Kaspas Newcastle is a dessert and gelato house that is part of a UK franchise. …
Amazing Newcastle buildings to visit during Heritage Open Days
Did you know Newcastle has England’s highest concentration of listed buildings? Many of these beautiful and historic structures are open for free during the Heritage Open Days. Read my complete guide to some of the amazing Newcastle buildings to visit during Heritage Open Days. Grab the chance to explore them while you can.
Anyone who knows Newcastle will know it is home to many striking historic buildings. During the Heritage Open Days, many of these will be opening their doors allowing the public to visit for free. Read on to discover some of the places that you really should explore.
What are Heritage Open Days?
The Heritage Open Days celebrate England’s architecture and culture by throwing open the doors of historical landmarks. These buildings are either not normally open to the public or charge an entrance fee. It is a great chance to explore places for free. There are usually special tours and events running.
The Heritage Open Days began in 1994 and are a great celebration of local history and culture that takes place across the UK.
Where can I find out about Heritage Open Day events near me?
You can find more information about events near you on the Heritage Open Days website. You can search by location to find all the events near you.
Whilst the events are free some do need booking and they fill up fast. If you want to attend it is best to have a look and book now so you don’t miss out.
When do the Heritage Open Days take place?
Every year the Heritage Open Days take place in September. In 2022 the Heritage Open Days take place between the 9th and 18th of September.
Where can I visit during the Heritage Open Days?
There are many surprising and interesting places open across the UK during the Heritage Open Days. Here I have found some of the most interesting places to visit in Newcastle Upon Tyne and North East England to help you plan your visits.
Places to visit in Newcastle Upon Tyne
Newcastle Upon Tyne has a wealth of historical buildings that are well worth a visit. I have tried to group them together by area so you can visit two or three in one go.
Take a tour of the Grainger Market
The Grainger Market is a covered market in the centre of Newcastle that has been there since 1835. It is still a vibrant market today with plenty of places to get fruit and vegetables, meat, bread, cakes, clothes and an eclectic mix of street food. Notable features are the weigh house and the smallest and oldest branch of Marks and Spencers.
Read more: The Grainger Market
The market is open daily between 9.00 and 17.30. During the Heritage Open Days you can take a tour of the Grainger market. These start at 13.00 and run from the 9th September till the 17th September, excluding Sunday 11th
Where is the Grainger Market?
Grainger Market,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
Tyne & Wear,
NE1 5QQ
Tour of Blackfriars 13th Century Former-Dominican Friary’s Heritage
Blackfriars is a dominican friary in the centre of Newcastle that is now a restaurant and cooking school. It also offers lots of different events during the year. During the Heritage Open Days you can enjoy a 45 minute tour through the old medieval buildings. You can also enjoy a lunch at the end of the tour if you prebook.
The tours take place on Friday 9th September and Friday 16th Septemer at 11.00 am.
The tours do need to be pre-booked and you can do this on the Blackfriars web site. You can also email: [email protected].
The booking contact is Laura Race/Chris Hannah and booking is open from 4th August 2022 – 8th September 2022
Where is Blackfriars?
Blackfriars Cafe Bar,
Blackfriars,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
Tyne & Wear,
NE1 4XN
Tyne Theatre & Opera House
Tyne Theatre & Opera House, 109-119 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE1 4AG
The Tyne Theatre is a grade one listed building built in 1867. For the Heritage Open Days you can take a tour to see how the stage machinery works. This sounds fascinating.
The tours take place on Tuesday 13th September, Wednesday 14th September and Thursday 15th September at 10.00 am, 11.30 am and 13.00 pm.
Prebooking is required, book at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heritage-open-days-at-the-tyne-theatre-opera-house-tickets-398816108717. Booking opens 8th August and closes 12th September.
Where is the Tyne Theatre?
Tyne Theatre and Opera House,
109 – 119 Westgate Road,
Newcastle Upon Tyne,
NE1 4AG
Lit & Phil – Behind the Books Tour
The Lit & Phil is an independent library in Newcastle which has been in existence since 1825. It is so much more than a library. Over the years it has been a place to spark discussion and ignite ideas. During the industrial revolution is was a place of firsts, including the first demonstration of the electric light bulb.
If you have not been in you really must visit, it is like no library you have ever been in before. You really get a sense of history as you walk around. It is also the largest independent library outside London.
Read more: A visit to the Lit & Phil
Whilst the Lit & Phil always welcomes visitors, there are tours available during the Heritage Open Days. These share fascinating tales about the history of the building.
Tour Times:
- Saturday 10 September: Tour 1030 & 1130
- Tuesday 13 September: Tour 1500 & 1800
- Saturday 17 September: Tour 1030 & 1130
You do need to pre-book, contact Kay Easson on 01912320192 or email [email protected]. You can also book online at: http://www.litandphil.org.uk
Where is the Lit & Phil?
Literary and Philosophical Society,
23 Westgate Road,
Newcastle Upon Tyne,
NE1 1SE
The Common Room (home to The Mining Institute)
The Common Room is home to the Mining Institute and inside you will find centuries of history about mining in the region, starting from the Industrial Revolution. Thanks to National Lottery funding the building has been transformed into a space which shows how engineers and inventors from the North East impact on the world. They have loads of events, perfect for children. Also on the site is the 5|Quarter cafe bar.
You can go on a special tour of the building, and see some of the spaces that are not normally open to the public. It is a fascinating tour and well worth the time.
The tours take place on Saturday 10th and 17th September. Each tour lasts an hour and times are10.00 am, 11.00 am, 13.00pm, 14.00pm, 15.00pm
The building will be open on both Saturdays, but if you want to take the tour you need to prebook. You can do this at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heritage-open-days-special-heritage-tour-of-the-common-room-tickets-296938991517
Where is The Common Room
The Common Room,
Westgate Road,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
Tyne & Wear,
NE1 1SE
Newcastle Cathedral
Just round the corner from Newcastle Castle you will find St Nicholas Cathedral which is also part of the medieval heart of Newcastle. The Cathedral is 14th Century but it also has a Lantern Tower which is 15th Century. For many centuries the lantern tower would help to guide ships up the river Tyne.
Inside you will find plenty of interest in the memorials and monuments that recall figures from Newcastle’s past. Of particular interest is the Collingwood Monument dedicated to Admiral Lord Collingwood. Best known of taking over command at the Battle of Trafalgar after the death of Nelson, he was baptised and married in the cathedral.
Read more: A visit to St Nicholas Cathedral
Whilst the cathedral is open most days, during the Heritage Open Days they are offering the rare chance to climb the 163 steps to the top of the Lantern Tower and see the view. The dare you climb tower tour is on Sunday 11 September at 12pm.
Also on Friday the 9th September there are general tours of the cathedral at 12.30pm and 2pm. On Saturday 10th September you can take the ‘Northern Souls: Saints that made the North’ Tour at 12.30pm and 2pm.
Prebooking is preferred. Contact the Catheral office on 0191 2321939 or email: [email protected]
You can also book online at: https://newcastlecathedral.org.uk/visit/things-to-do/tours-talks-and-exhibitions/. Book between 15th August and 10th September
While you are at the cathedral have a look around the back and see if you can spot the vampire rabbit.
Read more: The Vampire Rabbit
Where is Newcastle Cathedral?
Newcastle Cathedral,
St Nicholas Street,
Newcastle Upon Tyne ,
Tyne & Wear,
NE1 1PF
Newcastle Guild Hall
The bottom floor of Newcastle Guild Hall is home to the Hard Rock Cafe, but the top floor houses the orignal guildhall courtroom and the Merchant Venturers Hall. This is one of Newcastle’s hidden gems.
This is an amazing building which is well worth a visit. A special tour is being held for the Heritige Open Days on 12th September at 14:00pm
Prebooking is required, go to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/newcastle-guildhall-special-free-tour-for-heritage-open-days-tickets-390053138437. Booking opens 1st August and closes 10th September.
Where is the Guild Hall?
Sandhill,
Quayside,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
Tyne & Wear,
NE1 3AF
The Corporation of the Newcastle upon Tyne Trinity House
Found on the Broad Chare, Trinity House is one of the best kept secrets on the quayside. During the fifteenth century a group of seafarers created a charitable guild on the quayside to support the growing maritime community. Part of their work involves training river pilots.
Inside Trinity House you will find wonderful historic rooms, including a hidden chapel and an amazing banqueting hall. It also contains numerous treasures and maritime artefacts, you really do need to visit.
Forty minute long tours take place on Saturday 10th September. They start at 10.00am and take place every 20 minutes. The last tour is 15.00pm
Read more: A visit to Trinity House
Where is Trinity House
Trinity House,
Broad Chare,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
Tyne & Wear,
NE1 3DQ
Alderman Fenwick’s House
Alderman Fenwick’s House is one of the oldest buildings in Newcastle. It was originally built as a merchant’s house in 1670. It gets it’s name from Alderman Fenwich, who was the mayor of Newcastle in 1720.
The building will be open on Wednesday 14th September 11.00 – 13.00 and Thursday 15th September 13.00 – 15.00. No booking is required.
Where is Alderman Fenwick’s House?
Alderman Fenwick’s House,
98-100 Pilgrim Street,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
Tyne & Wear,
NE1 6SQ
Map
Have you been to any of these places before? Are you planning to visit any Newcastle buildings during the Heritage Open Days? Let me know below.
Why not pin for later?
Louise says
Thanks for this. Several things on the list to do. I think the second date for swing Bridge is incorrect?
Alison Maclean says
Thanks, they has updated it since I wrote the post. It should be right now