Castle Keep Tours

Castle Keep showing a city and heritage architecture
Castle Keep showing chateau or palace and heritage elements
Castle Keep showing interior views, heritage elements and a castle
Castle Keep which includes a castle and heritage elements
Castle Keep featuring a castle as well as a couple

Visit the tower from which the city takes its name to hear wicked tales of frightening ghouls and life in the dungeon.

Castle Keep is one of the few remaining parts of the medieval castle that played a prominent role in the history of Newcastle. It is an iconic structure in the heart of the city with a gruesome and fascinating history. Tour the large rooms and the dungeon for exhibits on the castle’s dark past.

Enter the structure and take a tour to get a sense of its majesty. Climb to the higher floors for excellent views of the river and its bridges. Peruse the displays on the intriguing history of the tower and the rest of the castle. The exhibits allow visitors to imagine life in the structure almost 1,000 years ago.

Hear grim stories about the castle and its horrible punishments, including one about a flying donkey. Listen to tales about the Poppy Girl, now a ghost haunting the tower after being beaten to death in the castle prison.

Attend one of the events held regularly in the keep. These include lectures, murder mystery nights, movie showings and other entertaining activities.

Learn about the facts behind the site. The city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne takes its name from the structure, which was once a new castle on the River Tyne. It was built in the 12th century and restored in the 1800s.

The tower is 75 feet (23 meters) south of the Black Gate, which is the only other surviving section of the castle. It became a slum lodging in the early 1800s and housed about 60 people at one time.

Pay a fee for a ticket that includes the Castle Keep and the Black Gate. Children get a discount, while toddlers enter for free. The site is open daily between morning and early evening.

Castle Keep is just north of the River Tyne in the center of the city. Arrive at Newcastle Central Station and walk east for about 5 minutes to reach the tower and the gate. It is near other important attractions such as the Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas, the Newcastle Arts Centre and Sage Gateshead.

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Best Lodging Options Near Castle Keep

Things to do near Castle Keep

Near Castle Keep in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including scenic walks, city tours, and exploring fascinating museums. The area boasts vibrant theater and entertainment options, making it an ideal spot for art lovers. Don't miss the chance to visit some charming small museums that are perfect for any tourist's bucket list, ensuring a memorable experience in this historic location.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destinations are Eldon Square Shopping Centre, just 644m from Castle Keep, offering a lively atmosphere with various shops, and Grainger Market, only 483m away, featuring local vendors and unique finds. If you're up for a drive, check out Treacle Wool Shop, 22.5km away.

Recreation

At The Glasshouse, enjoy invigorating live music concerts that create an electrifying atmosphere just 483m from Castle Keep. For sports enthusiasts, Gateshead International Stadium offers thrilling events only 1.6km away. Alternatively, relax at Newcastle United Golf Club, a serene outdoor haven located 3.2km from the castle.

Adventure

At Wet 'n' Wild Water Park, located 9.7km from Castle Keep, enjoy thrilling water slides and family-friendly attractions. Explore the scenic Hadrian's Wall Path - East, 4.8km away, for a memorable hiking adventure. Experience ziplining thrills at Beamish Wild, also 9.7km from Castle Keep.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Castle Keep is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Theatre Royal, just 483m away, or catch a film at Cineworld Newcastle, 644m away. For live music and entertainment, the O2 Academy Newcastle, also 644m from the Keep, is a must-visit.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Castle Keep

During your visit to Castle Keep in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, explore the historic Newcastle Castle and the impressive Castle Keep itself, a well-preserved medieval castle. Enjoy the surrounding urban parks and family-friendly attractions that highlight the area's rich culture. Don't miss the chance to discover the vibrant tourist precinct nearby, making your trip a perfect blend of history and modern experiences.

  • Utilita Arena Newcastle: Experience an electrifying atmosphere at this premier entertainment venue, hosting concerts and family events. With its modern facilities and vibrant ambiance, it’s a great spot for enjoying live performances and creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
  • The Gate: This lively entertainment precinct offers a fantastic outdoor experience with a variety of dining options, bars, and cinemas. Perfect for families, The Gate is an ideal place to relax, enjoy a meal, and soak up the local culture.
  • St. James' Park: Immerse yourself in the rich history and passion of English football at this iconic stadium. Known for its culture and sports vibes, a tour here will give you a glimpse into the heart of Newcastle's sporting heritage.

Best time to go to Castle Keep

The best time to visit Castle Keep is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March42.8°F (6.0°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.0°F (7.8°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August59.7°F (15.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Castle Keep

To save money during your visit to Castle Keep, plan your trip between December and February when hotel prices are lower. Thursdays are the best day to book accommodations, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotel options by filtering for eco-certified properties or combining your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to look for free activities in the area and consider public transport for affordable travel around Newcastle. Lastly, check for deals on tickets to Newcastle Castle for a budget-friendly experience.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Castle Keep are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Castle Keep is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay around Castle Keep is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy to customize your travel experience by letting you specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display the lowest prices first, ensuring you find the most affordable hotel options right away. Additionally, you can narrow your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Castle Keep hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.