Bessie Surtees House
Bessie Surtees House
4.5
About
Visitors can tour this beautiful mid 17th-century Tudor house, which is best known as the site of the romantic elopement in 1772 between Bessie Surtees and John Scott, the future Lord Chancellor of England.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Bessie Surtees House and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,379 within 3 miles
Attractions
372 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
108 reviews
Excellent
46
Very good
49
Average
10
Poor
3
Terrible
0
Chris Lloyd
Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, UK19 contributions
Jan 2020
We were walking to Baltic and called in on the House on our way past. The structure itself is just fascinating and inside on the first floor you get some idea of what it was like to live in a house hundreds of years ago. Entry is free and you can make a donation if you want. A great little diversion on the Quayside.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lillian M
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK86 contributions
May 2022
It does not have a lot inside but it is free to visit and the story of Bessie always brings a smile. Beautiful ceilings and original floors...A visit wont take long but worth adding to any visit to the Quayside
Written May 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MadamZsaZsa
Edinburgh, UK251 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
On a walking tour round the historic city walls and quayside area of Newcastle last Thursday, two friends and myself discovered this little gem. The house dates back to around 1657 as can be seen on the chimneypiece of the first floor main room which bears the arms and initials of past owners Cock and Davison.
I am not going to spoil your research by telling the story of Bessie Surtees - all the information is there for the finding.
The main room is very large and bright, with a fantastic elaborate plaster ceiling, magnificent carved oak panelling, leaden lattice windows, creaky wooden floor and a trestle table and benches. It could have been used for conferences, meetings, meals, family gatherings, etc. in days gone by. It is said that Bessie eloped from one of the windows in this room - which would have been a fair jump unless she was somehow afforded a soft landing by her husband to be.
The adjoining room which is up a few stairs, is also very tastefully restored and overlooks an internal courtyard. This room too boasts some wonderfully carved oak panelling and a handsome fireplace. In between there is a 'reading room' where information is available regarding the history of the property and its many and varied occupants.
The whole building and its interior have been beautifully and sympathetically renewed and restored throughout down the years. English Heritage, the conservation group, has offices on the premises so, unfortunately, there is no access beyond the first floor.
The property is a landmark of some distinction and the friendly lady on duty was most helpful and informative.
The architecture in Newcastle is a diverse eclectic mix of ancient and modern, Elizabethan and Georgian. Newcastle is not a tourist trap but has an energy and vitality coupled with a progressive outlook all of its own which projects itself into the challenges of the modern age.
Bessie Surtees House is well worth a visit and I would certainly recommend it. OK some might say it's disappointing because you don't get to see around the whole building but, hey, it's free so who can complain about that?! Also, photography is allowed.
Sadly, due to the steep stairs, this historic site is not suitable for wheelchair access or the severely disabled.
I am not going to spoil your research by telling the story of Bessie Surtees - all the information is there for the finding.
The main room is very large and bright, with a fantastic elaborate plaster ceiling, magnificent carved oak panelling, leaden lattice windows, creaky wooden floor and a trestle table and benches. It could have been used for conferences, meetings, meals, family gatherings, etc. in days gone by. It is said that Bessie eloped from one of the windows in this room - which would have been a fair jump unless she was somehow afforded a soft landing by her husband to be.
The adjoining room which is up a few stairs, is also very tastefully restored and overlooks an internal courtyard. This room too boasts some wonderfully carved oak panelling and a handsome fireplace. In between there is a 'reading room' where information is available regarding the history of the property and its many and varied occupants.
The whole building and its interior have been beautifully and sympathetically renewed and restored throughout down the years. English Heritage, the conservation group, has offices on the premises so, unfortunately, there is no access beyond the first floor.
The property is a landmark of some distinction and the friendly lady on duty was most helpful and informative.
The architecture in Newcastle is a diverse eclectic mix of ancient and modern, Elizabethan and Georgian. Newcastle is not a tourist trap but has an energy and vitality coupled with a progressive outlook all of its own which projects itself into the challenges of the modern age.
Bessie Surtees House is well worth a visit and I would certainly recommend it. OK some might say it's disappointing because you don't get to see around the whole building but, hey, it's free so who can complain about that?! Also, photography is allowed.
Sadly, due to the steep stairs, this historic site is not suitable for wheelchair access or the severely disabled.
Written August 3, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela C
London, UK522 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
This is on Sandhill on the Tyne's northern bank, which used to be the hub of commercial Newcastle in the 16th century. It is a combination of 2 merchant houses from 16th/17th centuries, with sloping angles and dark wood throughout. The three rooms are quite interesting relating the story of Bessie, who was the daughter of a rich banker but fell in love with John Scott, who was very poor. However, the love story ended well as Scott went on to become Lord Chancellor.
Written September 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian K
Abbotsford, Canada1,233 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
A free tour of this 17th Tudor house is well worth taking in the short walk. Very cool building and teaches you a bit more of the history of the city that is known as Newcastle.
Written October 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tan W
North East UK319 contributions
May 2015
Tiny little house, worth a visit if you've half an hour spare. Great to see the wonky flooring, tiny doorways and huge fireplaces. Not always open though so check the times first.
Written August 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RojBlake
Wales, UK123,142 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
We enjoyed our visit to Bessie Surtees House even though there aren't many rooms open to the public. Entrance is free, though, and we did spend a fair bit of time inside reading the story of the two houses and the roles they have played down the years in Newcastle's Quayside.
I particularly enjoyed the old maps and photographs of the area. These provided a very useful context to the story of the houses and their inhabitants. I found that there were several drawers and boxes containing material that can be taken and read at one of the tables that have been provided so that you can sit and read. I felt this was a thoughtful touch.
Overall, this is a good place to spend an hour or so, and I thought I learned a lot about the area down the years.
I particularly enjoyed the old maps and photographs of the area. These provided a very useful context to the story of the houses and their inhabitants. I found that there were several drawers and boxes containing material that can be taken and read at one of the tables that have been provided so that you can sit and read. I felt this was a thoughtful touch.
Overall, this is a good place to spend an hour or so, and I thought I learned a lot about the area down the years.
Written April 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
r00m_with_a_view
United Kingdom1,219 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
Bessie Surtees house is in fact two five storied 16th and 17th merchant houses. It's also the regional offices for English Heritage.
Inside you will find amazing wood paneling, ornate ceilings and fireplaces. There's an exhibition giving the history of the house.
In 1772 ,Bessie Surtees climbed out of a first floor window to elope with John Scott, a coal merchants son who Bessie's father did not approve of.
John Scott later became Lord Chancellor and the family was reconciled.
The house is on Sandhill -a pleasant walk down from Grey Street and Dean Street to the Quayside.
It's a heavy walk back uphill , though there is a frequent bus service from the Quayside back up the hill.
Admission is free and the house is open Monday - Friday 10.00-16.00
Inside you will find amazing wood paneling, ornate ceilings and fireplaces. There's an exhibition giving the history of the house.
In 1772 ,Bessie Surtees climbed out of a first floor window to elope with John Scott, a coal merchants son who Bessie's father did not approve of.
John Scott later became Lord Chancellor and the family was reconciled.
The house is on Sandhill -a pleasant walk down from Grey Street and Dean Street to the Quayside.
It's a heavy walk back uphill , though there is a frequent bus service from the Quayside back up the hill.
Admission is free and the house is open Monday - Friday 10.00-16.00
Written March 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlisonCNIreland
Belfast, UK244 contributions
Feb 2015 • Friends
An interesting story about the property makes it worth a visit.
There are three first-floor rooms open to the public. As there isn't much furniture you notice the wood paneling, ceiling and fireplaces.
The interesting feature is the window through which Bessie Surtee climbed in order to elope.
Probably under 30 mins will suffice, but as it doesn't cost anything it's well worth a visit if you are nearby.
There are three first-floor rooms open to the public. As there isn't much furniture you notice the wood paneling, ceiling and fireplaces.
The interesting feature is the window through which Bessie Surtee climbed in order to elope.
Probably under 30 mins will suffice, but as it doesn't cost anything it's well worth a visit if you are nearby.
Written February 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marie-Louise K
Mariestad, Sweden790 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
This nice old Tudor-house is well worth a visit. It has a story to tell and it's probably more than 500 years old. Only a few rooms are open. the rest are offices for the Heritage. It's free to visit and I think 30 minutes will do. It's located on Sandhill near some bars and restaurants on the way to Quayside.
Written February 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Showing results 1-1 of 1
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing