Must Visit Events in NewcastleGateshead During Heritage Open Days

The Grainger Market was designed by John Dobson and built in the 1835 as part of an ambitious plan to improve Newcastle’s cityscape. The market has been at the heart of Newcastle ever since and you can find the same trades today that were available when it opened – butchers, opticians, fruit, sweets, boots and dairy products. The Evening Chronicle, described it at its launch as “the most beautiful (covered market) in the world”. Its opening was celebrated with a huge dinner on 22 October 1835 attended by over 2,000 guests. Book up and find out some of the fascinating history of the market.

When is it taking place?

Friday 11 September: 11-12
Saturday 12 September: 11-12
Monday 14 September: 11-12 (fully booked)
Tuesday 15 September: 11-12
Wednesday 16 September: 11-12
Thursday 17 September: 11-12
Friday 18 September: 11-12
Saturday 19 September: 11-12

Please email markets@newcastle.gov.uk to book your place on the tour. Limited numbers so please book up early. Find out more here.

Join a member of Baltic Crew for a relaxed tour of NewcastleGateshead Quayside and local history from the comfort of our indoor Level 5 Viewing Box. Find out more about the historical buildings and local sights, take in the beautiful views and delve into the history and regeneration of NewcastleGateshead's Quayside from our Level 5 Viewing Box. Uncover facts about the River Tyne, the bridges that span it and learn how the Quayside has changed over the years.

The tour will last approximately 20 minutes. Baltic Crew are happy to answer questions throughout the tour. This tour is suitable for all ages and we’ll adapt content depending on our visitors. We’ll do our best to keep to time, but want to accommodate everyone.

Timings and tours: Thursday 17 September: 10:30-11:00

No pre-booking required.

Connect with the past by exploring Victoria Tunnel's use as an air raid shelter on this taster tour created from our oral history archive. The Victoria Tunnel is a preserved 19th century waggonway, running under the city of Newcastle from the Town Moor to the Tyne. Originally built in 1838 by engineer William Gillespie to to transport coal from Spital Tongues Colliery to the river, the Tunnel was converted in 1939 into an air raid shelter to protect thousands of Newcastle citizens during World War II but was then sealed up and left forgotten for 60 years. In 2008 the Victoria Tunnel was carefully repaired and opened for guided tours with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, led by the Ouseburn Trust's award winning volunteer guides.

Tours will last around 20 minutes, with a chance to see the bowels of the city for yourself. Learn what it was like to shelter and play in the Tunnel when it was air raid shelter. Listen to the memories from people who lived and worked around Ouseburn, and how WW2 impacted their everyday lives.

Timings and tours

Tuesday 15 September: 12:00-15:00, drop in taster tours

Pre-booking not required.

Enjoy exploring the ancient passageways and chambers, discover the hidden stories of the Castle’s inhabitants over the centuries, and take a journey up the roof to see the most commanding views of the city. Step back in time and explore the very heart of Newcastle’s history at Newcastle Castle. For one day only Heritage Open Days allows you free admission to both the Castle Keep and the Black Gate, two of the city’s most iconic medieval structures.

Wander through atmospheric chambers, climb winding staircases, and take in breathtaking panoramic views of the River Tyne and city skyline from the castle roof. Along the way, you’ll discover captivating exhibitions on Newcastle’s past, from its Roman roots to its role in medieval defence.

Timings - Thursday 17 September: 10-5pm

Booking telephone number: +441912306300

Booking email: rebecca.whittaker@newcastlecastle.co.uk

Find out more.