Dare you Climb the Tower? - July 2022 dates

Each aspect of the tower reveals a unique story of the heritage and people of Newcastle upon Tyne.

During the climb up, we stop to take a breath at the Cathedral's Ringing Room and hear some of the fascinating stories behind the Cathedral’s history.

This is a challenging tour with enclosed spaces and lots of steps! You must be physically fit to undertake this tour.

Sensible footwear must be worn, and no large bags are permitted on the tour.

Price

£10 per person- tours last approximately 1 hour.

Please note: ticket sales end 12 hours before the start time of each tour.

Minimum age 11; all children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Booking Details

Pre-booking: Required via Eventbrite

Before booking, please ensure you have read the important Health and Safety information below:

• There are 162 steps to the top of the tower. The steps are uneven in width and height. At the top of the tower, it is necessary to bend under the crossbeams of the lantern.

• The tower is not suitable for anyone frightened by heights or confined spaces.

• The smallest part of the tower is approximately 35 cm in width.

• The tower is not suitable if you have a medical condition such as a heart or respiratory disorder which may be exacerbated by climbing stairs.

• If you feel unwell or uncomfortable at any time you must notify the guide immediately.

• Pregnant visitors are strongly advised not to climb the tower.

• Children must be 11 years old or over and all children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

• No smoking in or at the top of the tower.

• Suitable footwear is required in the interests of safety. Visitors cannot wear high heels, flip-flops, platforms, backless shoes, ‘heelys’ or have bare or stockinged feet.

• No food or drink may be taken up the tower.

• Large bags, including some large handbags, are not permitted.

• It is advisable to have both hands free for your own safety.

• Beware that floor length dresses could be a potential tripping hazard.

• There are no toilet facilities in the tower.

• There is a rest point halfway up the tower, but there is no seating here or at the top.

• Photography is allowed in the tower.

• As we do share the space with some resident pigeons, we advise that you refrain from putting your hands near your face and that you wash your hands afterwards, especially before eating.

• Newcastle Cathedral is not responsible for the loss of or damage to clothing or personal possessions.

Adverse Weather

As part of this tour takes place outside, for health and safety reasons we reserve the right to carry out an alternative version of the tour in the case of unsuitable weather. In this instance you will still visit the ringing room and you will have the chance to view our Lantern Tower short film.

The Chapter of Newcastle Cathedral reserves the right to refuse entry to the tower at any time.

Important information about your visit:

• Tickets are for your use only and are non-transferable.

• Please wear sturdy footwear.

• Please assemble by the font shortly before the tour time

• When you arrive, please have your ticket ready to show a member of the Cathedral team, either on your phone or a printed copy.

• Sadly, if you’re more than 5 minutes late, we won’t be able to guarantee you entry.

• To help keep everyone safe, please follow current government guidance when you visit. If you are showing any of the symptoms of coronavirus, or if you’ve been in contact with anyone that has the virus in the last 14 days, please don’t visit.

• By reserving your ticket you agree to Newcastle Cathedral collecting the contact information you provide. The contact information you provide will be held securely and in accordance with our Data Privacy Policy which can be found on our website at: https://newcastlecathedral.org.uk/privacy-policy/

Directions

Newcastle Cathedral is located on the junction of Mosley Street and St Nicholas Street. The tour will meet at the Cathedral’s West End Doors.

What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?

Newcastle Cathedral is within easy reach of many public transport links:

RAILWAY

Newcastle Central Train Station is just five minutes’ walk from Newcastle Cathedral. When leaving Central Station, turn right along Neville Street. You will pass by the monument to George Stephenson, father of Robert Stephenson, as well as The Literary and Philosophical Society and the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers. Then follow Collingwood Street to bring you out at Newcastle Cathedral.

CAR

The nearest major public car park can be found on Dean Street. Walk out of the car park, cross straight over Dean Street and almost directly in front of you is a small stairway that brings you up into Amen Corner, at the back of the Cathedral. Follow the path left or right to approach the front entrance to the Cathedral. There are numerous other parking facilities, including multi-storey facilities and 48 surface car parks operated by Newcastle City Council. The Quayside’s multi-storey car park is approximately 12 minutes’ walk away and can hold up to 500 vehicles.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The Nexus operated Tyne and Wear Metro service operates into Newcastle city centre – with several stations in close proximity to Newcastle Cathedral. The nearest stations are Monument Station (at the top of the Grade I-listed Grey Street) and Central Station, both less than ten minutes’ walk away. If travelling from the Airport via Regent Centre, you will have to alight at Haymarket and change platforms. The Q1 QuayLink bus service runs to the bottom of the Side, the medieval Quayside street which leads up to the Cathedral. Public buses run outside of the Cathedral into Gateshead and towards Durham and Chester-le-Street once every 15 minutes (weekdays and Saturdays).

ON FOOT

From the city centre: Head down Grey Street, passing by the Theatre Royal. Turn right along Mosley Street, which will bring you out to the north facade of Newcastle Cathedral. From Central Station: As you leave Central Station, turn right along Neville Street. Following Collingwood Street will bring you to Newcastle Cathedral. From the Quayside: Alight the Side – the main medieval route into Newcastle. Alternatively, you can take Dog Leap Stairs. They’re steep but rise straight up to the Cathedral. The Castle Stairs are another route. These can be found on the Quayside, across the road from the Swing Bridge. Again, this is steep but will bring you to the Castle Keep. Keep forward along St Nicholas Street to approach the Cathedral on your right.