Newcastle Cathedral
Newcastle Cathedral
4.5
Historic SitesArchitectural BuildingsReligious SitesChurches & Cathedrals
8:00 AM - 5:00 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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See what travelers are saying
- maisymegWigan, United Kingdom2,802 contributionsA warm welcome to allWe 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.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 10, 2023
- volunteer12017Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom33 contributionsListen to the organ singWent 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 dayVisited November 2023Traveled soloWritten November 6, 2023
- Tina P26 contributionsLovely Cathedral well worth a visitLovely cathedral with a café which sells lovely cakes. I paid about £6.00 for a generous slice of coffee and walnut cake and a tea. During my stay in Newcastle, went to evensong and sat in the Quire with other congregation. The choir were wonderful. I am interested in Lord Nelson so was pleasantly surprised to discover his friend Collingwood was born in Newcastle, attended a local Grammar school and married at the cathedral, which in those days was a parish church. Free entry, donations welcome.Visited November 2023Traveled soloWritten November 14, 2023
- Lyn CHuddersfield, United Kingdom61 contributionsBeautiful cathedral and fabulous concert!We attended a Vivaldi concert at this beautiful cathedral. The event was very well organised and the staff were really helpful and friendly. The concert was excellent and we had great seats at the front. The only downside was that £7.50 was a bit steep for a glass of wine! Aside from that, we had a really enjoyable evening and hope to return for future events.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 20, 2023
- Annette JUnited Kingdom518 contributionsSuicide Memorial Quilt DisplayI 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.Visited February 2024Traveled soloWritten February 16, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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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
638 reviews
Excellent
380
Very good
215
Average
37
Poor
5
Terrible
1
Chris Lloyd
Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, UK20 contributions
Dec 2019
St Nicholas Cathedral is a very impressive building on the inside, which is not really reflected by its exterior. We attended the Bobby Robson Foundation concert and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was different to what either of us had been to before and the acts made it a great experience. If you like old church buildings then St Nicholas is a great one to visit and if you haven't been to one before then it is an ideal place to start as it is very welcoming. I've been to a number of cathedrals, including Durham and York and have always felt that St Nicholas is more intimate.
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.
chrisdodd4
London, UK399 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.
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.
Joniblue
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK59 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.
MrVilliers
Brighton, UK237 contributions
Dec 2021
Interesting experience with great information and insights. The automated lighting teaching you more about the stones and those buried there is a great touch.
It is a beautiful building, with wonderful architecture and very welcoming team working there.
It is a beautiful building, with wonderful architecture and very welcoming team working there.
Written January 8, 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.
david n
Manchester, UK4,796 contributions
Jan 2022
I tried to think of a single word to sum up and tidy seems to do it. The stained glass windows are pretty good and there are some superb sculptures and woodwork (especially in the quire) but there are no side chapels and tombs & effigies have been moved in most cases to the side = tided away.
The welcoming ladies are very warm and it is free to enter.
The welcoming ladies are very warm and it is free to enter.
Written January 26, 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.
Kath C
Washington, UK92 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
I went on the Lantern tower tour at St Nicholas cathedral today. It was 162 steps up a spiral staircase but we stopped off in the Bell ringing room and saw the clock mechanism and the bell ropes. Up on the roof the views were fantastic over this great city. The guides were very informative and there was no pressure to hurry off the roof. I visited the newly renovated inside of the cathedral which is great.
Written May 5, 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.
Tom B
London, UK1 contribution
Oct 2021 • Solo
I had a free afternoon in Newcastle today and somehow my feet carried me to this cathedral. Small and ordinary looking outside.Friendly welcome and there was a free organ recital.Then I began to take in the great profusion of colourful and interesting stained glass in nearly every wndow.Then the brass tomb coverings stretching back to medieval times,the fantastically ornate altars,
marble tomb effigies choir stalls and organ.
If you like cathedrals ,this is well worth exploring and the staff are lovely.
marble tomb effigies choir stalls and organ.
If you like cathedrals ,this is well worth exploring and the staff are lovely.
Written October 11, 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.
futtock21
London, UK11,627 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
Founded in 1091, destroyed by fire in 1216, the current building was completed in 1350 and in the perpendicular style. It was raised to Cathedral status in 1882 henceforth being known as St. Nicholas’s. It has some notable stained glass as well as memorials including that of a medieval knight dating from the 13th century, probably from the household of Edward I. A large rather stodgy statue of the rather stodgy Queen Victoria stands outside. There is a fine choir which has ofttimes featured on Choral Evensong. There is a splendid nineteenth century Lewis & Co. organ which has been refurbished since. More modern still is the buttery serving snacks and savouries from a counter.
Written November 21, 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.
fredspoon
Chester-le-Street, UK53 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Newcastle Cathedral
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