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.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Castle Keep

Royal Station Hotel

Royal Station Hotel

3 out of 5
Neville Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
Royal Station Hotel
Sandman Signature Newcastle Hotel

Sandman Signature Newcastle Hotel

4 out of 5
Gallowgate, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
Sandman Signature Newcastle Hotel
Maldron Hotel Newcastle

Maldron Hotel Newcastle

4 out of 5
Newgate Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
Maldron Hotel Newcastle
Grey Street Hotel

Grey Street Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2-12 Grey Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
Grey Street Hotel
INNSiDE by Meliá Newcastle

INNSiDE by Meliá Newcastle

4 out of 5
River View, Bridge Court, The Close,, Quayside, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
INNSiDE by Meliá Newcastle
County Hotel & County Aparthotel Newcastle

County Hotel & County Aparthotel Newcastle

4 out of 5
Neville Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
County Hotel & County Aparthotel Newcastle
The Vermont Hotel & Vermont Aparthotel

The Vermont Hotel & Vermont Aparthotel

4 out of 5
Castle Garth, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
The Vermont Hotel & Vermont Aparthotel
Four Points Flex by Sheraton Newcastle

Four Points Flex by Sheraton Newcastle

3 out of 5
15 Westgate Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
Four Points Flex by Sheraton Newcastle
Dakota Newcastle

Dakota Newcastle

3 out of 5
112 Quayside, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
Dakota Newcastle
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Castle Keep

Near Castle Keep in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including scenic walks, engaging city tours, and exploring museums, including a charming small museum. The area is also rich in theater and art, making it a perfect destination for those looking to check off items from their bucket list while soaking up the local culture and entertainment.

Shopping

Eldon Square Shopping Centre, located 0.4 miles from Castle Keep, offers a vibrant mix of entertainment and shopping, perfect for family outings. If you're up for a drive, Kirkharle Courtyard and Sweet Greetings are 19 and 23 miles away, respectively, providing unique gifts and local crafts.

Recreation

Experience live music at The Glasshouse, just 0.3 miles from Castle Keep, where the vibrant atmosphere will lift your spirits. For sports enthusiasts, the Gateshead International Stadium, 1 mile away, offers an exciting venue for various events, while the City of Newcastle Golf Club, 3 miles away, is perfect for outdoor relaxation.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of speed at Karting North East, located 11 miles from Castle Keep, where adrenaline meets competition. For a bird's-eye view, soar with the Northumbria Gliding Club, 10 miles away, and embrace the skies. Engage in action-packed fun at Massive Attack Paintball, situated 12 miles from Castle Keep.

Nightlife

Explore the vibrant nightlife near Castle Keep by catching a show at the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Theatre Royal, just 0.3 miles away. For live music, check out O2 Academy Newcastle, 0.4 miles away, or enjoy performances at Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre, located 0.5 miles away. Each venue offers a unique cultural experience.

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

Find the best attractions near Castle Keep

When visiting Castle Keep in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, you'll find a variety of attractions and activities to enjoy. Explore the historic Newcastle Castle and the medieval charm of Castle Keep itself. The area also features urban parks and modern educational institutions, making it a great spot for culture and family experiences. Don't miss the chance to discover the rich history of this old castle and its surroundings for a memorable vacation.

  • St. James' Park: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic sports stadium, home to Newcastle United Football Club. With its impressive architecture and passionate fans, it offers a unique glimpse into the local culture and sporting spirit. Catch a match or take a guided tour for an unforgettable experience.
  • Quayside: Enjoy a delightful stroll along the picturesque Quayside, where you can soak in stunning views of the River Tyne and iconic bridges. This lively area is perfect for families, featuring parks, outdoor art installations, and a variety of restaurants and cafes to explore.
  • University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne: Discover the dynamic atmosphere of this modern university, renowned for its cutting-edge research and diverse student body. The campus boasts striking architecture and green spaces, making it an inviting place to wander and experience urban student life.

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 on your trip to Castle Keep, consider visiting from December to February for lower accommodation prices, with Thursdays being the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia to find and book budget-friendly hotels, and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Joining the Expedia One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and allow you to earn OneKeyCash for future stays. For affordable outings, look for free activities around Newcastle and check ticket prices for attractions like Newcastle Castle to maximize your budget.

  • 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: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • 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.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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