Join in with NE1’s advent calendar on the run up to the big day, as the hugely popular 24 Doors of Christmas returns to the city. A different cultural venue will throw open their doors every day from 1st-24th December, offering an opportunity to take a sneak peek behind the scenes on an exclusive tour, learn some fascinating facts and discover some of Newcastle’s most iconic buildings as you’ve never seen them before. Events are free, but tickets must be booked in advance, so don’t delay!
As well as the delights listed below, also taking part in 24 Doors this year are venues including Laing Art Gallery (1st Dec), Bank House (9th Dec), Discovery Museum (10th Dec), PureKnead Bakery (11th Dec), Live Theatre (14th Dec), Newcastle Civic Centre (16th Dec), The Common Room (17th Dec) and The Lit & Phil (21st Dec), with many more to be confirmed. Here’s a little taster of some of the wonderful events to enjoy this year...
Friday 2nd December
Get properly into the festive spirit with a tour of an underground gin vault! Collingwood Street cocktail bar and gin joint The Continental will unlock the secrets of the former bank vault in their gorgeous Grade II listed building, and share their passion for gin. The Gin Vault is where The Continental and sister venue Decantus host gin tasting events, and visitors can learn all about the history of gin, production methods and how to make a perfect G&T with garnishes and botanicals. As a special festive treat there’s a complimentary tasting session too!
Saturday 3rd December
Grey’s Monument
The iconic landmark of Grey’s Monument is seldom open to the public, but for this very special season NE1 have secured a rare and exclusive tour of the structure. Get a bird’s eye view from the Grade I listed 130ft tall monument, and learn about the fascinating history behind the statue of former prime minister Earl Charles Grey with local experts Iles Tours.
Monday 5th December
Newcastle’s history is rich and varied, and nowhere is this better seen than at Blackfriars, a former Dominican friary which dates back to the 13th Century. Now housing the much-loved restaurant, which is believed to be the oldest purpose-built dining room in the UK, a special tour will get you behind the scenes of this unique venue and delve into its medieval past. Enjoy a hot drink while marvelling at the magnificent banquet hall which is fit for a King (and was frequented by several, including Henry III and Edward III).
Thursday 8th December
The brains behind the current redevelopment of Pilgrim Street, award-winning architectural practice Ryder offer up a tour of their Newcastle home, the Grade II listed Cooper’s Studios, which has been lovingly restored. Once a horse and carriage repository which hosted weekly horse auctions, the building was originally constructed in 1897 for businessman James Cooper. Ryder Architecture’s tour will reveal the building’s unique history and some of its beautiful period features.
Monday 12th December
Having celebrated their 155th anniversary this year, the venerable theatre on Westgate Road offers a one hour tour of their gorgeous Grade I listed theatre. Discover Victorian features like its lavishly designed auditorium and their innovative wooden stage machinery, and head backstage to learn about the fascinating people that have trodden the boards, including their resident ghost!
Tuesday 13th December
The Guildhall
Take a peek behind the scenes of one of the city’s most powerful buildings as Newcastle City Guides lead a tour of the Guildhall. Usually closed to the public, parts of the building date back to the 17th Century, and its neo-Grecian facade was completed by renowned local architect John Dobson. This special tour will uncover the stories behind some of the building’s most impressive rooms, including the Mayor’s Parlour and Merchant Adventurers’ Room, as well as the old courtroom where many a felon met their fate.
Thursday 15th December
Morden Tower
Morden Tower is one of the city’s most fascinating spaces. Built in 1280 as one of the 17 turrets which were part of the medieval town walls, the tower now finds itself located in the heart of the city’s vibrant Chinatown. During the 1960s it found a new lease of life as a world-renowned venue for poetry readings and hosted the likes of Allen Ginsberg, Basil Bunting and Seamus Heaney, and even as recently as a decade or so ago was still used for live music and recitals. Take this incredibly rare opportunity to uncover a quirky piece of the city’s history on this amazing visit with Iles Tours.
Saturday 24th December
St Nicholas’ Cathedral marks the perfect finale to NE1’s 24 Doors of Christmas programme. Drop in at any time during the day to enjoy this spectacular Grade II listed building, and join in with some of the events planned to mark the festive season. A Crib Service tells the story of the nativity and is ideal for families (11am), the Festival of Nine Lessons and Candles includes uplifting bible readings, carols and hymns (6.30pm) and the first Eucharist of Christmas is held by candlelight in a beautiful service featuring traditional carols and choral music (11.30pm).
24 Doors of Christmas is a wonderful way to start your festive month, with a wealth of hidden gems, local landmarks and quirky spaces to enjoy. Get your diaries filled now!
