Step Inside Newcastle’s Best-Kept Secrets These Heritage Open Days -

Newcastle is full of hidden treasures, buildings with stories whispered through the walls, tucked away behind doors most people never notice. And for a short time, during Heritage Open Days, you can step inside. Curious which gems are actually open? Keep reading, I’ve put together a guide to the city’s best-kept secrets

What are Heritage Open Days?

Every September, England throws open its doors for Heritage Open Days, a nationwide celebration of history, architecture, and culture. It’s your chance to step inside historic landmarks that are often closed to the public or usually charge an entry fee, all completely free. Many places also offer special tours, talks, and events, so you can uncover stories you won’t find anywhere else.

First launched in 1994, Heritage Open Days have become the country’s biggest festival of history and culture, with thousands of events taking place across the UK.

Where can I find out about Heritage Open Day events near me?

You can explore everything that’s happening on the Heritage Open Days website. You can search by location to find all the events near you.

Simply search by location to find hidden gems near you. Keep in mind that while events are free, some do require booking, and the most popular ones fill up quickly.

When do the Heritage Open Days take place?

Heritage Open Days happen every September. In 2025, the festival runs from 12th to 21st September, giving you plenty of time to explore.

Where can I visit during the Heritage Open Days?

Across the UK, thousands of surprising and fascinating places take part in the festival. To help you plan, I’ve picked out some of the most intriguing spots in Newcastle upon Tyne and North East England—perfect if you’re ready to step into hidden stories and discover the region’s best-kept secrets.

Buildings to Explore During Heritage Open Days

Take a tour of the Grainger Market

The Grainger Market, tucked in the heart of Newcastle, has been a bustling covered market since 1835. Today, it’s as lively as ever, brimming with stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, bread, cakes, clothes, and an eclectic mix of street food. Highlights include the historic weigh house, where shoppers once checked the weight of their purchases, and the tiniest, oldest branch of Marks & Spencer. Nowadays, you can even step on the scales yourself.

Where is the Grainger Market?

Grainger Market,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
Tyne & Wear,
NE1 5QQ

Newcastle Castle

Perched at the heart of the city, Newcastle Castle isn’t just a building, it’s where history comes alive. From its medieval walls to the stories of kings, sieges, and secret passages, every stone has a tale to tell. Step inside during Heritage Open Days and imagine life centuries ago, wandering the same halls where history was made.

Why not take the opportunity to explore Newcastle Castle and Black Gate while it is open for the Heritage Open Days. There are exhibitions on Newcastle’s past from Roman times to medieval days. The view from the roof is well worth climbing the stairs for. Note that the Castle Keep has winding stairs and may not be suitable if you have limited mobility.

The castle is open for one day only, on the 13th September from 10 am to 5 pm

Where is Newcastle Castle?

The Black Gate, Castle Garth,
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1RQ

Bessie Surtees House

Bessie Surtees House feels like a storybook brought to life. These timber-framed merchants’ houses on the Quayside are filled with charm, history, and a dash of romance. Most famously, it was here that Bessie defied her family, climbing from a window to elope with her true love, John Scott, who would one day rise to become Lord Chancellor of England. Step inside during Heritage Open Days and it’s easy to imagine whispered secrets, stolen glances, and the sweep of history unfolding in its Jacobean rooms.

During Heritage Open Days, members of The 1635 Household will bring the past to life. Dressed in authentic period costume, they’ll fill the air with songs and music from the early seventeenth century, performed on instruments of the time.

Sunday 21 September:11am-3pm

Where is Bessie Surtees House?

Bessie Surtees House, 41-44 Sandhill,
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3JF

Lit & Phil – Behind the Books Tour

The Lit & Phil has been sparking curiosity in Newcastle since 1825. More than just a library, it has always been a meeting place for big ideas and lively discussion. During the industrial revolution, it became a place of firsts, most famously hosting the very first demonstration of the electric light bulb. Step inside today and you’ll find it’s like no other library you’ve ever visited. With its towering bookshelves and sense of history hanging in the air, it’s easy to lose yourself for hours.

Rows of books inside the Lit & Phil Newcastle

Where is the Lit & Phil?

Literary and Philosophical Society,
23 Westgate Road,
Newcastle Upon Tyne,
NE1 1SE

The Common Room (Home to The Mining Institute)

The Common Room, once the grand Mining Institute, was built on the grit and determination of the North East. Beneath its elegant exterior lies a story of coal, industry, and invention, with miners and engineers shaping the world far beyond Newcastle.

Thanks to National Lottery funding, the building has been transformed into a space which showcases how engineers and inventors from the North East impacted on the world. They have loads of events, perfect for children. Also on the site is the 5|Quarter cafe bar.

Step inside during Heritage Open Days and wander through wood-panelled rooms, ornate staircases, and echoes of ambition that powered the industrial age.

The tours take place on Wednesday 17 September:1000-1600, walks at 1030 and 1330

Where is The Common Room

The Common Room,
Westgate Road,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
Tyne & Wear,
NE1 1SE

Newcastle Cathedral

Newcastle Cathedral has watched over the city for centuries, its soaring spire a beacon for travellers and townsfolk alike. Step inside and you’ll find stories carved into stone and stained glass, knights, saints, and citizens whose lives shaped the city.

The Cathedral is 14th Century but it also has a Lantern Tower which is 15th Century. For many centuries the lantern tower would help to guide ships up the river Tyne.

Inside you will find plenty of interest in the memorials and monuments that recall figures from Newcastle’s past. Of particular interest is the Collingwood Monument dedicated to Admiral Lord Collingwood. Best known of taking over command at the Battle of Trafalgar after the death of Nelson, he was baptised and married in the cathedral.

Whilst the cathedral is open most days, during the Heritage Open Days they are offering a tour through the cathedral courtyard. Find out about the vampire rabbit and why Queen Victoria was unamused on her visit to Newcastle.

Saturday 13 September:1100, 1200 1300
Saturday 20 September:1100, 1200 & 1300

Prebooking is preferred. Contact the Catheral office on 0191 2321939 or email: [email protected]

You can also book online at: https://newcastlecathedral.org.uk/visit/things-to-do/tours-talks-and-exhibitions/.

Where is Newcastle Cathedral?

Newcastle Cathedral,
St Nicholas Street,
Newcastle Upon Tyne ,
Tyne & Wear,
NE1 1PF

The Corporation of the Newcastle upon Tyne Trinity House

Trinity House is one of Newcastle’s quiet treasures, tucked away on Broad Chare since the 16th century. For centuries, this guild of seafarers kept ships safe and guided mariners home, its walls steeped in tales of storms, voyages, and brave returns. During Heritage Open Days, you can wander through its hidden courtyards and chambers, stepping into a chapter of the city’s maritime story that few ever see.

Inside Trinity House you will find wonderful historic rooms, including a hidden chapel and an amazing banqueting hall. It also contains numerous treasures and maritime artefacts, you really do need to visit.

Forty minute long tours take place on Saturday 20th September. They start at 10.00am and take place every 20 minutes. The last tour is 15.20pm

Where is Trinity House

Trinity House, Broad Chare,
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE1 3DQ

Your Journey Through Time Awaits

From castles and cathedrals to hidden guild halls and timber-framed houses, Newcastle’s Heritage Open Days are more than just a chance to peek inside old buildings. They’re an invitation to wander through time. Each doorway opens into another chapter—of love and defiance, of invention and ambition, of faith, trade, and everyday life.

As you explore, you’re not just visiting bricks and mortar—you’re walking in the footsteps of people who shaped the city we know today. This is Newcastle’s story, told through the places that have held its secrets for centuries. And for one special week, those secrets are yours to discover.

So, take a look through my guide, choose the buildings that spark your curiosity, and plan your own journey into Newcastle’s past. And when you’ve explored, I’d love to hear—what hidden treasure was your favourite?

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2 Comments

Louise says:

August 20, 2019 at 7:09 am

Thanks for this. Several things on the list to do. I think the second date for swing Bridge is incorrect?

1. Alison Maclean says:
  
  September 12, 2019 at 7:06 pm
  
  Thanks, they has updated it since I wrote the post. It should be right now