November & December 2023 – Before planning your visit, please check our ‘Visitor Notices’ for accessibility updates and one-off changes to opening times. Click here to view.
NEWCASTLE CATHEDRAL
A BEACON OF LIGHT
Families
Newcastle Cathedral offers a perfect hub for children to learn, play, explore and unwind. Enjoy free entry and discover our dedicated area for sensory play, exploration and captivating storytelling.
Things to do
The Investigation Station
Navigate the Cathedral using a massive map, uncover hidden treasures with brass rubbings, and follow three captivating Family Trails.
The Investigation Station is completely free to use, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Don’t forget to return all items at the end of your visit, except for the Family Trails, colouring sheets, and crowns, which you can happily keep as souvenirs!
Little Lanterns
During school holidays, unleash your creativity with hands-on activities scattered throughout the Cathedral. Dive into a world of making, building, playing, and learning. No reservations needed – simply drop in and let your imagination run wild!
Baby Play Baskets
Packed with captivating sensory resources carefully chosen for our littlest visitors, these baskets will keep your baby engaged and delighted during your visit. Please don’t hesitate to ask one of our friendly staff or volunteers.
Cathedral Crowns
Unleash your artistic flair and fashion your very own vibrant crown using the delightful illustrations by artist Beckie Clarke, inspired by the 19th-century wood carvings found in the Cathedral Quire. Don’t forget to grab one of these fantastic activity sheets when you begin your visit.
Family Trails
Get ready for some family fun with three fantastic trails designed by Melanie Smith (@Smithandwonder). Unleash your creativity by crafting your very own dragon and embark on a thrilling lion hunt, all guided by these engaging fold-out activity leaflets. Let the adventures begin!
Useful information for families
We understand that exploring new places with children can occasionally be a tad overwhelming. To ease your planning process, we’ve compiled the following information for your convenience. Our goal is to make your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible!
If you can’t find the answer to your question here, please visit our FAQs page.
- At Newcastle Cathedral, we pride ourselves on being a family-friendly venue. Children of all ages are warmly invited to discover, play, and learn within the Cathedral and its grounds.
- When you visit the Cathedral, there’s no need to hush your voice. It’s a space where everyone is welcome to express themselves. The only exception is during services when we kindly request visitors to keep noise to a minimum.
- Prepare to step into history as you explore our remarkable floor adorned with a captivating collection of ledger stones, (i.e. indoor grave slabs). These intricate and stunning pieces each tell their own fascinating stories. However, since their presence makes the floor uneven in certain areas, please tread carefully and mind your step.
Newcastle Cathedral is a breastfeeding-friendly venue throughout. If you would prefer a private space to feed your baby, please speak to a volunteer or member of staff.
Do you want to find great days out in the North East for your family?
Sign up to Family Explorers for free hand-picked recommendations from cultural venues, including theatres, museums and galleries across the North East every week, making choosing days out quicker and easier for busy families.
Family Explorers North East also has a Facebook group where you can see event recommendations from other families, chat with them and ask them questions about planning a day out.