Castle Keep

Castle Keep featuring heritage architecture and a city
Castle Keep featuring heritage elements and château or palace
Castle Keep
Castle Keep showing heritage elements and château or palace
Castle Keep showing château or palace 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 metres) 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 centre 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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Things to do near Castle Keep

When visiting Castle Keep in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, you'll find a wealth of activities to enjoy, including guided tours that showcase the castle's rich history. The nearby theatre scene offers vibrant entertainment, while local art galleries provide cultural enrichment. Don't miss the chance to explore other Tyne attractions for a well-rounded experience during your stay.

Shopping

Eldon Square Shopping Centre, located 249m from Castle Keep, offers a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment. Nearby, Grainger Market, only 186m away, boasts local produce and unique finds. If you're up for a drive, Treacle Wool Shop is 8.7km away for delightful woollen gifts.

Recreation

At The Glasshouse, enjoy a vibrant music concert experience just 186m from Castle Keep, perfect for unwinding. For sports enthusiasts, Gateshead International Stadium, 621m away, offers thrilling events, while Newcastle United Golf Club, 1.2km distant, invites you to enjoy outdoor golfing amidst beautiful scenery.

Adventure

Wet 'n' Wild Water Park, located 3.7km from Castle Keep, offers thrilling water slides and wave pools for a fun-filled family day out. At Beamish Wild, also 3.7km away, experience adrenaline-pumping ziplining through the treetops amidst beautiful outdoor scenery. For karting enthusiasts, Karting North East, 6.8km away, promises exciting races and adventure vibes.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Castle Keep with a visit to the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Theatre Royal, just 186m away, for captivating performances. Alternatively, enjoy live music at the O2 Academy Newcastle, 249m distant, or the Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre, 311m away, for an unforgettable evening.

Find the best attractions near Castle Keep

Castle Keep in Newcastle-upon-Tyne is surrounded by a variety of attractions ideal for culture enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can explore the historic Newcastle Castle and the impressive medieval fortifications, along with the nearby modern college and urban park. Additionally, a trip to the stunning Alnwick Castle and the picturesque Tyne Castle offers a glimpse into the region's rich heritage and architectural marvels.

  • St. James' Park: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this historic sports stadium, home to Newcastle United Football Club. Just 373m from Castle Keep, the stadium offers a blend of sports and culture, making it a must-visit for football enthusiasts and those looking to soak in the local passion for the game.
  • Quayside: Located 311m away, Quayside is a lively tourist precinct perfect for families. With its stunning riverside views, outdoor spaces, and numerous eateries, it’s an ideal spot for leisurely strolls and enjoying the local dining scene.
  • University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne: This modern university, situated 435m from Castle Keep, boasts impressive architecture and a bustling campus life. It’s a fantastic place to experience the vibrant city vibe and explore its cultural offerings.

Best time to go to Castle Keep

The best time to visit Castle Keep can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Castle Keep falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Castle Keep falls in January, 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 Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.0°F (7.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
July60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August59.7°F (15.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
September56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Castle Keep

To save money on your visit to Castle Keep, consider travelling between December and February when accommodation prices are lower, with Thursday being the cheapest day to stay. Avoid weekends, especially Saturdays, for better rates. Use Expedia to filter hotels by budget and location, and consider eco-certified options for sustainable stays. You can also save by booking flight and hotel packages. Additionally, take advantage of Newcastle’s public transport system, which is economical, or explore on foot to discover the city’s charm without spending a penny.

  • 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: Utilise Expedia's search tool to customise your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You might find it more economical to combine your Castle Keep hotel reservation with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.