Victoria Tunnel
An underground tunnel dug in 1842 to transport coal, converted into an air-raid shelter during the Second World War. Visitors must follow a guide and walk down holding torches.
The Victoria Tunnel is about 4 kilometres long. It was dug between 1839 and 1842 to carry coal wagons from the northern collieries directly to the Tyne quays, and during the Second World War it was converted into an air-raid shelter for several thousand people. Today volunteer guides lead tours of about 2 hours. Visitors wear hard hats and carry torches as they walk into the roughly 700-metre open section. The guides tell stories of coal transport and wartime air raids, and air-raid siren sound effects are recreated. The entrance is in the Ouseburn Valley, and tickets must be booked online in advance. The tunnel is low and damp, so wear flat shoes and a windproof jacket.
Opening hours
Reserved tours only
Nearby sights
- Ouseburn Valley
- Seven Stories, National Centre for Children's Books
- BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art
- Quayside & Gateshead Millennium Bridge
- The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
- Tyne Bridge
- Jesmond Dene
- Laing Art Gallery