Tynemouth Priory & Castle
Tynemouth Priory & Castle
Tynemouth Priory & Castle
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
458 within 3 miles
Attractions
106 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- FotheringayLondon, United Kingdom72 contributionsAll Mine All MineWow! I waited for good weather, so missed the on line advance booking discount but simply don't care. On the right day Tynemouth priory and castle are just stunning. Unlike some ruins there are enough slabs of masonry still intact to get a real feel of the building and the c19 restoration of the Percy Chantry is breathtaking. The castle section also has a lovely atmosphere, history can really be touched. Nature too is ever present and if the wind whips, then the view from the cliffs of waves crashing over the north pier wall is spectacular. It is almost impossible to take a bad photo of the place. The same cliffs are also home to gun batteries, though one shut off area would I think normally contain a further exhibition (See pre Covid reviews) . Similarly the disused coastguard station on the site is crying out for re appropriation, but these are minor quibbles. With the proviso this is an outdoor venue I cannot recommend a visit highly enough. The gift shop guide book is informative, well produced and good value too.Visited October 2021Written October 24, 2021
- Draculas_Bride666Rothwell, United Kingdom744 contributionsAmazing GraveyardThis place is great. Fabulous views and an amazing graveyard. We walked around for ages reading them all. Also good to see the army battery and some old guns too. It's a big site which is good for a few hours of exploring and there is then a little gift shop on the way out. You can site in the ground just on the outside and picnic without paying to go in if you like but I recommend paying to have a look around.Visited April 2021Written May 12, 2021
- Caking around Britain xWakefield, United Kingdom1,183 contributionsStunning ruins on a dramatic headlandThere is so much to see here. There is a long history on this headland and alot of buildings and ruins to explore. The priory is stunning in this setting and don't miss the small chapel restored by the Victorians, it has a fabulous ceiling and stained glass. There are battlements from more recent wars and gun emplacements too. The gate house is great and has a spiral staircase you can climb to the top for far reaching views. There is a good little shop and admissions area, staffed by friendly guides. Well worth a visit, take a camera the views are fab!Visited January 2020Written January 27, 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.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
606 reviews
Excellent
337
Very good
224
Average
36
Poor
4
Terrible
5
Emma
Keswick, UK22 contributions
Aug 2021
Tynemouth Priory and Castle occupies a stunning location on the coast, and as such is worth visiting just for the views alone. The site is run by English Heritage, and they provide a few basic information boards around the site and signage to what parts of the ruins used to be, but otherwise there is minimal interpretation. Even on a hot summer day the site was relatively quiet, allowing visitors to enjoy the atmosphere of the site and to get some great photographs.
What made this visit outstanding was the staff working there. Tracy and Lindsey went out of their way to solve an issue with my English Heritage membership which was not showing as valid; taking the time to contact the customer services to investigate the issue and setting up a new membership. It would have been very easy for them to have just provided contact details to sort it out later and requested non-member payment to enter, but the care they took to solve the issue even as they had to multi-task to assist other visitors was a credit to the site and to English Heritage.
What made this visit outstanding was the staff working there. Tracy and Lindsey went out of their way to solve an issue with my English Heritage membership which was not showing as valid; taking the time to contact the customer services to investigate the issue and setting up a new membership. It would have been very easy for them to have just provided contact details to sort it out later and requested non-member payment to enter, but the care they took to solve the issue even as they had to multi-task to assist other visitors was a credit to the site and to English Heritage.
Written August 5, 2021
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.
Nicola D
Hessle, UK3,167 contributions
Jun 2021
We booked last minute online as we were staying nearby and had some time to kill before our next destination. It was far more interesting than we had expected and we spent almost 2 hours wandering and exploring the site of the old monastery and priory. It was only about £6 each entry.
It covers quite a large area. The views are great and there are battery and guns from WW2 . There is a very interesting old graveyard and a chapel. It was also the site of the original lighthouse. There is a small gift shop on the way out.
There are picnic areas just outside by the moat which you can use without paying the entrance fee. It is well worth a visit however.
It covers quite a large area. The views are great and there are battery and guns from WW2 . There is a very interesting old graveyard and a chapel. It was also the site of the original lighthouse. There is a small gift shop on the way out.
There are picnic areas just outside by the moat which you can use without paying the entrance fee. It is well worth a visit however.
Written June 18, 2021
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.
JasonPeacock7
Thornaby on Tees, UK61 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
I took my dad for a day out in Tynemouth . We always set of early, so arrived early and set about looking around Tynemouth.
We went to the Priory as soon as the gates opened. The staff were brilliant.
The place is in a great location for views across the sea, and plenty to see and view.
The canon’s and guns were interesting.
It would be great if English Heritage could make the abandoned lighthouse station into a cafe, or make some use of it. It really is a shame.
All in all, we enjoyed our visit, well worth it if your interested in old buildings steeped in history.
We went to the Priory as soon as the gates opened. The staff were brilliant.
The place is in a great location for views across the sea, and plenty to see and view.
The canon’s and guns were interesting.
It would be great if English Heritage could make the abandoned lighthouse station into a cafe, or make some use of it. It really is a shame.
All in all, we enjoyed our visit, well worth it if your interested in old buildings steeped in history.
Written April 12, 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.
Susan H
Pontefract, UK30 contributions
Jul 2022
These are very dramatic ruins overlooking the bay and beaches of Tynemouth. Apart from the small chapel which is well-worth entering to soak up the atmosphere, the rest of the castle and chapel is open to the elements. It is probably quite chilly and windy to visit most of the time, but we were there on the hottest day of the year so it was delightfully cooler than most places! If you are a photographer you can get some great shots from up here.
Written August 4, 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.
Simon Nordström
Falkenberg, Sweden59 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Its a fantastic scenery with the old castle on the cliffs that dates back to the iron age. Its very well preserved and taken care of and we had a wonderful few hours walking around the site for a small admission fee, well worth it. There’s also some remains from the WW2 that you can experiance.
Written September 18, 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.
rebeljenn
Ruislip, UK896 contributions
Aug 2020
Excellent views. Ruins of a monastery. An ancient site. Battery and guns from the world wars. There's something here for everyone. (Note that the battery buildings and some of the interior places are shut due to covid19)
Written September 22, 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.
Mark H
8 contributions
Jul 2023
This was an interesting place to visit. There were very few people there as we arrived when it first opened. Most visitors seem to be more interested in the adjacent beach. This creates a parking problem as the public parking was full. We had to wait until someone left before we could get a space as the beachgoers take up all the parking. The guidebook can be purchased at the ticket shop and is really needed to give historical context to this place. It has a very interesting history if you take the time to delve into it.
Written July 20, 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.
CarlyDodds
Tutbury, UK333 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
This place would have gotten 5/5 if they had had parking.
Brilliant place to visit, the views are stunning. The history behind it is fascinating. But on busy days your either not getting a parking place or you may have to walk a fair distance from your car to the Castle. Which we found annoying as we paid entry online the evening before, so could have been a waste. However, we eventually got parked and Wow it was worth it - the views are amazing North, South and West.
Brilliant place to visit, the views are stunning. The history behind it is fascinating. But on busy days your either not getting a parking place or you may have to walk a fair distance from your car to the Castle. Which we found annoying as we paid entry online the evening before, so could have been a waste. However, we eventually got parked and Wow it was worth it - the views are amazing North, South and West.
Written August 23, 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.
Sam3314
Derby, UK2,046 contributions
Jul 2022
A fortified priory that was a defensive position until the 1960s. The priory is in ruins apart from the Percy chapel which as some interesting roof booses. Great carvings on the ruins. The gatehouse gives some good views. You can also climb the WWII gun emplacements and look down the 6 inch gun.
Written July 10, 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.
Mandy B
United Kingdom23 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
So much to see and read with different areas relating to different time periods.
Interesting and factual but with enough blanks for you to imagine the rest.
Lots of space so take your own picnic and make a half day out of it.
Views are also a favourite.
Interesting and factual but with enough blanks for you to imagine the rest.
Lots of space so take your own picnic and make a half day out of it.
Views are also a favourite.
Written August 6, 2021
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.
Lisagee1983
Heaton, UK1 contribution
Looking for a sunday lunch as close to the priory as poss.. any one advise?
Brenda78620
Dripping Springs, TX14 contributions
How hard is the walk up to the Priory grounds? I have some mobility issues and want. to be prepared.
chris e
Filey, UK464 contributions
As long as you park on street it's good
Moronnie
Surrey69 contributions
Do I understand from one of the Tripadvisor comments that if you stay outside the Tynemouth Priory and Castle buildings you can be on the grounds without charge? We just want to take some scenic photos.
4 hours ago
Topman4
Whitley Bay, UK540 contributions
Yes, there is no charge and you will get some good photos.
Moronnie
Surrey69 contributions
Do I understand from what you said that if you stay outside the Tynemouth Priory and Castle buildings you can be on the grounds without charge? We just want to take some scenic photos.
GintNic
Dyce, UK171 contributions
Yes, you can go up to where the entry is and get some fabulous photos, also, where the parking areas are allow for some great shots!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Tynemouth Priory & Castle
- Tynemouth Priory & Castle is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Tynemouth Priory & Castle:
- (0.13 mi) LOVATT HOUSE APARTMENT TYNEMOUTH, family friendly in Tynemouth
- (0.35 mi) Tynemouth 61 Guest House and Tea Rooms
- (0.17 mi) The Tynemouth Cottage, Tynemouth
- (0.17 mi) THE TYNEMOUTH COTTAGE, country holiday cottage in Tynemouth
- (0.36 mi) The Grand Hotel, Tynemouth
- Restaurants near Tynemouth Priory & Castle:
- (0.09 mi) Turks Head
- (0.07 mi) Riley's Fish Shack
- (0.07 mi) The Gibraltar Rock
- (0.07 mi) Wood's Coffee
- (0.15 mi) Longsands Fish Kitchen
Tynemouth Priory & Castle Information
Excellent Reviews | 337 |
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Very Good Reviews | 224 |
Tynemouth Priory & Castle Photos | 539 |