West Walls of Newcastle Town Wall
Explore the enduring medieval stone fortifications of Newcastle’s West Walls, a remarkable glimpse into the city’s historic defenses.
The West Walls are a significant surviving section of the medieval Newcastle town wall, located in Newcastle upon Tyne. Built during the 13th and 14th centuries, these stone walls once formed a defensive barrier around the city, featuring towers and gates. Today, the West Walls showcase well-preserved stonework and historic towers like Durham Tower, offering a glimpse into Newcastle’s medieval past and its strategic importance against invasions.
A brief summary to W Walls
- Newcastle upon Tyne, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit on a clear day to fully appreciate the stone textures and views of the surrounding cityscape.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes as the area includes uneven historic pathways.
- Look for informational plaques near Durham Tower to learn about the wall’s history.
- Combine your visit with a walk to nearby St Andrew’s Church and the Quayside for a fuller Newcastle experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Bus
Multiple local bus routes serve stops near Westgate Road, approximately 10-15 minutes from Newcastle Central Station. Buses run frequently with fares around £2-£4 one way.
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Walking
From Newcastle city center, a 15-20 minute walk over mostly flat, paved streets leads to the West Walls. Suitable for most visitors with moderate mobility.
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Taxi
Taxis from Newcastle Central Station to the West Walls take about 5-10 minutes depending on traffic, costing approximately £6-£10.
W Walls location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about W Walls
Medieval Origins and Defensive Purpose
The West Walls are part of the larger Newcastle town wall, a medieval defensive structure constructed primarily in the 13th and 14th centuries. These walls were built to protect Newcastle upon Tyne from Scottish invasions and other military threats during a turbulent period in northern England’s history. Stretching approximately 3 kilometers in total length, the entire town wall was formidable — up to 7.6 meters high and 2 meters thick — with multiple towers and gates strategically placed to defend the city.Architectural Features and Surviving Sections
The West Walls, located between Westgate Road and St Andrew’s Street, represent one of the best-preserved parts of the original fortifications. This section includes Durham Tower, a prominent defensive tower that projects outward from the wall, allowing defenders to cover the approaches from multiple angles. Other features include remnants of smaller turrets and postern gates. The walls were constructed from sturdy stone, and their design allowed archers to fire upon attackers from both the towers and the wall itself, creating overlapping fields of defense.Historical Significance and Gates
Historically, the West Walls contained one of the six main gates of Newcastle’s fortifications — the West Gate. This gate led to the West Road, following the line of the old Roman wall. It was known for its strength, with large oak gates and iron doors. Over time, the gate served various purposes, including as a prison during the English Civil War. Although the West Gate itself was demolished in the early 19th century, the surviving walls and towers nearby retain the medieval character of the city’s defenses.Modern-Day Context and Preservation
Today, the West Walls stand as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, protected for their cultural and historical value. Visitors can see large sections of the wall stretching northward towards St Andrew’s Church, with some parts partially reconstructed or excavated. The walls near the riverbank reveal evidence of past industrial use, where warehouses once stood. The site offers a tangible connection to Newcastle’s medieval heritage amid the modern urban environment.Visitor Experience and Atmosphere
Walking along the West Walls, visitors can imagine the medieval city’s fortified perimeter and the strategic importance of these defenses. The stonework’s texture and the towers’ imposing presence evoke a sense of history and resilience. Informational plaques provide context, though some are weathered. The site’s proximity to the city center makes it accessible for a historical stroll, blending the past with the present-day vibrancy of Newcastle.Integration with Newcastle’s Urban Fabric
The West Walls are integrated into Newcastle’s urban landscape, intersected by modern streets such as St Andrew’s Street and Stowell Street. Nearby landmarks include Durham Tower and the reconstructed outer ditch along Bath Lane. The walls’ preservation amidst a bustling city highlights Newcastle’s layered history, where medieval defenses coexist with contemporary life, offering a unique perspective on the city’s evolution over centuries.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Durham Tower
0.0 km
Medieval stone sentinel guarding Newcastle's ancient western walls since the 13th century.
Oriental Garden
0.1 km
Experience the serene beauty of the Oriental Garden in Newcastle upon Tyne, a peaceful escape filled with lush greenery and vibrant flora.
Herber Tower
0.1 km
A well-preserved 13th-century drum tower from Newcastle’s medieval town walls, once a guild meeting place and now a quiet monument in the city centre.
Blackfriars Medieval Friary
0.1 km
Medieval Dominican friary where kings once stayed, now a living centre of craft, culture, and cuisine.
Morden Tower
0.2 km
A medieval drum tower turned iconic poetry venue, Morden Tower blends Newcastle’s rich history with vibrant cultural legacy.
Richard Grainger Memorial Fountain
0.2 km
Historic granite fountain honoring Richard Grainger’s transformative 19th-century urban vision in Newcastle’s iconic Grainger Town.
New Bridge Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant culture and rich history of New Bridge Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, home to captivating museums and lively local attractions.
11 Waterloo St
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Historic industrial heritage meets contemporary urban design on Newcastle's transforming Waterloo Street.
St John the Baptist Church
0.3 km
Medieval sanctuary with eight centuries of history, treasured stained glass, and architectural gems hidden in Newcastle's city centre.
Newcastle and District War Memorial
0.5 km
A Portland stone tribute to courage, unveiled in 1923 and crowned by a bronze Saint George.
Grey St
0.5 km
Newcastle's finest street—a sweeping curve of neoclassical elegance and cultural heritage.
Newcastle city walls
0.5 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)
0.6 km
Explore Newcastle upon Tyne with Iles Tours, where expert guides unveil the city's rich history and culture through unforgettable experiences.
The Black Gate
0.6 km
Medieval fortress gateway where Newcastle's story began, now fully accessible with rich exhibitions.
Newcastle Keep
0.7 km
Climb 99 steps through four centuries of medieval power and emerge onto rooftop views that define Newcastle.
Unmissable attractions to see
Tyne Theatre & Opera House
0.1 km
Discover Newcastle’s Victorian treasure with rare stage machinery and vibrant performances in a beautifully preserved Grade I listed theatre.
The Bodega
0.1 km
Discover The Bodega in Newcastle upon Tyne, where lively ambiance, great food, and a wide selection of drinks create the ultimate pub experience.
Black Friars Postern Gate Plaque
0.1 km
Explore the Black Friars Postern Gate Plaque in Newcastle upon Tyne, a historical landmark reflecting the city's rich medieval heritage and architectural beauty.
A Hadrian's Wall Milecastle Plaque
0.2 km
Discover the Roman frontier’s footprint in Newcastle at the Hadrian's Wall Milecastle Plaque on historic Westgate Road.
St. Mary's Cathedral
0.2 km
A majestic neo-Gothic cathedral crowned by a soaring spire, embodying Newcastle’s rich Catholic heritage and architectural splendor.
YuMe World
0.2 km
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 Aidan and St Cuthbert Stonework
0.2 km
Intricate stone carvings celebrating St Aidan and St Cuthbert’s enduring legacy in Newcastle’s rich Christian heritage.
The Gate
0.2 km
Newcastle’s vibrant leisure complex blending dining, nightlife, cinema, and gaming under one roof in the city centre.
Ever Tower
0.3 km
Explore Ever Tower, a captivating medieval relic of Newcastle’s historic town walls, blending heritage and urban charm.
My freedom Tours
0.3 km
Discover Newcastle’s history and culture at your own pace with My Freedom Tours’ innovative self-guided video experiences.
Escape Key Newcastle
0.3 km
Newcastle's premier escape room destination with immersive themes, creative puzzles, and exceptional service overlooking historic grounds.
Discovery Museum
0.3 km
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
0.3 km
Discover Newcastle’s oldest church with medieval Norman arches, historic burials, and echoes of a turbulent past in the heart of the city.
Grainger St
0.4 km
Historic heart of Newcastle with elegant architecture, bustling markets, and vibrant urban culture.
Bigg Market
0.4 km
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
0.1 km
Experience fresh Japanese teppanyaki cooked live with flair and flavor in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Blackfriars Restaurant
0.1 km
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
0.2 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors with handmade pasta and stone-baked pizzas in a lively, welcoming Newcastle setting.
Turtle Bay Newcastle
0.3 km
Experience bold Caribbean flavours, reggae vibes, and 2-for-1 cocktails in the heart of Newcastle’s vibrant city centre.
Super Natural Newcastle
0.3 km
Discover vibrant vegan dining and creative cocktails in the heart of Newcastle’s historic Grainger Street at Super Natural Newcastle.
Zaap Thai Street Food Newcastle
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant flavors and lively atmosphere of Thai street food right in the heart of Newcastle’s city center.
Rumba Restaurant
0.4 km
Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine and vibrant Latin nightlife in the heart of Newcastle at Rumba Casa Latina.
Kafeneon
0.4 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine and warm Mediterranean hospitality in the vibrant heart of Newcastle’s Bigg Market.
No28
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at No28 in Newcastle – where tapas meets cocktails in an unforgettable bar and nightclub experience.
Hibou Blanc
0.5 km
Elegant French-British cuisine and refined hospitality in Newcastle's historic Bigg Market.
George's Fish Shack, Newcastle
0.5 km
Authentic British fish and chips in the heart of Newcastle’s lively Eldon Square shopping district.
El Coto
0.5 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and warm rustic charm in the heart of Newcastle at El Coto.
Kaltur Wine Bar & Restaurant High Bridge
0.5 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and fine wines in a cozy, lively wine bar setting at Newcastle’s historic High Bridge.
Côte Newcastle
0.5 km
Experience refined French cuisine and charming brasserie vibes in Newcastle’s vibrant city centre on historic Grainger Street.
Pleased To Meet You
0.5 km
A stylish, late-night bar and restaurant in Newcastle’s city centre, blending rustic charm with vibrant cocktails and seasonal British cuisine.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Flip Vintage American Clothing
0.0 km
Newcastle’s premier vintage store since 1978, offering authentic American vintage clothing with quality, character, and style.
Living Essential
0.3 km
Grainger Street's go-to for stylish, affordable homewares that make city living cozy and practical in Newcastle's heart.
Newcastle Gifts
0.3 km
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
0.4 km
Discover unique handcrafted gifts and charming treasures at Tian's Gifts, nestled in Newcastle’s historic Grainger Market.
Phillips & Wilde
0.4 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.
Analog
0.4 km
Curated vintage and second‑hand clothing tucked into Alley 3 of Newcastle’s Grainger Market — small stall, big finds.
Vintagera.co.uk
0.4 km
Discover exquisite handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and bespoke framing in the heart of Newcastle’s vibrant Grainger Market.
Geordie Gifts
0.4 km
Discover authentic Geordie culture through unique gifts in the heart of Newcastle’s historic Grainger Market.
Little Bazaar
0.4 km
A cosy, hand-curated gift stall in Grainger Market for crystals, dreamcatchers and small bohemian keepsakes.
Garms Newcastle
0.4 km
Small, curated vintage clothing shop on Grainger Street, blending durable classics with street-ready retro finds.
Box it up gifts
0.4 km
Discover unique souvenirs and locally crafted gifts at Box It Up Gifts in Newcastle upon Tyne, a must-visit for every traveler.
The Yesterday Society Vintage Boutique
0.4 km
Discover vintage treasures and retro style at The Yesterday Society, a charming boutique nestled in Newcastle’s historic Grainger Market.
Soul Rebel (Newcastle)
0.4 km
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
0.5 km
Explore a treasure trove of pop culture collectibles and geek merchandise in the heart of Newcastle’s Eldon Square shopping centre.
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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Mad House
0.2 km
Dive into Newcastle’s quirkiest cocktail bar where mad creativity meets bold flavors and unforgettable fun at The Mad House.
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
0.2 km
A lively Newcastle venue combining interactive darts, live music, great food, and sports viewing under one vibrant roof.
The Dog & Parrot
0.3 km
A vibrant Newcastle pub where live music, punk vibes, and friendly faces create an unforgettable night out.
Duke Of Northumberland (The Clock)
0.3 km
A welcoming Geordie pub in Newcastle city center, offering traditional fare, seasonal ales, and lively weekend music nights in a cozy setting.
Slug & Lettuce - Central Newcastle
0.3 km
Newcastle's go-to for endless cocktails, bottomless brunches, and non-stop party vibes on Grainger Street – where every hour is happy hour.
Bealim House
0.4 km
Newcastle’s unique gin distillery, bar, and eatery blending industrial heritage with vibrant social dining and exceptional gin experiences.
The Mushroom Bar
0.4 km
A compact, budget-friendly club-bar on Grainger Street that keeps late-night DJs, drink deals and a party crowd at its heart.
Jalou
0.4 km
Experience Newcastle’s chic cocktail haven where Parisian glamour meets hip hop beats and creative mixology.
Revolution Newcastle Upon Tyne
0.4 km
Experience vibrant nightlife and handcrafted cocktails in Newcastle’s stunning former bank with soaring ceilings and marble pillars.
ChachaBuchi
0.5 km
Rustic glamour meets vibrant nightlife in Newcastle’s chic cocktail bar with alpine-inspired cuisine and lively entertainment.
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.
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.
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.
The Alchemist Newcastle
0.5 km
Experience Newcastle’s premier cocktail laboratory with dramatic drinks, creative dining, and a captivating gothic atmosphere in Eldon Square.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Cosmic Ballroom
0.2 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.
Sinners
0.2 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.
Powerhouse
0.3 km
Newcastle’s iconic four-floor nightclub blending rich LGBTQ+ history with vibrant, inclusive nightlife and dynamic music scenes.
Digital
0.4 km
Experience cutting-edge nightlife with superior sound and vibrant energy at Digital, Newcastle’s premier clubbing destination in Times Square.
Popworld - Newcastle
0.4 km
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
0.5 km
Experience Newcastle’s vibrant nightlife at The Social Club, where music, cocktails, and dancing come alive until the early hours.
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.
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.
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.
Warehouse Night Club(SR44)
0.5 km
Experience Newcastle’s vibrant underground gay nightclub scene at Warehouse Night Club (SR44), where eclectic music and lively parties come alive.
TheCUT Newcastle
0.5 km
Discover Newcastle’s vibrant alternative nightclub with themed indie, rock, and disco nights in a cozy, unpretentious setting.
Tup Tup Palace
0.5 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.
Flares - Newcastle
0.6 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.
Greys Club
0.6 km
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
0.6 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
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
