Begin your day by heading underground with a tour of the Victoria Tunnel, then learn more about the castle that gave the city its name
Starting just outside the city centre in Byker, the Grade Ii-listed gives visitors an opportunity to explore 85ft below Newcastle’s surface. Hear the stories of the people who built the tunnel in 1842 as a waggonway to transport coal from the Leazes Main Colliery to the dockside. Then, find yourself transported back to 1939 with an account of the air-raids, as during World War II the tunnel was equipped with lighting, toilets and 500 bunk beds to offer protection to thousands of Newcastle citizens. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for some of the supernatural residents who supposedly roam the walkways. Book a one-hour guided tour for a single household of up to six people for £30. (ouseburntrust.org.uk)
Once you’re back above ground, head towards the city centre. Travelling by metro is by far the easiest way to get around, and hopping on at
Byker, the centre is only five minutes away. Alighting at Monument, named after the 134ft
which commemorates the second Earl Grey, take a moment to browse the shops on the busy street which, with its golden Georgian buildings, has often been celebrated as one of the most picturesque streets in Britain.
Continuing in the direction of the Quayside, you’ll arrive at Not many modern cities have the remains of a medieval castle at their heart and it is definitely worth exploring. Built in 1080, the ‘new’ motte-and-bailey castle was constructed on the site of the former Roman Fortress; then in the late 1100s it was replaced by the stone fortress that still stands today, with its neighbouring Black Gate added in the 13th century. Step over the wooden walkway, and discover this bastion of the past. Although the amazing 43ft great hall
While not black, the Black Gate is actually named after the merchant Patrick Black, who called the building home during the early 17th century has hosted kings, queens, lords and ladies over the centuries, the new castle was far from a royal palace; it was a fortress, providing the English with a base when fighting the Scots. Over the last 2,000 years, the castle has had a tumultuous journey with periods of ruin and restoration, and was even used as a prison during the 16th and 18th centuries. Finish your tour of the castle with a trip up to the battlements for stunning views over the city and quayside. Book in advance online; adult tickets cost £8.50. (newcastlecastle.co.uk)
A short distance from the castle is the
which has a wide variety of independent eateries and cafés catering to many tastes and appetites. Alternatively, Grey Street has myriad restaurants, so it’s easy to find fuel for the afternoon.
After lunch, head across town to the impressive late-19th-century Blandford House, which has been home to the for nearly 20 years. Celebrating the rich industrial heritage and world-changing inventions that were created in the North-east, the museum offers the largest collection of scientific and technical material outside of London. Highlights include Charles Parsons’ Turbina, the 34-metre steam turbine ship, which was once the fastest in the world. You can also see other inventions, such as Joseph Swan’s original light bulb and Stephenson’s steam engines, both of which were invented in the city. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance on the website. (discoverymuseum.org.uk)