Accessibility

Newcastle Cathedral strives to ensure accessibility for all visitors, though some areas may present challenges due to the historical nature of the building. Here’s an overview of accessibility features and considerations:

Entrances

• The East Entrance has level access and can be reached via the step-free South Churchyard.
• The North and South Entrances have stepped access only.
• Please note: The main step-free West Entrance is temporarily closed due to ongoing maintenance of our historic Lantern Tower.

The Nave

The central and largest part of the Cathedral is the Nave. Its modern paved floor is mostly flat, with some uneven surfaces due to historic ledger stones (grave covers). The ledger stones are accessible from adjoining flat surfaces and can be manoeuvred around as necessary.

Steps in the rest of the building

• The Eastern Chapels feature two small staircases, and the flooring can be irregular due to its age. If navigating stairs isn’t possible, a ramp is available from the South Quire Aisle, while a stair lift is accessible in the North Quire Aisle.
• The entrance to St George’s Chapel is preceded by a ramp, followed by two steps with handrails and a shallow step (approximately 10cm) at the top.
• The Quire has ramped access; however, you will need to climb a step to get a closer view of the stalls, reredos, and cathedra (the bishop’s seat).
• The Crypt Chapel is a small area which is only accessible via a narrow corridor and multiple steps.

Education Centre

Our Education Centre is located on the first floor of Cathedral Hall and is generally used for pre-booked schools and groups’ sessions. An accessible lift will take you up/down if you are unable to climb the stairs.

Cathedral Hall and Café 16

Level access to Cathedral Hall (a 20th-century annexe to the Cathedral, home to the Education Centre and Café 16) can be gained via the Courtyard Entrance. Alternatively, entering via the main body of the Cathedral, a fully accessible lift provides access to Cathedral Hall and Café 16.

Volunteer Centre

Our Volunteer Centre is downstairs in the basement of Cathedral Hall and has a fully accessible lift.

Public Toilets and Baby Changing

An accessible toilet with baby changing facilities can be reached on level ground via the main Cathedral’s north nave door. An emergency alarm pull cord is available if required. There are also two unisex toilets in the location.

We also have a fully accessible toilet downstairs below Cathedral Hall, along with female and male toilets, all accessible by stairs or lift. The former also has baby changing facilities and a shower, should these be required.

If you require any assistance during your visit, please get in touch with us beforehand, and we’ll do our best to facilitate.

Public Lifts

There are self-operating lifts in the Cathedral. If you require any assistance using them, please ask a member of the Welcome Team. In the lifts to the Education Centre and Basement, the operator needs to continue to press the destination button throughout their journey.

Public transport

Newcastle Cathedral is within easy reach of many public transport links. Click here for more information.

Parking

Accessible parking (two Blue Badge parking bays) is available adjacent to St Nicholas Building on St Nicholas Street. The nearest major public car park can be found on Dean Street.

There are numerous other parking facilities, including multi-storey facilities and 47 surface car parks operated by Newcastle City Council. Please refer to the Newcastle City Council website for more information.

Assistance

Volunteer welcomers will greet you on arrival at the Cathedral. Please let them know if you have particular requirements during your visit. We recommend that you get in touch beforehand if you would like a personal guide to tour the building with you.

Assistance Dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome with their owners. We can provide water on request, and the external churchyard and nearby Castle Garth (the area surrounding Newcastle Castle’s Black Gate) offer green space and opportunities for short walks.

Hearing Loop System 

This operates in the Nave, including the retail area, as well as the Quire. If you are attending a service, concert or other event, please switch your hearing aid to the ‘T’ position.

Fire alarms

The fire alarms have loud evacuation alarms around Newcastle Cathedral. The lift cannot be used in the event of a fire. Staff and clergy can assist people unable to exit the building and safe fire refuge point to await evacuation, which is clearly signposted.

Further improvements

We are seeking to work with local groups to improve our overall accessibility and have an ongoing programme of consultations with a range of local groups to advise us of future improvements we can make.

If you would like to arrange a visit for you or your group, please contact us.