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 A medieval church of merit |
Pilgrim Street Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 3UF United Kingdom +44 191 261 2457 |
The medieval All Saints Church was rebuilt in 1786-96 by local architect, David Stephenson and is well worth visiting. It has a spire which dominates the skyline, while inside there is much to catch the eye - the woodwork is solid mahogany, and the stained glass and brass plate are of great architectural merit. The church sits proudly on the high bank of the river and has views over the Quayside and the Tyne Bridge. It is open daily all year round but the opening hours do vary so check before travelling. Parking is available near by - at Broadchare and Quayside or City Road multi-storey. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: flix2sho |
 Photo: Clive Marshall |
 Photo: Peter Kelson |
 Roman fort with fully reconstructed gateway |
Baring Street Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE33 2BB United Kingdom +44 191 456 1369 |
The continuing excavations at Arbeia have revealed the remains of an important Roman fort and supply base near the eastern extremity of Hadrian's Wall. The Romans had a fort on the site from the first to the fourth century AD. Archaeologists have also found the remains of an Iron Age settlement that was there before the Romans and of two people who died violently during the Dark Ages. The life-size replica of the West gate was built on the site of the original gate and is an ideal introduction to what a fort's wall and defences were like. Plans are being made to rebuild the entire fort in something close to its original condition. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Magnificent hall in landscaped grounds. |
Belsay Village Nr Ponteland Newcastle upon Tyne, NBL NE20 0DX United Kingdom +44 1661 88 1636 |
There are several centuries of history at Belsay. There is the original 14th century castle, with traces of original wall painting in the great hall. But the main architectural attraction is the early 19th century hall, built on neo-classical lines to resemble a Greek temple, complete with plinths, columns, and scrolls. The beautiful honey coloured stone, which seems to burn with its own light if seen at sunset, was dug from Belsay's own quarry. And indeed the now disused quarry is probably the most striking of the many landscaped gardens in the 30 acres of grounds. Many rare plant specimens can be found here. The grounds play host to a number of regular and one-off events, such as car and motor cycle shows, and a medieval tournament. Partial wheelchair access is available. Not easily accessible by public transport. Admission: adults £3.80, concs £2.90, children £1.90 (English Heritage Members Free) Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Preserved Jacobean buildings on the Quayside |
41-44 Sandhill Quayside Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 3JF United Kingdom +44 191 269 1200 |
The house is actually two 16th and 17th century houses which once belonged to merchants who lived on the Quayside close to where the Swing Bridge is now sited. The buildings are essentially unfurnished, but many original architectural features remain. One of the houses is a rare and unusual example of Jacobean domestic architecture. Bessie Surtees, a well known local figure in 17th century Newcastle, apparently eloped through a window to marry John Scott, a young man of whom Bessie's father disapproved, but who later became Lord Eldon, a prominent local landowner whose name is remembered in the Eldon Square Shopping Centre. English Heritage currently use part of the property as offices. Admission: free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Peter M Forster |
 Photo: John Blenkinsopp  |
 Photo: Björn Döring |
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Part of the New Castle |
Castle Garth Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 1RQ United Kingdom +44 191 261 5390 |
The Black Gate was originally built (at a cost of GBP500) between 1247 and 1250, under the orders of Henry III, to strengthen the entrance to the castle. Once the castle ceased to have any strategic importance in the middle ages, the gatehouse was put to a number of uses. In the 17th century two new stories were added, and it was converted into tenements. Until recently it housed a bagpipe museum (now moved a few miles up the A1 to become the Morpeth Bagpipe Museum), and it is currently the headquarters of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Non-members may be allowed to visit by permission of the society's chief librarian. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrew MacKay |
 Photo: Les Bessant |
 Photo: karin L |
 Photo: whooba |
 Photo: Jackson Smith |
 Photo: gd swift |
 Photo: Margaret Grace Love |
 Photo: Mike Guess |
 Photo: Ahsan Mansoor |
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Medieval friary with modern uses |
North East Civic Trust Monk Street Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 4XN United Kingdom +44 191 232 9279 |
Blackfriars is a restored 13th-century friary in Newcastle city centre. These tranquil buildings served as a monasterial retreat for some 300 years until King Henry VIII decided that he wanted a divorce in 1539. After this the monasteries were dissolved and Blackfriars was converted into a series of meeting rooms and almshouses for the destitute. Some parts of the building continued to house the poor up until the 1930s. Restored in the 1980s, Blackfriars now houses a range of craft workshops. A gallery and a shop retailing their products are open to the public. Blackfriars also has an exhibition which details the history and development of Newcastle. A large grassy courtyard contrasts with the buzz of city life that surrounds the area, and this space is an occasional host to outdoor theatre events. A section of the old Town Walls also stands close to the site. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Neil Madden |
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11th-century castle |
The Society of Antiquaries Castle Keep, Castle Garth Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 8QN United Kingdom +44 191 232 7938 |
The 'New Castle' from which the city derives its name was founded in 1080 by Robert Curthose, son of William the Conqueror, on the site of a Roman fort. It was originally a fortified enclosure of clay and wood, but was rebuilt in stone in the late 12th/early 13th century. Added to the site at this time were the keep, a gatehouse, and an enclosing wall. Visitors will see the keep's two Royal accommodation suites, a public hall, a private room, the garrison room, and a Norman chapel. The castle roof offers a spectacular - and once privileged - view of Newcastle, particularly the nearby river Tyne and its bridges. Because the castle retains the steep steps from years gone by, there is no disabled access. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Industrialist's mansion with extensive grounds |
Near Coquetdale Along the Coquet Valley Newcastle upon Tyne, NBL NE65 7PX United Kingdom +44 1669 62 0333 |
The first Lord Armstrong was a Victorian industrialist who is perhaps best known for owning the armaments factory, which was mentioned in the well-known local song Blaydon Races. Cragside was built for him within an impressive estate of formal gardens, woodland, and lakes. The lakes were constructed as part of an ingenious hydro-electric system which enabled Cragside to be one of the first houses in the world to be lit by electricity. But Cragside was ahead of its time in many other ways. By 1880 it already had central heating, telephones, fire alarms, and a lift. All these original features still exist, but many visitors go just to see the extensive grounds. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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18th Century Mill |
Summerhill Blaydon Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE21 4SP United Kingdom +44 191 414 6288 http://www.gatesheadmill.co.uk |
Take a rare opportunity to visit an 18th century water mill, which has been lovingly restored by the Vale Mill Trust. Visitors can enjoy walks around the landscaped and wooded grounds, or take an open air lunch in the picnic area. As well as the mill's working water wheel, numerous other aspects of industrial archeology are either already on display, or under restoration (a Victorian patent derrick crane being just one example). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Roman bath house fort and museum |
Buddle Street Wallsend Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE28 6HR United Kingdom +44 191 236 9347 http://www.hadrians-wall.org/ |
This visitor attraction charts the history of a fort abandoned by the Romans over a millennium and a half ago. Segedunum features a reconstruction of a Roman Bath House, an interactive museum (with lots of audio and visual stimulation to keep adults and children interested), and on-going excavations of the fort and surrounding area. There is also an exhibition that traces the history of the area from the Roman occupation to the present day. Visitors can ascend the NASA-like viewing tower for a spectacular view of the site and wider Tyneside. Other visitor facilities include: cafe, giftshop, auditorium, and conference facilities. Admission: adults £2.95, children £1.95, family ticket £8.50. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Erron |
 Photo: P. Moore |
 Photo: den yil |
 Photo: Kyle Williams |
 Photo: Jeremy Ingham |
 Photo: Simon Wyn Jones |
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Ancient church with interesting history |
Newgate Street Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 5SS United Kingdom +44 191 222 0259 |
This ancient church is pleasantly set among trees in the centre of Newcastle. Originally built in the 12th century with Roman stones, the passing centuries have seem numerous changes to its structure. There are many outstanding features. For example the chancel arch dates back to the 13th century, it is a wide arch with chevron (Norman) ornamentation. There is an impressive Luca Giordano painting, stained glass windows, and the choir stalls are of Austrian oak, also a 15th century font cover which has been designated by some as the finest in Britain. During the English civil war a cannon was mounted on top of the belfry and the firing of this gun so weakened the structure that it became unsafe to ring the bells. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Terry Nattress |
 Photo: jacqui 006 |
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Small cathedral with rare lantern tower |
St Nicholas Square Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 1PF United Kingdom +44 191 232 1939 |
The Church of St Nicholas was built as a church in the 14th century, on the site of an earlier Norman church, next to the Castle that gives Newcastle its name. The lantern tower (also known as a crown spire) was added in the 15th century and is one of only four in Britain. It was in 1882 that the church became a cathedral when the Diocese of Newcastle was created. Much of the interior furnishing dates from that period, though there are interesting earlier details such as a 15th century font, a mediaeval window and a range of memorials and wall tablets. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ian Scott |
 Photo: drycats |
 Photo: Neil Aiston |
 Photo: Andrew Beeston |
 Photo: John K Tan |
 Photo: Craig Newby |
 Photo: aidan mcraethomson |
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Historic site overlooking the sea |
Tynemouth Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE30 4BZ United Kingdom +44 191 257 1090 |
The castle and priory of Tynemouth stand on a rocky headland called Pen Bal Crag, once occupied by a Saxon monastery from the 7th century. Of the visible remains, the Benedictine Priory was founded in the 11th century. It was, in turn, followed by a castle, a World War One coastal defence battery and a modern Coast Guard station. The gun battery magazines alone are well worth a visit. The cemetery contains some interesting gravestones; one marks the resting place of the man who held the lantern for the burial of Sir John Moore at Corunna. Two Nortumbrian kings, and one Scottish king are also buried here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Phil Brandwood |
 Photo: batears2000 |
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Picturesque Coastal Village |
Tynemouth Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear United Kingdom |
The Village is dominated by its magnificent Castle and Priory, perched on cliffs above King Edward's beach. Further north is Tynemouth Long Sands. Both have beautiful golden sands with safe bathing. Front Street is the main shopping area and has the usual mix of pubs, coffee shops, restaurants, gift and antique shops. The street is undergoing some restoration. The Land of Green Ginger shopping mall is a creative re-use of a disused church. Weekend Flea Markets are held in the restored Victorian railway (now Metro) station. The Village has always been a popular drinking haunt at weekends - don't be surprised if you have to queue to get into some bars. Now a Conservation area, Tynemouth retains much charm. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ana Gutierrez |
 Photo: Rob Thompson |
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Picturesque 17th century house and gardens |
Cambo Newcastle upon Tyne, NBL NE61 4AR United Kingdom +44 1670 77 3600 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk |
The 17th century house at Wallington is 20 miles away from Newcastle city centre, in the idyllic Northumbrian countryside. The Palladian architecture fits into a landscape which includes well tended lawns and gardens, and wilder woodland, riverside, and lake areas. Inside, the house combines rococo plasterwork with 19th century wallpapers and wall paintings representing local history. The grounds are host to many events throughout the year, including open air theatre and music recitals, garden shows, sheep dog trials, nature walks, and much more. Admission: House and grounds - adults £5.50, children £2.75; grounds only - adults £4.00, children £2,00 (National Trust members free). Not easily accessible by public transport. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Historic castle overlooking picturesque village and river |
Warkworth Newcastle upon Tyne, NBL NE65 0UJ United Kingdom +44 1665 71 1423 |
The imposing 14th century keep of Warkworth Castle towers above both the River Coquet and the village of Warkworth, about 25 miles north of Newcastle. There's plenty to explore in this castle which belonged to the powerful Percy family. Through them, Warkworth achieved wider fame for being the setting of several scenes in Shakespeare's Henry IV. In late spring, daffodils below the keep are an attraction in their own right. A walk along the banks of the Coquet takes you to a ferry which, if the boatman is there, will take you to a 14th century Hermitage cut into the rock across the river. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steve Wilde |
 Photo: John Merry |
 Photo: Gail Northumberland UK |
 Photo: Ian Jones |
 Photo: bazzadarambler |
 Photo: James Edward Fox |
 Photo: Gavin Thurgood |
 Photo: Mark Bailey |
 Photo: SANTIAGO MENDEZ |
 Photo: Niall Watson |
 Photo: Pat & Jim Watkinson |
 Photo: Carl Deaker |
 Photo: Kristi Gundrum |
 Photo: flip-me |
 Photo: Dave Dudman |
 Photo: BK59 |
 Photo: Anne Zarkos |
 Photo: deljen |
 Photo: del43f |
 Photo: Nick Taylor |
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 Photo: Frits van den Dop |
 Photo: Phillip Jones |
 Photo: Chris James Barber |
 Photo: Kenny Ames |
 Photo: alan.mcilree |
 Photo: castle-visits.co.uk |
 Photo: digat |
 Photo: sam.holyoke@btinternet.com |
 Photo: David Lee |
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Ancestral home of George Washington's family |
The Avenue Washington Village Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE38 7LE United Kingdom +44 191 416 6879 |
The Old Hall is famous for its links to George Washington. The 17th century manor house incorporates part of the 12th century building which was the US president's ancestral home, although George Washington himself never lived there. The house and recreated Jacobean garden attract visitors throughout the summer season, but the annual Independence Day celebrations on 4th July are particularly popular. President Jimmy Carter once planted a cherry tree here, and although the guide book claims it is still there, the one you can see is actually a substitute for the original, which died soon after planting. The Old Hall and garden may be booked for weddings and other functions. Wheelchair access to the ground floor of the house, and partial access to the gardens. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sam Raincock |