Newcastle Castle Reviews Summary

Historical Significance

Pros:

• "Love old places, with history and the castle has it in abundance."
• "This place is one of the best attractions in the city."
• "One of my favourite places in Newcastle, rich in horrible history yet beautiful to explore."
• "A great piece of Newcastle's history preserved here."
• "Did you know that the grounds of the castle were once a Roman Fort and was along the path of Hadrian’s Wall - the wall the marked the very edge of the Roman Empire prior to the Anglo Saxon migrations."
• "The Castle Keep is the epitome of medieval Newcastle."
• "The castle is good to learn about the history of Newcastle and how Newcastle got its name."

Cons:

• "It’s just not as interesting as other castles in other cities."
• "I was disappointed that some steps had been refurbished... they were uneven in height and width so if an intruder came in the dark they would fall."
• "Sadly all this Victorian Rail building completely destroyed all the history in doing so."
• "It was kind of difficult to navigate around the castle sometimes with no clear route laid out."

Views and Architecture

Pros:

• "Love view from the top of the keep. You can see great view over Newcastle."
• "Spectacular view of the Tyne bridge and surrounding Newcastle."
• "The top of the castle provides an excellent, uninterrupted view of Newcastle."
• "Once on the roof you get a cracking views of both Newcastle and Gateshead."
• "The tower at the top of the castle provide panoramic and spectacular views of the city."
• "Wonderful views of the city at the top."
• "The view from the top is fantastic, the best view of our amazing city."

Cons:

• "Quite expensive as main Castle area didn't impress."
• "Gorgeous castle not massive but interesting."
• "At first glance, the castle doesn't really feel like a castle."
• "Not much left of the castle, a keep, great hall and associated rooms, but worth a visit."

Accessibility

Pros:

• "You can park round the corner at the courts pay and display to the left just past the castle before the bridge."
• "The black gate has an elevator."
• "There's a ramp & a lift for ppl with mobility issues."
• "The gate house has an elevator so is handicapped accessible."
• "Castle in the center of town which is easy to access and a reasonable price."

Cons:

• "I wouldn't recommend if in a wheelchair or struggle with stairs as lots of them in this old castle."
• "Only the ground level is accessible to wheelchair users."
• "The Castle though is not suitable for wheelchair access or people not steady on the stairs."
• "Not a place to visit if you are with a young baby and stroller."

Value for Money

Pros:

• "Really enjoyed my visit here. A cheap afternoon out for me and my son at £7 and £4 respectively."
• "It is very good value for money, your ticket includes entry to 2 buildings; the castle keep and the gatehouse."
• "Very reasonable admission prices for the amount of history and culture available."
• "Love it so nice and you pay under £10 for a ticket that lasts one year."

Cons:

• "Quite expensive as main Castle area didn't impress."
• "I think around 10 pounds is it too pricey for such a small castle."
• "It is worth a trip, probably not a return attraction, though, as it isn't very big."
• "It is not too expensive, but there is not too much to see."

Staff and Guided Tours

Pros:

• "We had a lovely lady called Pam give us a tour. She is a volunteer and you can see she loves what she does."
• "A very good introduction chatting with ?Sarah, a young Victorian specialist, passionate about the subject and with wide-ranging local historical knowledge in the reception / shop."
• "And the staff are so friendly and professional."
• "Staff couldn't do enough for me. Loads to see and marvel at."
• "The staff really are super friendly, approachable and answer all questions you have during your visit."

Cons:

• "Not much staff around though unless you take guided tour."
• "Very disappointed with the 'Historical Tour' on Saturday 21st Oct 2017, where I expected to hear about the history of the castle etc, instead it was a cast of amateur actors portraying the life of Houdini, who visited the castle once."
• "The obnoxious and unhelpful lad behind the counter ought to find a job doing something that doesn't involve dealing with the public."
• "Was told very ubruptly by a young member of staff that if he wasn't a therapy dog he wouldn't be allowed in."