We look forward to welcoming you into Newcastle Castle
Opening Hours
We are open 7 days per week from April to October. From November to March Newcastle Castle will be open 5 days per week and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We are open 7 days a week during school holidays.
Current Opening Hours:
Monday - 10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday - 10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday - 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday - 10:00 - 17:00
Friday - 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday - 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday - 10:00 - 17:00
Our last entry is at 16:00. The Black Gate will close at 16:30 and the Castle Keep will close at 17:00
Full or Partial Closures
There are currently no full or partial closures of areas of the site planned.
Getting here
It’s super-easy to find us! We are in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne.
A defensive fortification throughout medieval times, Newcastle Castle is situated a short walk down the Grade I-listed 19th century Grey Street and in a prominent position overlooking the city's iconic Quayside. Occupied for nearly 2000 years, the area is a naturally defensible site with steep sides overlooking and running down to the River Tyne. Visitors can explore all four floors of this Scheduled Ancient Monument!
The map shows where we are and we have provided some useful travel information below as well.
Ways to get here
By Car
Newcastle City Centre can be reached via the A1 (M), which links the area to Scotland and the south. If travelling west from Carlisle or the Lake District, take the A69, or the M6 from the south and west of England.
Sat-nav users - our postcode is NE1 1RQ.
Some limited on-street parking is available outside The Vermont Hotel, adjacent to the Castle Keep. The nearest major public car park can be found on Dean Street. Walk out of the car park, cross straight over Dean Street and almost directly in front of you is a small stairway that brings you up into Amen Corner, to the east side of the Castle. There are numerous other parking facilities, including multi-storey facilities and 48 surface car parks operated by Newcastle City Council.
The Quayside's multi-storey car park is approximately 12 minutes’ walk away and can hold up to 500 vehicles. For a full guide to parking in Newcastle, visit Newcastle City Council's website.
By Bus / Metro
Tyne and Wear Metro:
The Nexus operated Metro service operates into Newcastle city centre - with several stations in close proximity to Newcastle Castle. The nearest stations are Monument Station (at the top of the Grade I-listed Grey Street) and Central Station, both less than ten minutes' walk away. If travelling from the Airport via Regent Centre, you will have to alight at Haymarket and change platforms. For more advice planning your journey, visit the Nexus website.
Bus Services:
The Q1 QuayLink bus service runs to the bottom of the Side, the medieval Quayside street which leads up to the Castle. Public buses run outside of the Black Gate into Gateshead and towards Durham and Chester-le-Street once every 15 minutes (weekdays and Saturdays). For full bus service timetables, refer to the Arriva and Go North East (Simply Go) websites.
Foot / Cycle
From the city centre:
Head down Grey Street, passing by the Theatre Royal. Turn right along Mosely Street, which will bring you out to the north facade of St Nicholas Cathedral. The Black Gate is a short distance along St Nicholas Street.
From Central Station:
As you leave Central Station, turn right along Neville Street. Following Collingwood Street will bring you to St Nicholas Cathedral. Turning right down Westgate Road will bring you to the railway bridge that stands between the Black Gate and Castle Keep.
From the Quayside:
Alight the Side - the main medieval route into Newcastle. Alternatively, you can take Dog Leap Stairs. They're steep but rise straight up to the Castle.
The Castle Stairs are another route. These can be found on the Quayside, across the road from the Swing Bridge. Again, this is steep but will bring you straight up to the Castle Keep.
By Train
Newcastle Central Train Station is just five minutes' walk from Newcastle Castle. Visit East Coast or First TransPennine Express for ticketing and timetable information.
When leaving Central Station, turn right along Neville Street. You will pass by the monument to George Stephenson, father of Robert Stephenson, as well as The Literary and Philosophical Society and the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers.
You can then follow one of two routes:
Following Collingwood Street, will bring you out to our neighbours, St Nicholas Cathedral. Alternatively, turn right down Westgate Road. This will bring you past the railway arches which stand in between the Castle Keep and Black Gate.
Accessibility
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 a designated area - please ask a member of staff.
Wheelchair users:
The Castle Keep is a Scheduled Ancient Monument with several upper storeys which are not accessible to disabled visitors. 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 reception, where you can purchase items from our gift shop. The building also has an adapted accessible toilet on its first floor. While the Keep offers limited access, a video tour of the Castle is available on the ground floor. Concessionary ticket prices are available for disabled visitors who may not be able to experience the Castle in its entirety.