All Saints Presbyterian Church
England's only elliptical church, a Georgian masterpiece praised by Poet Laureate Betjeman.
All Saints Presbyterian Church stands as a remarkable architectural gem on Akenside Hill in Newcastle upon Tyne. This distinctive Georgian church, completed in 1796, features England's only elliptical nave—a unique design by architect David Stephenson that floods the interior with light from twenty-seven strategically placed windows. The magnificent Baroque tower rises prominently above the city skyline, making it the third tallest religious structure in Newcastle. Praised by Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman as one of the finest English Georgian churches, All Saints combines historical significance with active worship, welcoming visitors and congregants for Sunday services at 10:30 am and 5:00 pm.
A brief summary to All Saints Church
- Akenside Hill, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3UF, GB
- +447415812877
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.75 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Arrive early on Sunday mornings to secure seating and fully appreciate the interplay of light through the twenty-seven windows that define the elliptical nave's unique character.
- Visit during daylight hours to experience how the elliptical design and window placement create constantly changing patterns of natural light throughout the interior.
- Explore the exterior from multiple angles on Akenside Hill to fully appreciate the Baroque tower's proportions and its commanding presence in the Newcastle skyline.
- Check the church website for information about special open days and venue hire events, which provide additional opportunities to experience the building beyond regular worship services.
- Combine your visit with exploration of nearby Newcastle Quayside and the city centre, as All Saints' hilltop location offers convenient access to other cultural landmarks.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Newcastle Central Station, take the Metro (Tyne and Wear Metro) towards the city centre. Exit at Monument or Haymarket stations, approximately 5–8 minutes travel time. From either station, walk uphill towards Akenside Hill; the church is clearly visible from the city centre. Journey time from the station to the church is approximately 10–15 minutes on foot. Single Metro fares cost around £1.50–£2.00 depending on zones.
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Walking from City Centre
All Saints is easily accessible on foot from Newcastle's main shopping and cultural areas. From Grey's Monument in the city centre, head north and uphill towards Akenside Hill; the journey takes approximately 8–12 minutes depending on your starting point. The route is well-signposted and passes through established neighbourhoods. The church's prominent tower serves as a visual landmark throughout the approach.
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Driving and Parking
If driving, use postcode NE1 3UF for navigation. Street parking is available on Akenside Hill and surrounding roads, though spaces can be limited during peak times and weekends. Several paid car parks operate within 5–10 minutes' walk of the church, including facilities near Newcastle's Haymarket area. Parking costs typically range from £1.50–£3.00 per hour depending on the facility.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-share services (such as Uber) operate throughout Newcastle and can deliver you directly to Akenside Hill. Journey times from Newcastle Central Station are approximately 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Fares typically range from £6–£12 depending on time of day and demand.
All Saints Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about All Saints Church
A Georgian Masterpiece with Elliptical Innovation
All Saints Presbyterian Church represents one of Newcastle's most architecturally significant religious buildings. Completed in 1796, the church was designed by architect David Stephenson to replace the medieval church of All Hallows that previously occupied the site. What makes All Saints truly exceptional is its elliptical nave—the only one of its kind in England. This innovative design was not merely decorative; it served a practical purpose, allowing light from twenty-seven windows positioned around the ellipse to flood the interior from every direction throughout the day. The result is a luminous, welcoming space that feels both intimate and grand. The church's exterior is equally striking. Its magnificent Baroque tower rises prominently from Akenside Hill, dominating the Newcastle skyline and earning its place as the third tallest religious structure in the city. The tower's proportions and detailing reflect the refined taste of late Georgian architecture, while the overall composition creates a landmark visible from numerous vantage points across Newcastle.Recognition and Historical Significance
All Saints has earned widespread acclaim from architectural experts and cultural commentators. Sir John Betjeman, the former Poet Laureate and renowned architectural critic, described the church as "one of the finest English Georgian churches and next to St Swithun's Worcester, the best 18th century church interior I have seen anywhere." This endorsement from one of Britain's most respected voices on architecture underscores the building's exceptional quality. More recently, the Newcastle Chronicle included All Saints in their 2017 Top Ten List of Newcastle buildings, confirming its continued recognition as a landmark of cultural importance. The church's history is intertwined with Newcastle's industrial heritage. Lord Armstrong, the celebrated industrialist, scientist, philanthropist, and inventor, was baptised at All Saints. The Armstrong family subsequently contributed to the church's upkeep and maintenance, reflecting both their connection to the building and their commitment to preserving the city's architectural heritage.Contemporary Worship and Community Welcome
Despite its historical significance, All Saints remains a living, active place of worship. The congregation gathers for services on Sundays at 10:30 am and 5:00 pm, maintaining a tradition of reformed and evangelical Christian practice. The church describes itself as "a warm welcome to All Saints," emphasizing its openness to those seeking spiritual community, whether they are long-time members, newcomers to faith, or visitors to Newcastle. The church's mission centres on worship, fellowship, and discipleship, grounded in the belief of faithfully following Christ through the Holy Spirit. The building also serves the broader community through venue hire and special open days, allowing the public to experience its architectural splendour and historical atmosphere. This dual role—as both an active congregation space and a heritage landmark—ensures that All Saints continues to enrich Newcastle's cultural and spiritual life.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
