Annual Admission Newcastle Castle Ticket

Overview

Mobile ticket

Explore the site of the Castle that gave the city its name and discover its medieval gatehouse, the Black Gate. Uncover the changing face of the Castle through the ages: from royal fortress and border stronghold to grim dungeon and teeming slum. New exhibits allow visitors to experience what life would have been like for inhabitants in these two astonishingly preserved medieval buildings.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The Castle consists of two buildings: the Castle Keep and Black Gate. While the Black Gate is fully accessible, the Castle Keep has many steep stairs and uneven surfaces.

Dogs, with the exception of guide dogs, are not permitted entry. Buggies can be parked in the reception of the Castle Keep.

The Castle Keep is a Scheduled Ancient Monument with several upper storeys which are not accessible to disabled visitors. However, there is an audio-video walk-through of the Castle Keep in the Gaol, the only fully accessible room in the Castle Keep. The Black Gate, however, has been fitted with ramps and an external lift. This allows access to the upper-levels of the building, including the shop. The building also has an adapted accessible toilet on its first floor.

Steep uneven stairs that you should be aware of.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Annual Admission to Newcastle Castle from the day specified + 364 days

Food and drinks, unless specified

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting points

Newcastle Castle

The Black Gate, Castle Garth Newcastle upon Tyne United Kingdom

End points

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Newcastle Castle

Newcastle’s most historic buildings, the Castle Keep and its 13th century gatehouse the Black Gate, were once part of a much larger fortress. Given its tumultuous history, it is miraculous that so much of Newcastle’s castle has survived intact. Today you can explore the ancient passageways and chambers where Kings walked and villains were imprisoned. Find the marks left by the inhabitants through the ages and learn the fascinating story of the Castle Garth community which grew up around the ruins. The two buildings that remain were cut off from each other by the Victorian railways of the 19th century - an unfortunate side effect of the North East's trailblazing role in the Industrial Revolution. Exhibits guide visitors through the Castle's history over the years: from settlement in Roman times, to medieval stronghold, use as a modern day museum and everything in between. Simply purchase your ticket from the Castle's all-new Black Gate reception to begin your journey.

Admission Included

Options

Annual Admission Newcastle Castle Ticket

Reviews

4.46

112 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

"Old" Newcastle
ChrisP1354,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Well worth a visit to get a real glimpse of life in the distant past but the audio guide needs a major upgrade. You have to access the audio on your phone and download the various files for each stop on the tour and it is painstakingly slow. Visitors need to be given the hand-held devices that have the audio already loaded. The current system is a waste of 3 pounds, so I recommend that you don't buy that option.
Ticket valid for one year
dragoon17c,
Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
This is a must-see attraction in Newcastle, where the castle is crossed by railways and is now a remaining site. The ticket is valid for one year and costs 12.5 yen. There are few places to visit in the castle, but the city's landmarks are worth seeing.
Spectacular view
Downtrodden dad,
Sep 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
I like looking around castles and historic buildings but 900 years ago they hadn’t considered my visit when they built it. Steep steps and lots of them were the order of the day. I don’t think I’m old and have mobility problems but I needed to be careful here, when you reach the top you are rewarded with a great view of the city.
Average
michaelac721,
Sep 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
Valued the historic areas of the castle. Interesting information about the castle in the visitors room. However having paid for entry we met people who were walking around who had entered from the street and not paid. How is this possible. There are various steps leading down to the street they're should be signs saying where they lead as we thought they were part of the tour.
Great Time spent in History
gpb1725,
Aug 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great information and a lot of fun to explore the history of Newcastle. The tour takes about 90minutes but can spend as long as necessary. A lot of great insights into the history of the castle.
Medieval Gym Disguised as a Tourist Attraction
chrisrC1560EF,
Jul 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Lace up those walking shoes and prepare your calves for the ultimate stairmaster challenge—Newcastle Castle doesn’t just have history, it has elevation. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to do leg day in a centuries-old fortress, this is the spot for you. From the moment you spot the entrance—perched suspiciously high—you know you’re in for it. But like a true adventurer (or someone who refuses to turn back once committed), you begin the ascent. And just when you think you’ve earned a break, you’re greeted by the hilariously cruel sign: “99 steps to the best views in Newcastle.” At that point, your legs are too invested to quit, and your pride says, “We’re doing this.” Each staircase leads to a new room full of fascinating tidbits about medieval life, assuming you can focus on reading while catching your breath. It’s easy to lose track of time as you explore—and possibly lose your sense of direction, thanks to the twisty layout and a slight case of stair-induced dizziness. But the payoff? Sweeping views of the Tyne Bridge, the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, and the charming sprawl of Newcastle. Totally worth the quad burn. Just a heads-up: being around 850 years old, the castle isn’t exactly a model of accessibility. So if stairs aren’t your thing, this may not be your ideal destination. But for the rest of us? It's history with a side of cardio. Bring water. And maybe a sherpa.
Splendid Norman Castle with Great Views
The Coach55,
May 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Newcastle Castle is a short quarter of a mile walk away from Central station. It is an old Norman castle built in 1080. In 1643, during the Civil War it was besieged by Scottish troops on the side of the Parliamentarians. There are several long and winding stairways to negotiate so it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. The views from the top of the castle are superb. A terrific panorama of Newcastle and the surrounding area. I enjoyed the Great Hall with its collection of banners. I paid £11.25 for over 65 admission. The regular price is £12.50. Your ticket allows readmission at any time during the subsequent 12 months.
Ideal to do during a day at Newcastle.
Wendy12312,
May 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Nice to see. Nice as part of a day at Newcastle. Lots of corridors and stairs. Nicely restored, additional information about the castle to read / view on site. View over the city. About 1.5 hours stayed.
Great Castle
B8795SUsp,
Apr 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great castle, or rather, a former mini walled township. Such an interesting history with the Black Gate, Keep and former Garth. Great architecture, from Norman, later medievil, Victorian and Neo-Norman. Accessible entry with lifts available if needed. Plenty of things to do for children and adults alike with tours, activities, craft, brass rubbing, stories etc. Super views from the top of the keep, but there were lots of steps. I got my annual entry, and thought it was very good value in that respect.
Newcastle's Castle
MrWil low,
Apr 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Worth visiting for its historical significance although this is quite a "bare bones" castle. The gatehouse has a small shop and a bit of a museum about its history, including time as a slum and a pub. The keep is impressive, although it'll help if you know something about castles and local history. There is interpretation but this is principally by boards and a guide book. The views from the roof are great, and also show how close it came to being demolished by the Victorian railway programme. You will need to be fit enough to clamber up (and back down) the hundred-plus medieval stairs in the keep as the Normans forgot to install a lift: it's well-lit but those with small children or more limited mobility will find this a challenge. Your ticket does give a year's entry: a bit steep for a single visit, especially if you're a family.