Town Moor

A Medieval Commons in the Modern City

Town Moor is one of Newcastle's most defining features—a sprawling 1,000-acre expanse of open pastureland that has shaped the city's character for nearly nine centuries. Established as common land in the 13th century, this vast green space sits just half a mile north of Newcastle's city centre, creating a remarkable urban oasis. The Moor's unique status is protected by its own Act of Parliament, making it a living link to medieval land tenure traditions. Today, it remains larger than both Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath combined, offering locals and visitors an extraordinary escape from urban density.

Layers of History Beneath the Grass

Beneath the rolling pastures lies a complex archaeological and historical record. The Moor contains evidence of prehistoric settlements and enclosures, medieval agricultural systems including broad ridge-and-furrow field patterns, and later narrow rig field systems that shaped farming practices for centuries. During the 18th century, it hosted a racecourse, and the Victorian era brought exhibitions and leisure facilities. The western section, known as Nunsmoor, derives its name from past ownership by St Bartholomew's Nunnery in the 15th century. The southern parcel, Castle Leazes, forms part of the original 13th-century land grant. Smaller parcels bear names like Hunters Moor, Dukes Moor, and Little Moor, each with their own stories. World War Two left its mark too, with military barracks, prisoner-of-war camps, isolation hospitals, trenches, and pill boxes scattered across the landscape—remnants of the Moor's role in national defence.

Living Traditions and Modern Recreation

What makes Town Moor truly distinctive is its continued use as working common land. Freemen of Newcastle retain the ancient right to graze cattle on the Moor at certain times of year, a practice that connects modern visitors to centuries of pastoral tradition. This living heritage makes the Moor a must-see destination for nature lovers seeking authentic cultural experiences. The landscape is crisscrossed by medieval trackways, Victorian roads, and modern pathways that invite exploration. The Moor has evolved into a hub for recreational activities, hosting Newcastle's popular weekly parkrun every Saturday morning, attracting runners of all abilities to its open fields.

Europe's Largest Travelling Fair

Each June, Town Moor transforms into the epicentre of adrenaline-fuelled excitement when The Hoppings arrives. This is Europe's largest travelling fair, drawing crowds from across the region for rides, games, food, and entertainment that span the entire month. The event has become synonymous with Newcastle's summer calendar, turning the Moor into a vibrant festival ground while maintaining its essential character as open space.

Connectivity and Surrounding Attractions

The Moor's boundaries define much of Newcastle's geography, reaching Spital Tongues and the city centre to the south, Gosforth to the north, and Jesmond to the east where it meets Exhibition Park. This strategic location makes it easily accessible from multiple entry points and positions it near other attractions. The nearby Wylam Brewery at Exhibition Park offers the perfect post-visit destination for refreshment, while the Moor itself provides an ideal base for exploring Newcastle's northern neighbourhoods.