by hosting a spectacular evening function at Newcastle Castle. Feast like royalty in the Great Hall, clink glasses in the Gaol, or marvel at the stunning cityscape from the Rooftop.
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Space: The Great Hall and Gaol (Castle Keep)
Duration: 18:30-23:00 (4.5 hours)
Capacity: 50
Food and Drink: Not included. External hire available, or self-catered food and drink (no corkage)
Availability: April to October (inclusive)
Price: £1,200
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Space: The Great Hall and Gaol (Castle Keep)
Duration: 18:30-23:00 (4.5 hours)
Capacity: 50 (seated at tables), 80 (standing)
Food and Drink: Not included. External hire available, or self-catered food and drink (no corkage)
Availability: April to October (inclusive)
Price: £1,200
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Space: The Rooftop (Castle Keep)
Duration: 18:30-23:00 (4.5 hours)
Capacity: 80 (standing)
Food and Drink: Not included. External hire available, or self-catered drink (no corkage)
Availability: April to October (inclusive)
Price: £700
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Space: The Harbottle Suite (Black Gate)
Duration: 18:00-23:00 (5 hours)
Capacity: 50 (theatre), 42 (long tables), 30 (cabaret), 25 (board meeting)
Food and Drink: Catering available to order, or self-catered food and drink (no corkage). Complimentary self-service hot drinks included
Availability: Year-round
Price: £700
Medieval Tavern Night
Party like it’s 1399 in your very own fourteenth-century tavern! Grab a tankard of ale or a goblet of wine and prepare to be entertained with the finest variety of medieval entertainment, from popular melodies to bawdy tales. Authentic medieval food is also available to pre-order, and all staff are dressed in period clothing to give you and your guests an immersive experience!"
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Space: The Gaol and Chapel (Castle Keep)
Duration: 19:00-23:00 (4 hours)
Capacity: 40 (50 if using Chapel overflow)
Food and Drink: Welcome drink included. Food and drink purchasable, or all-inclusive option available
Availability: Year-round
Price: £3,500 (add £40 per head for all-inclusive experience)
Film Night
Experience a cinematic spectacle in a truly unique space with our private film night hire! With thousands of films to choose from, you and your colleagues can enjoy a spine-tingling thriller or an epic fantasy flick in the awe-inspiring Great Hall.
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Space: The Great Hall (Castle Keep)
Duration: Film length + 30 minutes (from 18:00)
Capacity: 60
Food and Drink: Not included. Self-catered food and drink allowed (no corkage)
Availability: April to October (inclusive)
Price: £900