Victoria Tunnel
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear
About Victoria Tunnel
Discover Newcastle as you never knew it existed with a guided tour of the Victoria Tunnel. Roundly considered a masterpiece of Victorian engineering, it’s a great slice of history with some ghouls thrown in for good measure!
During the 1800s labourers transported huge loads of coal beneath the city from Town Moor to the Tyne. Follow in their footsteps and learn what colliery life was like back in the day. You’ll be kitted out with a torch and hardhat and listen to the ghostly tales which fill the passages.
These channels were also used as a converted air raid shelter during WWII. Step back in time and see the rough wooden replica beds and benches where Newcastle’s citizens sat and slept on during air raids. Imagine the sound of planes passing overhead and hear memories of life in wartime Newcastle. Tours typically run between one and two hours and due to space are kept to 12 people and under, with limited opening times. However, there are loads of extra tours during the school holidays.
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Explore a 19th-century wagonway under the city
The Victoria Tunnel is a preserved 19th-century waggonway under Newcastle, stretching from the Town Moor to the Tyne river. It was originally built to transport coal from Spital Tongues (Leazes Main) Colliery to the river and operated between 1842 and the 1860s. The Tunnel was converted in 1939 into an air-raid shelter to protect thousands of Newcastle citizens during World War 2. During your tour, you'll also find out which Newcastle landmarks you are walking beneath, including a unique chance to walk underneath Hadrian's Roman Wall.
Experience life in a Victorian waggonway
Learn how it was constructed and listen out for the wagons full of coal heading for the Tyne. Be brave - listen to the story of William Coulson's death and be aware as you hear the approaching waggons heading towards you through the tunnel in the pitch-black darkness.
Learn how tough life was during World War Two
Listen for the air-raid warning, the sound of planes passing overhead dropping their bombs, and hear the memories of people who lived through the dreadful period in Newcastle's history. See the rough wooden replica beds and benches, just like those slept or sat on by frightened citizens during bombing raids. Visit the World War Two crucifix and see if you can identify the people named in the roll of honour.
Facilities
Toilets
Card Payments Accepted
Opening Times
- Monday, 00:00 - 00:00
- Tuesday, 00:00 - 00:00
- Wednesday, 00:00 - 00:00
- Thursday, 00:00 - 00:00
- Friday, 00:00 - 00:00
- Saturday, 00:00 - 00:00
- Sunday, 00:00 - 00:00
Short Tours, 75mins
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am and 11:45am
Saturday 3:30pm
Sunday 11am
Long Tours, 2hours
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1:30pm
Thursday 6:30pm
Saturday 10am and 1pm
Sunday 1pm
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (7-15) : £6.00
- Adult (16-18+) : £15.00
Short Tour Adult - £13
Long Tour Adult - £15
Child - £6
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Victoria Tunnel by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 1 - 2 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Contact Details
55 Lime Street, Ouseburn Valley
Newcastle upon Tyne
Tyne and Wear
NE1 2PQ
England
Our short tours start from the Tunnel entrance on Ouse Street, NE1 2PF. Our longer tours start from the Ouseburn Trust at 53 Lime Street, NE1 2PQ.
Tel: 0191 261 6596
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
by bus from/to town centre & byker
Services 1, 12, 22, 39, 40, 62 and 63 will take you to the Bus Stop outside or opposite St. Dominic's Priory on New Bridge Street - look for The Tanners Arms pub and turn down Stepney Bank on the right of the pub, follow the road downhill to the heart of Ouseburn. Find out more details of bus services at journeyplanner
The yellow Quaylink bus, Q3, from Newcastle city Centre (Market Street near Grey'sMonument) will drop you off on City Road (Just after East Quayside Sandgate stop in the timetable). Turn left along Cut Bank, then left again on Lime St to the heart of Ouseburn. Here's a link to the Q3 timetable
Sightseeing Bus - during the Summer you can catch the 'Toon Tour' sightseeing bus (blue route) from Central Station and the City Centre through to the heart of Ouseburn and many wonderful attractions. It runs every half hour between about 10am and about 4pm. More details of the route and timetables here.
by metro
Ouseburn is located between two Metro stations - Manors (0.7 miles from the centre of Ouseburn) and Byker (0.9 miles from the centre of Ouseburn).
Verification & Last Updated
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Last Updated: 01:30 03/10/2024
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