Newcastle Cathedral

About Newcastle Cathedral

The Cathedral Church of St Nicholas originates in the early 12th century, soon after the castle, and was substantially extended in the 14th. Its defining feature is the 15th-century lantern tower, a crown spire carried on flying buttresses which functioned as a navigation light for shipping coming up the Tyne and still dominates the skyline from the Quayside. Inside it holds one of the largest collections of monuments and ledger stones of any English cathedral, medieval heraldic bosses, regimental colours, and the medieval-style screens and choir stalls carved by Ralph Hedley in the mid-19th century, shortly before the church became England's most northerly cathedral in 1882.

The organ's central case dates back to a Renatus Harris instrument of 1676, played by Charles Avison during his 34 years as Newcastle's organist, and that instrument is the reason the cathedral's Monday lunchtime organ recitals are worth an hour. Entry is free with donations invited, there is a refectory cafe on site, and the building is fully wheelchair accessible. Opening hours vary with services and special occasions, so check before making a special trip. Monument Metro is about three minutes away.

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Free Things to Do in Newcastle City Centre

Newcastle has four free museums and galleries, a Grade I listed covered market, two miles of medieval town wall, a thousand acres of common land and a free organ recital every Monday. Here is what genuinely costs nothing, and what used to be free but is not any more.

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