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Newcastle’s original landmark attraction set to re-open following £1.67m refurbishment

Newcastle’s original landmark attraction is re-opening to the public this Saturday (21 March) following a £1.67m refurbishment, as English Tourism Week (14-22 March) comes to a close.

Equipped with new interpretation and exhibitions, Newcastle Castle, which is made up of the newly renovated Black Gate and upgraded Castle Keep, will allow visitors to delve further than ever before into the City’s colourful and rich history.

Aided by a £1.4m Heritage Lottery Fund grant, the Old Newcastle Project has worked hard to enhance the existing buildings and create a gateway into the City’s incredible past.

The Castle Keep, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, has long been an iconic symbol of the region’s past – being all that remains of the stone medieval stronghold built in the 1170s by Henry II. Thanks to the refurbishment, the cellar, formerly the county prison, and upper-floor Great Hall now boast state of the art audio-visual installations, relaying key events from the city’s past.

Kate Sussams, Project Manager at the Old Newcastle Project, said: “The journey we have undertaken over the last two years has been truly fascinating and a real time-hop.

“The stories we’ve uncovered have made us smile and wince in equal measure. Highlights include prisoners being hung, drawn and quartered, stories of rogue sheriffs, tales from the Civil War and even a local merchant’s attempt to make a donkey fly from the top of the Castle Keep!

“There are so many interesting stories of the people who lived and worked in the Castle buildings and in the surrounding Castle Garth.

“We’re delighted we can now open our doors to the public once again, and to do so during English Tourism Week could not be more fitting! Newcastle Castle, is after all, the city’s original visitor attraction!”

Chris Dalliston, Dean of Newcastle and Chair of the Heart of the City Partnership which now runs Newcastle Castle, said: “To see new life breathed into Newcastle Castle is truly wonderful.

“Together with the Cathedral, the Castle buildings form the area known as Old Newcastle – where the story of the Newcastle really began.

“The team at the Old Newcastle project have done a fantastic job of bringing together a range of new features and attractions to help uncover the city’s extremely varied and vibrant past.

“The project, could not have been achieved however without the help of Heritage Lottery Funding and I’d like to thank them for their support in helping to make the renovation of the Black Gate and the Keep a reality and animating these important city landmarks for future generations to enjoy.”

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