Durham Tower, Newcastle upon Tyne
A well-preserved medieval tower and stretch of Newcastle’s historic town wall, standing as a quiet monument to the city’s fortified past.
Durham Tower is a striking medieval remnant of Newcastle’s 13th-century town wall, standing proudly on W Walls. This semi-circular stone tower, with its vaulted roof and narrow window loops, offers a tangible link to the city’s fortified past. Easily accessible and free to view, it’s a quiet historical gem in the heart of the city, perfect for a brief, atmospheric stop while exploring Newcastle’s heritage.
A brief summary to Durham Tower
- W Walls, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4XB, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit in daylight to fully appreciate the stonework and architectural details of the tower and curtain wall.
- Look for information boards nearby that explain the history of the town wall and the role of Durham Tower.
- Combine your visit with a walk along the surviving sections of Newcastle’s town wall for a fuller sense of the medieval defences.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from city centre
From Newcastle city centre, Durham Tower is a 10–15 minute walk along W Walls. The route is flat and paved, suitable for all visitors, and clearly signposted from the main shopping streets.
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By public transport
Take a bus to the Haymarket or Central Station area, then walk 10–15 minutes along W Walls. The tower is well signposted from major transport hubs and is easily reached without a car.
Durham Tower location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Durham Tower
A Fragment of Newcastle’s Defences
Durham Tower is one of the surviving interval towers of Newcastle upon Tyne’s medieval town wall, built in the late 13th century as part of the city’s extensive fortifications. Standing on W Walls, it forms part of a 90-metre stretch of upstanding curtain wall that once encircled the medieval town. Constructed from large, squared sandstone blocks, the wall and tower represent the western section of the defensive circuit, originally designed to protect the town from attack and control access through its gates. The tower projects from the outer face of the wall, its semi-circular form clearly visible, and retains its stone-vaulted roof and narrow window loops on the west and south sides.Architecture and Survival
The tower’s ground floor is a rectangular chamber built of coursed ashlar sandstone, with an entrance on the north side that still has its narrow stone lintel. Externally, projecting corbels suggest the former presence of timber hoardings or galleries, used for defence. The adjacent curtain wall, about two metres wide and up to four metres high, preserves sections of the original wall walk with parapet and coping stones. Though much of the town wall has been lost over time, this section, including Durham Tower and a nearby turret, survives in good condition and is protected as a Grade I listed building and scheduled ancient monument. Its survival offers a rare, authentic glimpse of Newcastle’s medieval military architecture.Historical Context and Significance
Newcastle’s town walls were constructed between the early 14th and mid-14th centuries, forming a circuit with multiple towers and gates. Durham Tower was one of several interval towers spaced along the curtain wall, each playing a role in the town’s defence. The defences remained in use for centuries, with some towers later adapted for civic use. The presence of the town ditch and berm outside the wall, now largely buried, further illustrates the sophistication of the medieval defensive system. As a scheduled monument, Durham Tower is recognised not only for its architectural value but also for the insight it provides into the town’s development and the impact of historical events such as sieges.Visiting the Site Today
Today, Durham Tower is an accessible historical landmark in central Newcastle, free to view at any time. It stands in a quiet, urban setting, set back slightly from the modern street, allowing visitors to appreciate its scale and stonework without obstruction. Interpretive information nearby helps contextualise the tower within the wider town wall system. The site is ideal for a short, contemplative visit, especially for those interested in medieval history, archaeology, or urban heritage. Its location makes it easy to combine with a walk along the surviving stretches of the town wall or a visit to nearby historic sites in the city centre.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Durham Tower
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Medieval stone sentinel guarding Newcastle's ancient western walls since the 13th century.
Oriental Garden
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Herber Tower
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Blackfriars Medieval Friary
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Morden Tower
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Richard Grainger Memorial Fountain
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New Bridge Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
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St John the Baptist Church
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Newcastle and District War Memorial
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Grey St
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Iles Tours (Iles Group Ltd)
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Newcastle city walls
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The Black Gate
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Newcastle Keep
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Unmissable attractions to see
Tyne Theatre & Opera House
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The Bodega
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Black Friars Postern Gate Plaque
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A Hadrian's Wall Milecastle Plaque
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Discover the Roman frontier’s footprint in Newcastle at the Hadrian's Wall Milecastle Plaque on historic Westgate Road.
YuMe World
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Step into a high-energy arcade world in Newcastle’s city centre, where cutting-edge games, VR thrills and prize challenges await players of all ages.
St. Mary's Cathedral
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A majestic neo-Gothic cathedral crowned by a soaring spire, embodying Newcastle’s rich Catholic heritage and architectural splendor.
The Gate
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Newcastle’s vibrant leisure complex blending dining, nightlife, cinema, and gaming under one roof in the city centre.
Ever Tower
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Explore Ever Tower, a captivating medieval relic of Newcastle’s historic town walls, blending heritage and urban charm.
St Aidan and St Cuthbert Stonework
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Intricate stone carvings celebrating St Aidan and St Cuthbert’s enduring legacy in Newcastle’s rich Christian heritage.
My freedom Tours
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Discover Newcastle’s history and culture at your own pace with My Freedom Tours’ innovative self-guided video experiences.
Escape Key Newcastle
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Newcastle's premier escape room destination with immersive themes, creative puzzles, and exceptional service overlooking historic grounds.
Discovery Museum
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Explore Tyneside’s rich heritage and innovation at Newcastle’s interactive Discovery Museum, home to the iconic Turbinia steam ship.
St Andrew's Church, Newcastle upon Tyne
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Grainger St
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Historic heart of Newcastle with elegant architecture, bustling markets, and vibrant urban culture.
Bigg Market
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Historic medieval market turned vibrant nightlife hub with over 30 listed buildings in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Essential places to dine
Fujiyama Teppanyaki Japanese Restaurant
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Experience fresh Japanese teppanyaki cooked live with flair and flavor in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Blackfriars Restaurant
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Dine in a 13th-century friary refectory with modern British food, local brews, and a warm, bustling atmosphere in the heart of Newcastle.
Pinocchio Ristorante
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Experience authentic Italian flavors with handmade pasta and stone-baked pizzas in a lively, welcoming Newcastle setting.
Turtle Bay Newcastle
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Experience bold Caribbean flavours, reggae vibes, and 2-for-1 cocktails in the heart of Newcastle’s vibrant city centre.
Zaap Thai Street Food Newcastle
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Experience the vibrant flavors and lively atmosphere of Thai street food right in the heart of Newcastle’s city center.
Super Natural Newcastle
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Discover vibrant vegan dining and creative cocktails in the heart of Newcastle’s historic Grainger Street at Super Natural Newcastle.
Rumba Restaurant
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Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine and vibrant Latin nightlife in the heart of Newcastle at Rumba Casa Latina.
Kafeneon
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Experience authentic Greek cuisine and warm Mediterranean hospitality in the vibrant heart of Newcastle’s Bigg Market.
No28
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Discover the vibrant nightlife at No28 in Newcastle – where tapas meets cocktails in an unforgettable bar and nightclub experience.
El Coto
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Experience authentic Spanish tapas and warm rustic charm in the heart of Newcastle at El Coto.
George's Fish Shack, Newcastle
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Authentic British fish and chips in the heart of Newcastle’s lively Eldon Square shopping district.
Hibou Blanc
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Elegant French-British cuisine and refined hospitality in Newcastle's historic Bigg Market.
Côte Newcastle
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Experience refined French cuisine and charming brasserie vibes in Newcastle’s vibrant city centre on historic Grainger Street.
Kaltur Wine Bar & Restaurant High Bridge
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Experience authentic Spanish tapas and fine wines in a cozy, lively wine bar setting at Newcastle’s historic High Bridge.
Pleased To Meet You
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Flip Vintage American Clothing
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Newcastle’s premier vintage store since 1978, offering authentic American vintage clothing with quality, character, and style.
Living Essential
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Grainger Street's go-to for stylish, affordable homewares that make city living cozy and practical in Newcastle's heart.
Newcastle Gifts
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Discover authentic Geordie souvenirs, local art, and NUFC treasures at this charming Neville Street gem opposite Central Station—your perfect Toon memento stop.
Tian's Gifts
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Discover unique handcrafted gifts and charming treasures at Tian's Gifts, nestled in Newcastle’s historic Grainger Market.
Analog
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Curated vintage and second‑hand clothing tucked into Alley 3 of Newcastle’s Grainger Market — small stall, big finds.
Phillips & Wilde
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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.
Vintagera.co.uk
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Discover exquisite handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and bespoke framing in the heart of Newcastle’s vibrant Grainger Market.
Geordie Gifts
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Discover authentic Geordie culture through unique gifts in the heart of Newcastle’s historic Grainger Market.
Little Bazaar
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A cosy, hand-curated gift stall in Grainger Market for crystals, dreamcatchers and small bohemian keepsakes.
Box it up gifts
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Discover unique souvenirs and locally crafted gifts at Box It Up Gifts in Newcastle upon Tyne, a must-visit for every traveler.
Garms Newcastle
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Small, curated vintage clothing shop on Grainger Street, blending durable classics with street-ready retro finds.
The Yesterday Society Vintage Boutique
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Discover vintage treasures and retro style at The Yesterday Society, a charming boutique nestled in Newcastle’s historic Grainger Market.
Soul Rebel (Newcastle)
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Discover a unique fusion of stylish apparel and holistic wellness at Soul Rebel, Newcastle's premier destination for fashion and self-care.
Be More Geek
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Earl and Coco
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Mad House
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MOJO
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MOJO Newcastle: Rock 'n' roll cocktails, American comfort food, and lively entertainment in The Gate’s vibrant nightlife hub.
The WonderBar
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The Dog & Parrot
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Duke Of Northumberland (The Clock)
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Bealim House
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Newcastle’s unique gin distillery, bar, and eatery blending industrial heritage with vibrant social dining and exceptional gin experiences.
Slug & Lettuce - Central Newcastle
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Newcastle's go-to for endless cocktails, bottomless brunches, and non-stop party vibes on Grainger Street – where every hour is happy hour.
The Mushroom Bar
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A compact, budget-friendly club-bar on Grainger Street that keeps late-night DJs, drink deals and a party crowd at its heart.
Jalou
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Revolution Newcastle Upon Tyne
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ChachaBuchi
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The Alchemist Newcastle
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Mother Mercy
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Newcastle's speakeasy secret: inventive cocktails via roulette wheel in a historic Cloth Market hideaway, blending mixology mastery with intimate Mediterranean chic.
All Seeing Eye.
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Blackie Boy
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Cosmic Ballroom
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Sinners
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Powerhouse
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Digital
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Popworld - Newcastle
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A neon-soaked pop party on Newcastle’s Bigg Market—cheap drinks, nostalgic anthems and a packed dancefloor for late-night revelry.
The Social Club
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Experience Newcastle’s vibrant nightlife at The Social Club, where music, cocktails, and dancing come alive until the early hours.
Bohemia Newcastle
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Neon-lit cocktail bar and compact club with graffiti murals, a mezzanine dance space and a sheltered courtyard terrace for late-night socialising.
Loca Loca | Newcastle
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TROPICANA NEWCASTLE
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Warehouse Night Club(SR44)
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Experience Newcastle’s vibrant underground gay nightclub scene at Warehouse Night Club (SR44), where eclectic music and lively parties come alive.
TheCUT Newcastle
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Tup Tup Palace
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Experience Newcastle’s vibrant nightlife in style at Tup Tup Palace, a luxurious club blending exotic décor with pulsating beats until the early hours.
Flares - Newcastle
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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.
Greys Club
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Experience Newcastle’s iconic nightlife at Greys Club, where vibrant music, a stylish terrace, and lively crowds create unforgettable late-night memories.
SOHO ROOMS | Newcastle
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Four floors of late‑night music and cocktails in the heart of Newcastle’s city‑centre party district, favoured by students and night owls.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Historic
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Sustainable
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
