Located in the heart of the city, Newcastle Cathedral is a great place for children to learn, play, explore and take a break. Entry is free and we have a dedicated space for sensory play, exploration and storytelling.
Newcastle Cathedral is part of Family Explorers North East, a project that helps families in North East England enjoy a wider range of cultural experiences.
All of the venues together form the Family Arts Campaign’s North East England Family Arts Network and have signed up to the Family Arts Standards.
Click here to sign up to the Family Explorers newsletter for days out ideas, offers, reviews and venue news.
Start your Cathedral visit with a stop at our family friendly Investigation Station. Choose from a selection of play, craft, and sensory materials to help you explore some of the Cathedral’s most exciting features.
Find out moreOur Investigation Station Table helps you find your way around the Cathedral with a giant map, a series of brass rubbings, three Family Trails and an interactive stained-glass window.
The Investigation Station is free to use and children must be accompanied by an adult. Please return all items at the end of your visit (you are welcome to keep Family Trails, colouring sheets, and crowns).
Speak to a member of staff or volunteer about borrowing one of our Baby Play Baskets: full of engaging, sensory resources, selected especially for our youngest visitors.
Make your mark on the Cathedral and add exciting new colours and patterns to this illustration by artist Melanie Smith. Download and print here or pick up a copy when you visit us.
Create your own colourful crown using illustrations by artist Beckie Clarke; inspired by 19th century wood carvings in the Cathedral Quire. Pick up copies when you visit, or download via the following links:
Design your own dragon, fly a paper aeroplane and search for lions with the help of our three exciting Family Trails: ‘Astonishing Artists’, ‘Fantastic Flight’ and ‘Amazing Artefacts’. Download and print each of them here or pick up copies when you visit us.
Amazing Artefacts – PDF coming soon
Astonishing Artists – PDF coming soon
Fantastic Flight – PDF coming soon
We know that visiting new places with children can sometimes be a bit stressful. We hope that the following information makes planning your visit easier. If you can’t find the answer to your question here, please visit our FAQs page.
Newcastle Cathedral is breastfeeding-friendly throughout. If you would prefer a private space to feed your baby, please speak to a volunteer or member of staff.