Newcastle Cathedral
Newcastle Cathedral
4.5
Historic SitesArchitectural BuildingsReligious SitesChurches & Cathedrals
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Newcastle Cathedral holds the city's story in its stones and monuments. This is the only cathedral in the UK dedicated to St Nicholas and represents over 900 years of Newcastle’s development: its iconic Lantern Tower having originally been a guiding light for ships sailing up the River Tyne. With support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, visitors can discover centuries of stories. Interactive displays tell the stories of some of the notable characters commemorated in the Cathedral’s ledger stones. Other highlights include spectacular stained glass, monuments to Tyneside’s industrial pioneers and the Cathedral’s oldest resident – the 14th-century effigy of a medieval knight. Outside, a new churchyard trail and landscaped terrace provide a sanctuary to unwind and learn about the Cathedral's place in the city’s medieval quarter. Alongside a regular pattern of worship and choral music, visitors can take part in events and activities inspired by the Cathedral's past and present.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- NKayNorth East England, United Kingdom1,947 contributionsNewcastle cathedralI visited today when exploring Newcastle centre with my daughter. We were welcomed inside the cathedral and were invited to explore and take as many photos as we would like. We did just that. It’s beautiful inside the cathedral! There is also a cafe tucked away and some toilets, which we didn’t use but were made aware that they are there. There was a small section within the cathedral where they had allowed some homeless people to have some rest in the sleeping bags. We tried to keep quiet in this area whilst the people rested. It was comforting to know these people had also been welcomed in too and been looked after and provided with a safe, dry place to rest. We spent about 45 minutes exploring the cathedral, so much to see. Beautiful place,Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 20, 2024
- Michael KLondon, United Kingdom550 contributionsHomely cathedral with some interesting featuresThe dedication of St Nicholas is unique for a cathedral in the UK, and refers to the city’s longstanding maritime connections. The cathedral can be described as “quite interesting”. It is not one of England’s greatest, being an ancient parish church “made up” to a cathedral in 1882, and is England’s northernmost. Unlike most others, it is hemmed in by other buildings and not able to be appreciated externally in one view. The tower, with its unique asymmetrical lantern, catches the eye. There has been a church on this site since Norman times. The usual changes and remodelling took place over the years, reflecting theological and social change. The upgrading to cathedral status sparked much creativity, including splendid choir and canons’ stalls and the tallest bishop’s cathedra in the land. Recent years have seen changes to the nave, in particular to the flooring and lighting. A striking new altar and ambo were created, and all this completed in 2022. I daresay the new altar and ambo are Marmite; you wouldn’t get a faculty for them in a parish church! The cathedral does contain random interesting pieces; the font canopy; some unusual memorials; one of the very few pre-Reformation eagle lecterns, a handsome Renatus Harris organ; a fragment of medieval stained glass showing the Madonna breast-feeding; the alabaster high altar reredos; and a fine Flemish brass behind the high altar. Some will like the “Spitfire” stained glass window. The cathedral staff have clearly worked hard to make this a learning environment; classes of children were everywhere during our visit and information boards are plentiful; professional, but perhaps too many – this is not a museum. Everything is on the level; good for those with disability issues; bad for those wanting to see at big events. The cathedral is to be congratulated on maintaining free access.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 1, 2024
- Thomas VOakland, California19,155 contributionsChurch as a City MuseumSo happy that we took the time to tour this big Anglican church. They have displays that make the church sort of a city and regional history museum which lots of information on how the city and church evolved. There are some very ancient spots in this old church.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 12, 2024
- Jane SUlverston, United Kingdom741 contributionsAn interesting tourWe were lucky to be able to visit the cathedral when there was a tour of the building. Our guide was excellent and made the history of the cathedral extremely interesting. The cathedral is a really welcoming space, with friendly staff and volunteers. It has a very good cafeteria. I would recommend any one coming to Newcastle to visit this cathedral.Visited October 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten October 5, 2024
- WikumjRedhill, United Kingdom432 contributionsBeautiful and interesting historyOne of the best attractions in the city, this is a beautiful cathedral filled with interesting artistic details and historical nuggets of information. Compared to most churches and cathedrals which lack information to provide context, the cathedral is filled with notice boards with explanatory/historical information which provide interesting insights. For example this is the only cathedral in England dedicated to St Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus! There are interesting artistic details from different historical periods, including more modern stained glass for example. Seems to have a strong community ethos. You could spend 30-45 minutes here.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten October 13, 2024
- LostInTimePittsburgh, Pennsylvania24,854 contributionsOld church.I like old churches and this was a good one. It has a huge tower which is cool. Inside it’s a bit run down and missing things normal churches have, like pews as an example. They let homeless people sleep inside. But you can feel a lot of history inside which is cool and the stained glass is nice.Visited November 2024Traveled on businessWritten November 13, 2024
- TravellingRetirees2County Durham, United Kingdom110 contributionsLovely evening in the CathedralWe visited the cathedral for one of the Candlelight Concerts and this one was the music of The Eagles. The musicians were first class and the sound in the church is really good. We'd definitely go to another one. However, our experience was somewhat marred by a woman nearby who used her 'phone throughout the whole concert. We could see the constant bright, 'phone light in our peripheral vision when the atmosphere was supposed to be dark, - apart from one or two lights behind the band, the light came from candles. Why go to a concert if you're not going to watch the show?Visited November 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten November 27, 2024
- BeclongeDurham, United Kingdom138 contributionsA Sanctuary of Compassion and Hope: An Inspiring Visit to Newcastle CathedralToday, I had the privilege of visiting Newcastle Cathedral and was deeply moved by their profound commitment to social action. From the prayer wall for victims of abuse and the prayer tree to the opportunity to light a candle, every aspect of their ministry radiates intentional compassion. Their café, which provides employment opportunities for ex-offenders and a chance for a fresh start, is a beautiful testament to grace in action. What touched me most profoundly—both as a human, a Christian, and a Methodist minister—was the dedicated space they provide for the homeless to rest. In the bitter subzero temperatures of a North East winter, this simple yet radical act of hospitality is genuinely life-saving. While such a ministry must come with its challenges, I have not encountered anything quite like it in any other cathedral across the UK. It is undoubtedly a sacrificial expression of their faith, yet it exemplifies the essence of Jesus’ call to love our neighbour and to welcome the poor, the orphan, and the widow. This extraordinary ministry led me to prayer—lifting up their work, their witness, and the lives they touch daily. Newcastle Cathedral shines as a beacon of light and hope in the city, embodying the gospel in a way that is tangible, transformative, and deeply inspiring.Thank you for your thoughtful words and for sharing your experience so generously. We are deeply grateful to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and members of the Cathedral community, whose passion and commitment make this vision of radical welcome a reality. We hope you’ll visit us again and that you – and all who enter – continue to feel inspired and uplifted by this sacred space.Written January 20, 2025This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2025Traveled soloWritten January 15, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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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
654 reviews
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218
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Annette J
United Kingdom578 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
I urge everyone to gaze upon this powerfully affecting work of love, grief, and remembrance.
Each small panel of the quilt has been crafted in honour of a loved one lost to suicide.
Some feature photographs, while others bear colourful symbols of the deceased's passions (football clubs, music, pets). Many are prettily embellished with glittering motifs, buttons, bows and flowers.
Affectionate messages abound, and a few panels feature poems. Others simply show a name.
The heartache emanating from the quilt can be overwhelming, but don't look away. Stay a while and read the words, reflect upon the imagery, and remember how lucky you are, if today you can walk away and still have the opportunity to tell a loved one that they are that. Loved. Many are not so fortunate.
The quilt honours them, and their lost loved ones.
Painfully poignant, and life-affirming.
Thank you to Speak Their Name and Newcastle Cathedral for the privilege of seeing this very special memorial display.
Each small panel of the quilt has been crafted in honour of a loved one lost to suicide.
Some feature photographs, while others bear colourful symbols of the deceased's passions (football clubs, music, pets). Many are prettily embellished with glittering motifs, buttons, bows and flowers.
Affectionate messages abound, and a few panels feature poems. Others simply show a name.
The heartache emanating from the quilt can be overwhelming, but don't look away. Stay a while and read the words, reflect upon the imagery, and remember how lucky you are, if today you can walk away and still have the opportunity to tell a loved one that they are that. Loved. Many are not so fortunate.
The quilt honours them, and their lost loved ones.
Painfully poignant, and life-affirming.
Thank you to Speak Their Name and Newcastle Cathedral for the privilege of seeing this very special memorial display.
Written February 16, 2024
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.
Joniblue
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK57 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
This tour of the Cathedral was brilliant! I've lived here all my life and its only the 2nd time I've visited the Cathedral. The guide was funny and informative about the history, and in the cafe you can donate a hot drink to the homeless.
Written March 24, 2023
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.
Tsurupack
Chiba Japan1,340 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
This is the cathedral that represents Newcastle. The decoration near the top is unique and elegant. The stained glass, sculptures, and stone monuments of people buried underground are all worth seeing. It seems to be a relatively wealthy church, and there is a cafe. It also has a very rare clean toilet in the basement.

Written August 3, 2023
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.
Davina R
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Friends
Went to see Bowie by Candlelight last night. It is an amazing venue and the staff were so friendly but in our "premier " £40 seats the sound quality was abysmal. Amplified sound in such a lofty space needs careful planning. I am sure the band and Bowie tribute are very good but I couldn't make out a word or note. At worst they sounded like they were performing underwater and at best like a school disco. I think other areas of cathedral had a better sound but we had to leave well before break as our ears actually hurt. Please do some proper sound checking guys. And also not selling red wine as it might stain the floor is ridiculous. Be very careful when you take Communion .
Written October 21, 2023
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.
Hello Davina,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We are aware of Friday’s issue and reported it to the company that put on the event. We are actively working with them to ensure this doesn't happen again.
Regarding the matter of red wine sales, we’re afraid this policy is a necessary requirement due to the need to preserve the historic fabric in the specific area of the building where these events take place.
We sincerely value your feedback, and if you would like to get in touch directly, please don't hesitate to contact us by searching online for the ‘Newcastle Cathedral Contact Form’.
Warm regards
Written October 24, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
chrisdodd4
London, UK794 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
As by my previous visit up the Newcastle Castle right next door stands the cathedral this magnificent building with its thunderbird like spire stands right in between the Tyne River and St James Park.
I was very fortunate as while I was away there was a chance to visit the top of the cathedral so I took up there offer, so as you enter the cathedral make sure u allow yourself ample time to look around the cathedral itself before you ascend up to the top, just a word of caution this activity is not for the faint hearted as as you climb the tight stone stairs there is not much room.
You first visit it’s bell room and get to see the cathedral roof before you reach the summit I forget to mention your need your hard hat at the top.
As you emerge on to the roof you again get to see parts of the city that most people do see so below is some pictures to make up your own mind.
So in summary if the chance arises to visit take up the offer it is a tight squeeze but the reward is well with it.
I was very fortunate as while I was away there was a chance to visit the top of the cathedral so I took up there offer, so as you enter the cathedral make sure u allow yourself ample time to look around the cathedral itself before you ascend up to the top, just a word of caution this activity is not for the faint hearted as as you climb the tight stone stairs there is not much room.
You first visit it’s bell room and get to see the cathedral roof before you reach the summit I forget to mention your need your hard hat at the top.
As you emerge on to the roof you again get to see parts of the city that most people do see so below is some pictures to make up your own mind.
So in summary if the chance arises to visit take up the offer it is a tight squeeze but the reward is well with it.
Written September 15, 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.
JJ1874
Edinburgh, UK65 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Beautiful building but sadly when we visited there seemed to be some kind of course on for clergy of some kind and they were watching a video which was pretty much an American accent talking non-stop and it was absolutely blaring! Like ridiculously loud. I’m reading poignant messages about abuse survivors & suicide losses & trying to light a candle and say a prayer in a place of worship while this voice is ranting across the whole building. Really ruined the visit which we (and others we spoke to) decided to cut short.
Written March 24, 2024
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.
fredspoon
Chester-le-Street, UK55 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
Absolutely wonderful to visit today. As someone who used to teach religion and was a part of a church I was amazed to walk into the cathedral on a cold Saturday afternoon. They had a set for a concert that was happening the next day but this didn’t distract from the building that I would call a living church.
My former church (a million reasons why I no longer attend) wouldn’t even allow tv screens to be placed on the pillars even though it wouldn’t have damaged them. This means that not all could see clearly what was happening at the front. But Newcastle Cathedral has embraced new technology including incorporating screens into the fabric of the building without being too obtrusive.
I could spend a lot more time talking about how wonderful and certainly welcoming the place is. The fact they allowed the homeless to sleep in parts of the building cemented the very heart of the community as it isn’t run by busy bodies who hold the building in more higher regard that the humans it was designed to serve.
Philip
Dip Th B.A. (HONS) PGCE
My former church (a million reasons why I no longer attend) wouldn’t even allow tv screens to be placed on the pillars even though it wouldn’t have damaged them. This means that not all could see clearly what was happening at the front. But Newcastle Cathedral has embraced new technology including incorporating screens into the fabric of the building without being too obtrusive.
I could spend a lot more time talking about how wonderful and certainly welcoming the place is. The fact they allowed the homeless to sleep in parts of the building cemented the very heart of the community as it isn’t run by busy bodies who hold the building in more higher regard that the humans it was designed to serve.
Philip
Dip Th B.A. (HONS) PGCE
Written March 12, 2023
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.
maisymeg
Wigan, UK2,820 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We were walking around the city and came across the beautiful cathedral and were welcomed in for a visit.
It's beautifully preserved and there are lots of helpful staff around to get information from. We enjoyed watching the short video about the history of the bell tower.
There is a cafe which has drinks and snacks at reasonable prices.
I find some religious buildings feel cold and distant but this one is warm and welcoming.
It's beautifully preserved and there are lots of helpful staff around to get information from. We enjoyed watching the short video about the history of the bell tower.
There is a cafe which has drinks and snacks at reasonable prices.
I find some religious buildings feel cold and distant but this one is warm and welcoming.
Written October 10, 2023
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.
volunteer12017
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK50 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Went to an organ recital
What a lovely way to spend An afternoon,
Find organ music so relaxing, that I nearly nodded off.
Clergy and volunteers are so welcoming nothing is to much trouble, even offering assistance to find a seat,as I'm visually impaired and autistic.
Feel totally refreshed after the pot of tea in the cafe16 .
Found the prices a bit steep £2.25 for a pot of tea. But I suppose they have the upkeep of the cathedral and the business to maintain.
All in all a lovely day
What a lovely way to spend An afternoon,
Find organ music so relaxing, that I nearly nodded off.
Clergy and volunteers are so welcoming nothing is to much trouble, even offering assistance to find a seat,as I'm visually impaired and autistic.
Feel totally refreshed after the pot of tea in the cafe16 .
Found the prices a bit steep £2.25 for a pot of tea. But I suppose they have the upkeep of the cathedral and the business to maintain.
All in all a lovely day
Written November 6, 2023
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.
Joyce W
Wallsend, England189 contributions
Mar 2023
Fascinating tour - information clearly provided on many aspects of the building and the key points of the history of Newcastle and the cathedral. It followed it's development from being one of the largest parish churches to the country's smallest cathedral (smaller cathedrals have since been designated). There is clearly a lot more that could be said, but an hour was just right as a general introduction that covered the most important points. Our guide (Mike) was excellent. There is also a lovely, value for money cafe
Written March 19, 2023
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.
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