Trinity House, Newcastle upon Tyne
A 500‑year‑old maritime guild on Newcastle’s Quayside, preserving ship models, nautical instruments and one of the city’s oldest private chapels.
Trinity House on Newcastle’s Quayside is a historic maritime guild founded in 1505, occupying a centuries‑old complex on Broad Chare. This private corporation and charity preserves a unique collection of ship models, nautical instruments, paintings and artefacts, and maintains one of the city’s oldest private chapels. Access is by guided tour only, offering an intimate look at Newcastle’s seafaring heritage, from pilotage and navigation to almshouses and maritime traditions that have shaped the River Tyne for over 500 years.
A brief summary to Trinity House
- Broad Chare, Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3DQ, GB
- +441912328226
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Thursday 10 am-10 pm
- Friday 10 am-10 pm
- Saturday 10 am-10 pm
- Sunday 10 am-10 pm
Local tips
- Tours are by prior arrangement only; contact Trinity House in advance to book a visit and confirm availability.
- Photography may be restricted in some areas; always ask permission before taking photos inside the chapel and collection rooms.
- Combine your visit with a walk along the Quayside to see the High and Low Lights and other historic riverside buildings.
- Allow extra time to explore the surrounding area, including nearby museums, galleries and riverside restaurants.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
On foot from Newcastle city centre
From Newcastle city centre, follow signs toward the Quayside and walk along the riverfront for about 15–20 minutes to reach Broad Chare. The route is flat and well‑lit, suitable for most visitors, with clear views of the Tyne and surrounding landmarks.
-
By public transport (Metro and bus)
Take the Tyne & Wear Metro to Monument or Central Station, then transfer to a Quayside‑bound bus or walk 10–15 minutes along the river. Local buses also stop near the Quayside, from where Trinity House is a short, level walk along Broad Chare.
-
By car
Drive to Newcastle city centre and use one of the central car parks; from there, follow signs to the Quayside and walk to Broad Chare. Street parking near the Quayside is limited and often time‑restricted, so a central car park is more practical for a visit.
-
From Newcastle Castle
From Newcastle Castle, walk downhill toward the river, passing Castle Keep and the Castle Keep Museum, then follow the riverside path for about 10 minutes to reach Broad Chare and Trinity House.
Trinity House location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Trinity House
Heart of Newcastle’s Maritime Guild
Trinity House stands on Broad Chare, just off Newcastle’s Quayside, on a site granted in 1505 to the Guild of the Blessed Trinity of Newcastle upon Tyne. Established as a fraternity of mariners, it quickly evolved into a powerful maritime authority, responsible for pilotage, navigation aids and the safety of ships on the River Tyne. For over five centuries, this private corporation has occupied the same riverside location, making it one of the oldest continuously functioning maritime guilds in England. Its royal charter from Henry VIII in 1536 gave it the right to levy dues on ships and required it to build and maintain navigational towers and lights on the Tyne, laying the foundations for the modern port.A Living Archive of Seafaring Life
The complex has grown and adapted over the centuries, with Tudor, 18th‑ and 19th‑century buildings standing side by side. Inside, visitors encounter a remarkable private collection: intricate ship models, historic nautical instruments, logbooks, paintings and maritime artefacts from around the world. These objects tell the story of Newcastle’s deep connection to the sea, from local pilotage and coastal trade to long‑distance voyages. The interiors retain much of their historic character, with period furniture, panelling and fittings that reflect the lives and traditions of the Brethren – the master pilots and seamen who have governed the House for generations.The Ancient Chapel and Hidden Spaces
At the heart of Trinity House is its private chapel, believed to be the oldest private religious space in continuous use within Newcastle. The oak pews, reputedly salvaged from the Venerable Bede’s monastery at Jarrow, are adorned with cherubs carved in the 17th century, while later stained‑glass panels and commemorative plaques honour past Brethren. The chapel is still used for services on Trinity Sunday, Remembrance Day and for family occasions, preserving a centuries‑old spiritual and communal tradition. Elsewhere in the complex, spaces once used as a rigging loft, hospital, almshouses and schoolhouse now house collections and function rooms, each layer of history visible in the architecture and layout.Charity, Tradition and Modern Role
Beyond its professional maritime functions, Trinity House has long been a charitable institution, providing almshouses for aged mariners and their families and running a free school for Brethren’s children until 1870. Today, as a registered charity, it focuses on preserving its historic buildings and collections while continuing to support Newcastle’s maritime community. The House remains one of only three bodies in England authorised to examine and license deep‑sea pilots, maintaining a direct link between its ancient charters and modern port operations. This blend of heritage, charity and ongoing maritime responsibility gives Trinity House a unique place in the city’s civic and nautical life.Visiting the House
Trinity House is not a conventional museum; access is by guided tour only, arranged in advance, which adds to its sense of exclusivity and authenticity. These tours offer a rare opportunity to step inside a working maritime guild, to see its treasures up close and to hear stories of pilots, shipwrecks and river navigation passed down through the centuries. The intimate scale and depth of the collection make it ideal for those with a serious interest in maritime history, architecture and local heritage. Given its location on the Quayside, a visit to Trinity House can be combined with a walk along the river, exploring Newcastle’s industrial past and vibrant waterfront culture.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Custom House Plaque
0.1 km
A historic marker on Newcastle’s Quayside commemorating the 1766 Custom House and the city’s maritime trade heritage.
The Guildhall
0.2 km
Discover Newcastle’s historic Guildhall, a stunning 17th-century civic landmark rich in architecture and medieval heritage.
Quayside
0.2 km
Quayside is a dynamic riverside district where iconic bridges meet vibrant culture, blending industrial heritage with modern art and lively waterfront life.
Mermaid
0.3 km
Discover the Mermaid, a historic symbol of Newcastle’s maritime heritage, set amidst the vibrant and scenic Quayside waterfront.
River God
0.3 km
An iconic statue on Newcastle’s Quayside embodying the city’s deep connection to the River Tyne and its maritime heritage.
Castle Wall Well
0.3 km
A medieval well marking Newcastle's 13th-century defensive walls and urban heritage.
Newcastle Keep
0.4 km
Climb 99 steps through four centuries of medieval power and emerge onto rooftop views that define Newcastle.
The Black Gate
0.4 km
Medieval fortress gateway where Newcastle's story began, now fully accessible with rich exhibitions.
The High Level Bridge
0.4 km
A pioneering double-deck Victorian bridge uniting rail and road across the River Tyne, symbolizing Newcastle’s industrial heritage.
Blacksmiths Needle
0.5 km
A captivating 7.6m steel sculpture on Newcastle Quayside, blending maritime themes with the five senses and a mysterious sixth sense.
Grey St
0.5 km
Newcastle's finest street—a sweeping curve of neoclassical elegance and cultural heritage.
Newcastle city walls
0.6 km
Medieval stone fortifications protecting a border town from Scottish invasion, now a historic monument woven into Newcastle's urban landscape.
Iles Tours (Iles Group Ltd)
0.7 km
Explore Newcastle upon Tyne with Iles Tours, where expert guides unveil the city's rich history and culture through unforgettable experiences.
St John the Baptist Church
0.7 km
Medieval sanctuary with eight centuries of history, treasured stained glass, and architectural gems hidden in Newcastle's city centre.
Little Buildings
0.8 km
An intimate live music venue in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley, perfect for discovering new bands and enjoying craft beers in a laid-back, buzzing atmosphere.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bonkers About Alice
0.1 km
A vibrant Sunday market along the River Tyne showcasing local crafts, food, and culture in Newcastle’s iconic Quayside setting.
All Saints Church
0.1 km
Discover Newcastle's All Saints Church, a unique Georgian landmark with England’s only elliptical nave and a vibrant Presbyterian heritage.
Quayside Sunday Market
0.1 km
A lively riverside market blending historic charm, artisan crafts, and vibrant street food every Sunday along Newcastle’s iconic Quayside.
Side Photographic Gallery
0.2 km
Discover powerful documentary photography in a historic, intimate gallery space beneath Newcastle’s Tyne Bridge.
Tyne Bridge
0.2 km
Discover the iconic Tyne Bridge, a stunning feat of engineering and a symbol of Newcastle's rich heritage, offering breathtaking views and historical significance.
John Grundy Local Heroes Plaque
0.3 km
Celebrate Newcastle’s rich heritage with the John Grundy Local Heroes Plaque along Hadrian’s Wall Path, honoring a beloved TV historian and cultural advocate.
Historic England North East & Yorkshire
0.3 km
Explore Newcastle’s finest Jacobean merchants’ houses, famed for Bessie Surtees’ romantic 1772 elopement and richly preserved period interiors.
The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
0.3 km
A world-class music venue and education centre on Gateshead Quayside where music lives, grows, and inspires all ages.
Castle Garth & The Black Gate
0.3 km
Explore Newcastle’s medieval gateway, The Black Gate, a historic fortress entrance turned vibrant urban hub steeped in centuries of history.
Newcastle Ghost Walks - Haunted City Tours
0.4 km
Explore Newcastle’s haunted streets and historic landmarks on immersive ghost tours filled with chilling tales and authentic paranormal encounters.
Newcastle Castle
0.4 km
A Norman fortress at the heart of Newcastle, where royal power, rebellion, and city history converge above the River Tyne.
Site of Anglo-Saxon Church
0.4 km
Explore Newcastle’s ancient heart where Roman roots, Anglo-Saxon heritage, and medieval stone keep converge in Castle Garth’s historic site.
Castle Garth
0.4 km
Explore the medieval heart of Newcastle with panoramic views from the iconic Castle Keep and historic Black Gate at Castle Garth.
Gateshead Millennium Bridge
0.4 km
A graceful tilting bridge spanning the Tyne, linking culture and city with iconic elegance and stunning river views.
Newcastle Cathedral
0.4 km
Discover over 900 years of history, stunning stained glass, and the iconic Lantern Tower at Newcastle Cathedral, a spiritual and cultural beacon in the city center.
Essential places to dine
The Broad Chare
0.0 km
A lively gastropub on Newcastle’s Quayside blending traditional British fare with seasonal, locally sourced excellence.
21
0.1 km
Elegant British dining with seasonal flair and French influences in Newcastle’s stylish Trinity Gardens setting.
Dobson and Parnell
0.1 km
Elegant fine dining in Newcastle’s historic Victorian setting, blending classic charm with modern British cuisine and attentive service.
Tomahawk Steakhouse - Newcastle
0.2 km
Premium steakhouse on Newcastle’s Quayside offering expertly cooked tomahawk steaks and a vibrant riverside dining experience.
Aveika
0.2 km
Innovative Japanese cuisine and vibrant nightlife converge at Aveika, Newcastle's stylish Quayside hotspot for dining and entertainment.
Uno's Trattoria
0.2 km
Discover authentic Italian flavors and generous portions in a lively, welcoming setting at Uno's Trattoria in Newcastle.
Babucho
0.2 km
Stylish Italian brasserie in Newcastle offering classic dishes, a lively atmosphere, and attentive service in a chic city-center setting.
Zucchini Pasta Bar
0.3 km
Newcastle’s only fresh pasta bar, serving hand-rolled egg pasta daily in a relaxed city-centre setting with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Simla Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience authentic Indian flavors with a modern touch in Newcastle’s warm and elegant Simla Restaurant, perfect for romantic and lively dining.
Prima Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality beneath Newcastle’s historic High Level Bridge at Prima Restaurant.
Malmaison Bar & Grill Newcastle
0.3 km
Stylish modern British dining and boutique hotel luxury on Newcastle’s scenic Quayside with riverside views and exclusive private rooms.
Kaltur Wine Bar & Restaurant
0.3 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and wine bar offering cozy, intimate dining with an open kitchen in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Native Cave Restaurant And Bar
0.3 km
A cozy Newcastle seafood haven famed for its irresistible seafood boil and authentic, flavorful dishes in a casual setting.
Portofino Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine in a stunning Victorian setting with warm hospitality and vibrant atmosphere in Newcastle.
Victors Newcastle
0.3 km
Experience modern Asian-inspired cuisine and vibrant cocktails under the wisteria on Newcastle’s iconic Quayside waterfront.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Quayside News
0.2 km
Discover Quayside News, your charming convenience store in Newcastle, perfect for grabbing snacks, drinks, and local treats while exploring the Quayside.
UpSide Down Presents
0.3 km
A vibrant, independent gift shop under Newcastle’s railway arch, packed with Geordie souvenirs, original cards, and quirky presents for every occasion.
Souvenirs upon Tyne
0.3 km
Discover authentic Geordie treasures in Newcastle’s smallest independent souvenir shop nestled under a historic railway arch.
Corner Shop
0.5 km
Independent city-centre shop offering curated everyday essentials and gifts on historic Pilgrim Street.
37 Studios
0.5 km
Stylish accessories by the Tyne: Discover unique jewelry and bags at this Quayside boutique in Newcastle's creative heart.
Retro , Vintage Clothing Newcastle.
0.5 km
Discover timeless style and unique vintage finds at Retro Newcastle, your go-to boutique for retro clothing in the heart of the city.
Earl and Coco
0.5 km
Quirky treasures and artisan delights await in this hidden gem of Newcastle's Grainger Town, where every find tells a story.
Cath Kidston
0.6 km
Floral fantasies and vintage vibes on Newcastle's Grainger Street—where British charm meets everyday elegance in bags, clothes, and home treasures.
Waceland
0.6 km
Discover unique vintage and streetwear treasures in Newcastle’s iconic Central Arcade, where style meets sustainability and family values.
Garms Newcastle
0.7 km
Small, curated vintage clothing shop on Grainger Street, blending durable classics with street-ready retro finds.
Soul Rebel (Newcastle)
0.7 km
Discover a unique fusion of stylish apparel and holistic wellness at Soul Rebel, Newcastle's premier destination for fashion and self-care.
Living Essential
0.7 km
Grainger Street's go-to for stylish, affordable homewares that make city living cozy and practical in Newcastle's heart.
The Yesterday Society Vintage Boutique
0.7 km
Discover vintage treasures and retro style at The Yesterday Society, a charming boutique nestled in Newcastle’s historic Grainger Market.
Phillips & Wilde
0.7 km
Discover exquisite gift baskets and gourmet hampers in Newcastle's iconic Grainger Market – perfect for festive cheer, corporate gifts, or personal indulgences amid vibrant market buzz.
Urban Outfitters
0.7 km
Discover stylish fashion and eclectic homewares at Urban Outfitters Newcastle, a vibrant hub of creativity and contemporary lifestyle on Grainger Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Head of Steam Quayside
0.1 km
Riverside pub haven pouring world-class craft beers, vegan feasts, and games beside Newcastle's Tyne Bridge and cultural gems.
Urban Garden Newcastle
0.2 km
A relaxed container-style beer garden on Newcastle’s Quayside—festoon lights, craft taps and riverside atmosphere for groups and sunset drinks.
Colonel Porter's Emporium
0.3 km
Newcastle's 1920s explorer's paradise: botanical gardens, vintage cocktails, live music, and hidden discos in historic Milburn House.
Pitcher & Piano Newcastle
0.4 km
A stylish riverside bar on Newcastle’s Quayside, blending modern design with classic pub charm and vibrant social energy.
Alvinos Bar
0.4 km
A lively Italian-owned bar in Newcastle with creative cocktails, craft brews, live DJs, and a welcoming multi-floor setting on Pilgrim Street.
The Market Lane
0.4 km
Affectionately the 'Monkey Bar,' this Pilgrim Street pub pours quality pints and fosters lively vibes with sports screens, live music, and classic British charm in Newcastle's heart.
Lady Greys
0.5 km
Cozy, classic Newcastle pub with excellent real ales, friendly staff, and a lively late-night atmosphere on Shakespeare Street.
Blackie Boy
0.5 km
Historic Newcastle bar with cosy vibes, free jukebox anthems, cheap drinks deals, and late-night energy in Groat Market's lively heart.
All Bar One Newcastle
0.5 km
Stylish Grey Street bar serving coffee by day and cocktails by night, with tapas and wines in Newcastle's buzzing heart.
All Seeing Eye.
0.5 km
Discover Newcastle's speakeasy secret: art deco cocktails behind a hidden door on Groat Market, blending historic intrigue with masterful mixology.
Mother Mercy
0.5 km
Newcastle's speakeasy secret: inventive cocktails via roulette wheel in a historic Cloth Market hideaway, blending mixology mastery with intimate Mediterranean chic.
ChachaBuchi
0.5 km
Rustic glamour meets vibrant nightlife in Newcastle’s chic cocktail bar with alpine-inspired cuisine and lively entertainment.
Revolution Newcastle Upon Tyne
0.6 km
Experience vibrant nightlife and handcrafted cocktails in Newcastle’s stunning former bank with soaring ceilings and marble pillars.
Jalou
0.6 km
Experience Newcastle’s chic cocktail haven where Parisian glamour meets hip hop beats and creative mixology.
The Mushroom Bar
0.6 km
A compact, budget-friendly club-bar on Grainger Street that keeps late-night DJs, drink deals and a party crowd at its heart.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
World HQ
0.4 km
A multi‑level warehouse club and arts hub in Curtis Mayfield House with a heavy sound, creative studios above and a grassroots nightlife spirit.
SOHO ROOMS | Newcastle
0.4 km
Four floors of late‑night music and cocktails in the heart of Newcastle’s city‑centre party district, favoured by students and night owls.
Greys Club
0.4 km
Experience Newcastle’s iconic nightlife at Greys Club, where vibrant music, a stylish terrace, and lively crowds create unforgettable late-night memories.
Flares - Newcastle
0.4 km
Newcastle's ultimate retro disco den: neon grooves, cheesy anthems, and non-stop dancing from 70s to 00s in the heart of the nightlife scene.
Tup Tup Palace
0.4 km
Experience Newcastle’s vibrant nightlife in style at Tup Tup Palace, a luxurious club blending exotic décor with pulsating beats until the early hours.
TheCUT Newcastle
0.5 km
Discover Newcastle’s vibrant alternative nightclub with themed indie, rock, and disco nights in a cozy, unpretentious setting.
TROPICANA NEWCASTLE
0.5 km
Experience Newcastle’s vibrant nightlife at Tropicana, a lively nightclub blending cocktail sophistication with energetic club beats in the city’s heart.
Loca Loca | Newcastle
0.5 km
A compact, neon-lit nightclub on Groat Market serving late-night dance, chart and urban sets in an intimate city-centre setting.
Bohemia Newcastle
0.5 km
Neon-lit cocktail bar and compact club with graffiti murals, a mezzanine dance space and a sheltered courtyard terrace for late-night socialising.
The Social Club
0.5 km
Experience Newcastle’s vibrant nightlife at The Social Club, where music, cocktails, and dancing come alive until the early hours.
Popworld - Newcastle
0.6 km
A neon-soaked pop party on Newcastle’s Bigg Market—cheap drinks, nostalgic anthems and a packed dancefloor for late-night revelry.
Sinners
0.8 km
Dive into sinfully themed nights at this affordable Newcastle nightclub, where red lights, bold art, and cheap drinks fuel the city's unbeatable party spirit.
Cosmic Ballroom
1.0 km
Newcastle's longest-running underground club: two floors of electronic beats, guest DJs, and non-stop dancing till dawn in an intimate Stowell Street hideaway.
Digital
1.0 km
Experience cutting-edge nightlife with superior sound and vibrant energy at Digital, Newcastle’s premier clubbing destination in Times Square.
Powerhouse
1.1 km
Newcastle’s iconic four-floor nightclub blending rich LGBTQ+ history with vibrant, inclusive nightlife and dynamic music scenes.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
