English Tourism Week: Be a Tourist in Your Own City

Newcastle Castle, Castle Garth

Here’s your chance to explore the medieval castle that gives Newcastle its name! Situated just a short walk from Grey Street, plenty of this defensive fortification of the castle keep - its walls and battlements - survive to this day. So why not sign up for a 90-minute walking tour and step into the shoes of the region’s former residents, exploring and bringing to life the history which lies hidden behind the facade of our modern city?

Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Westgate Road~

Tread the boards and beyond with this unique opportunity to venture behind the scenes at Tyne Theatre & Opera House on one of their one-hour tours that delve deep into the theatre’s rich history. You’ll explore all aspects of the theatre including the under stage, backstage and many other secret areas never seen on a normal visit, including features of outstanding national importance, such as its lavish auditorium and historically significant wooden stage machinery.

The Common Room, Neville Hall, Westgate Road

This former North of England Institute of Mining & Mechanical Engineers was recently reinvented asThe Common Room Of The North and is a key heritage venue right in the centre of Newcastle. It’s a fascinating place to learn all about the region’s world beating engineering history through education and engagement. Explore The Common Room's heritage and see how the STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) exhibitions and installations inspire the next generation through stories about how engineers and innovators from the North East impact on the world - past, present and future.

The Lit & Phil, Westgate Road

Open to all and free to explore and browse, The Lit & Phil is a real hidden gem in the city. Founded in 1793, it’s been a hub for learning and enlightenment ever since, long before the city’s universities existed and continues to offer knowledge today. Get your hands on some amazing texts and documents - a treasure trove of information detailing the North East’s great and good. You can also take up an annual membership allowing you to borrow from its hallowed shelves.

Bessie Surtees House, Quayside

Bessie Surtees (Elizabeth Scott, Countess of Eldon) is an amazingly colourful character from Newcastle’s past who had a romantic and turbulent story. Her former riverfront house is a stunning and rare example of Jacobean architecture and the timber-framed window through which Bessie eloped is still visible. Though it's currently closed to the public, Bessie Surtees House often opens for special heritage days offering tours of this local gem.

Guildhall, Sandhill

You can’t fail to notice the distinctive neo-Grecian façade of the Guildhall standing proudly on the quayside, as it has since 1400. The building has undergone many changes and remodels in the intervening years and nowadays it stands as a dramatic reminder of the area’s historical past whilst housing the Hard Rock Café. The glimpses of historic architecture and its important place in the city’s heritage are still very visible though.

Newcastle Cathedral, St. Nicholas Square

Located in the heart of the city, Newcastle Cathedral is an excellent place to explore and take a break. Originally built in the 11th century in the English gothic style, its stunning interior features ornate mouldings, carvings and stunning stained-glass windows. It also holds the Grand Organ which you can often hear as you walk past the cathedral. There is always something interesting happening within and plenty of information and resources on display throughout this remarkable, history-laden building.

Theatre Royal, Grey Street

Renowned for its Royal Shakespeare Company plays, contemporary touring dramas, comedies and musicals, and of course its hugely popular annual pantomimes, the theatre was granted its Royal Licence by King George III back in 1788 and is regarded, quite rightly, as the finest theatre façade in the UK. You may well pass the exterior so often you take it for granted but unless you’ve taken one of its backstage tours, available with a Friends Plus membership, you might not be aware of the theatre’s rich history.

Morden Tower / City Walls, Stowell Street

Morden Tower on Stowell Street, in the west walls of Newcastle, is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, dating back to the 13th century. The tower and walls were built on ground sloping towards the south, which formed part of the precinct of the Dominican Blackfriars, and many of their buildings still survive today. More recently the tower has seen theatre and music performances bring fresh live to the ancient stones.

Swing Bridge, Bridge Street, Quayside

While the Tyne Bridge is perhaps the most iconic symbol of our city, the red and white hydraulic Swing Bridge, a very short walk along the riverside, is just as unique and embedded in Newcastle’s identity. The crossing itself dates back to Roman times and whilst it rarely swings open for river traffic anymore, you can still walk (or drive across) one of the region’s best loved and most remarkable feats of engineering.

Newcastle is absolutely saturated in history dating back to Roman times, and full of fascinating and unusual buildings. It's easy to take the place you live for granted, but we recommend treating it like a tourist, looking up some of the locations we've suggested online and spending a few hours immersing yourself in the history and drama of this remarkable city.

Main image: Newcastle Gateshead Quayside, ©  Visit England/Public Domain

Want to be in the know about everything that’s happening in Newcastle city centre? Sign up to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.