Newcastle Castle
The 'New Castle' that gave the city its name. Its 12th-century Norman keep and 13th-century Black Gate offer rooftop views over the bridges of the Tyne.
In 1080, Robert, son of William the Conqueror, built a wooden 'new castle' here, and the city takes its name from it. The surviving stone keep was built by Henry II from the 1170s, and the Black Gate dates from the 13th century. Inside the keep you can visit the chapel, the great hall and the dungeons. Climb to the roof terrace for views of the Tyne bridges and the riverbank. Exhibitions in the Black Gate cover the history of the castle and the city. A 19th-century railway viaduct passes between two of the buildings, which is quite unusual. Adult admission is about £10, and the ticket allows multiple entries within the same year. It is a 5-minute walk from the Quayside.
Opening hours
10:00–17:00 (closed on some winter days)
Nearby sights
- St Nicholas Cathedral
- Tyne Bridge
- Grey Street & Grey's Monument
- Grainger Market
- Laing Art Gallery
- The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
- Centre for Life
- Quayside & Gateshead Millennium Bridge