Blackfriars Medieval Friary
Medieval Dominican friary where kings once stayed, now a living centre of craft, culture, and cuisine.
Blackfriars is a Grade I listed 13th-century Dominican friary in Newcastle's city centre, established in 1239. Once one of the largest friaries in the United Kingdom, it remains the only surviving medieval friary in Newcastle. Today, the restored cloister buildings house craft workshops, a celebrated restaurant, and a cloister garden, preserving centuries of history within its cobbled courtyard.
A brief summary to Blackfriars Medieval Friary
- Friars St, Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Access the friary via Dispensary Lane, a hidden cobbled street between The Gate shopping centre and Stowell Street. The entrance is easy to miss but worth seeking out for the authentic medieval experience.
- Visit the cloister garden and courtyard at any time to see the friary's layout and the grassy outline of the demolished church, even if you don't dine at the restaurant.
- The restaurant offers history tours alongside dining experiences, providing deeper context for the building's royal connections and guild heritage.
- Explore the craft workshops housed in the cloister buildings to see traditional trades continuing the site's 500-year legacy of skilled craftsmanship.
- The site is level and accessible, making it suitable for visitors with mobility considerations who wish to experience medieval Newcastle.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Walking from Newcastle City Centre
From Newcastle Central Station, walk north-west through the city centre towards The Gate shopping centre. From The Gate, proceed under the overbridge past the car park entrance. Dispensary Lane is the next right turn—a narrow cobbled street that leads directly to Blackfriars. Walking time is approximately 10–15 minutes depending on starting point. The route is level and accessible throughout.
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Public Transport and Walking
Take any Metro (light rail) service to Monument Station or Haymarket Station. From Monument, walk south-west towards The Gate shopping centre and follow the walking route above. From Haymarket, walk south-east towards the city centre. Journey time from either station to Blackfriars is approximately 12–18 minutes on foot. Metro fares are approximately £1.70–£2.80 depending on zone.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Request a taxi or ride-share service to Friars Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4XD. Journey time from Newcastle Central Station is approximately 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Typical taxi fare is £6–£12. Drivers should note that Friars Street itself has limited access; the friary entrance is via Dispensary Lane.
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Parking and Driving
The Gate shopping centre car park is the nearest option, approximately 50 metres from Blackfriars via Dispensary Lane. Parking charges apply (typically £1.50–£3.00 per hour depending on duration). Street parking on Friars Street and surrounding roads is limited and subject to Newcastle's parking restrictions. Allow 10–15 minutes to walk from the car park to the friary entrance.
Blackfriars Medieval Friary location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Blackfriars Medieval Friary
A Royal Haven in Medieval Newcastle
Blackfriars was founded in 1239 by Sir Peter Scott, the first Mayor of Newcastle, with support from three anonymous sisters and local benefactors. The Dominican order, also known as the Black Friars for their distinctive white tunics and black cloaks, arrived in England in 1221 and established themselves in major cities. Newcastle's friary quickly became one of the largest in the United Kingdom, eventually covering seven acres with extensive buildings arranged around a cloister. The friars' commitment to poverty and their active role in the community earned them enthusiastic local support, and they received grants from King Henry III himself. The friary's prominence attracted royal patronage throughout the medieval period. King Henry III spent considerable time at Blackfriars during his military campaigns against the Scots, finding it a suitable residence when no adequate royal accommodation existed in the city. In 1334, King Edward III used the friary as a venue to receive Edward Balliol, the claimant to the Scottish throne, cementing Blackfriars' status as a place of national importance. Edward III also spent Christmas Day 1335 at the friary, further testament to its standing.Dissolution and Transformation
The Reformation of 1536 brought dramatic change. King Henry VIII, having broken with Rome, ordered the closure and dissolution of all monasteries and friaries in England. Blackfriars was surrendered in 1539 by the prior and twelve friars. The friary church, sacristy, eastern half of the chapter house, and much of the cloister were demolished, leaving only foundations. However, unlike the four other friaries that once graced Newcastle, Blackfriars survived because the town's Mayor and Burgesses purchased the remaining buildings and leased them to nine craft guilds in 1552. The Tailors, Cordwainers, Bakers, Butchers, Brewers, and other ancient trades adapted the cloister buildings for their own use, transforming a religious house into a centre of craft and commerce.Centuries of Adaptation and Decline
The guilds made extensive modifications to the medieval structure between the late 16th and early 17th centuries, and further alterations followed between 1709 and 1739, including new windows and altered floor levels. Some guilds, such as the Tailors, moved away temporarily before returning. By the 19th and much of the 20th century, Blackfriars fell into severe disrepair, with roofs collapsing and ceilings failing, leaving only outer walls and gable ends standing. The complex seemed destined to disappear entirely from Newcastle's landscape.Modern Restoration and Living Heritage
Between 1973 and 1981, Newcastle City Council undertook a comprehensive restoration programme that saved the buildings from ruin. In 1980, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, visited Blackfriars to unveil a commemorative plaque marking the restoration's completion. Today, only the cloister buildings remain, arranged around the original open garth where the friary church once stood. The outline of the medieval church can still be traced in the grassy courtyard.A Working Community Today
Blackfriars now functions as a vibrant cultural and culinary destination while maintaining its historical character. The restored buildings house craft workshops, preserving the tradition of skilled trades that saved the site centuries ago. The Tanners Guild still meets in the former Smiths Hall, maintaining an unbroken connection to the guild heritage. A celebrated restaurant occupies the friar's refectory and extends into the claustral buildings, offering fine dining within medieval walls. Additional facilities include a banquet hall, parlour bar, cookery school, tasting room, and function spaces. The cloister garden provides a tranquil green space at the heart of the city centre, offering respite and reflection much as it did in medieval times.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Romantic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Cultural
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Sacred Sites
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
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
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- 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
