Visitor notices

Step-free access

Due to essential maintenance on our historic Lantern Tower, the main step-free West Entrance is temporarily closed. During this period, please follow the signs directing you to the East Entrance, where step-free access remains available. We have updated the ‘Access Information’ page on our website to reflect this temporary change.

Lantern Tower Maintenance: Impact & Progress

Last updated September 2024

Essential maintenance of our Lantern Tower continues to safeguard this historic structure for generations to come. This work is a collaborative effort between Newcastle City Council and Newcastle Cathedral, supported by specialist advisors Heritage Stone Access and structural engineer Charles Blackett-Ord.

Because of this ongoing maintenance, tours of our Lantern Tower will not take place in 2024. However, you can explore the structure’s fascinating history in the short film below, presented by local guide Alex Iles.

Cathedral clock and bell ringing

In addition to the step-free access changes mentioned above, please note that the clock on the Cathedral Tower may not display the correct time until we can access its internal mechanism. Furthermore, our regular bell-ringing activities are temporarily suspended during the ongoing repairs. We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as this work continues to preserve the Cathedral’s heritage.

Christmas Opening Times 2024

Day	Opening times
Wednesday 25 December	The Cathedral will close after the 10am Festal Eucharist
Thursday 26 December	8:30am-1pm
Friday 27 December	8:30am-1pm
Saturday 28 December	8:30am-4pm
Sunday 29 December	Normal hours*
Monday 30 December	Normal hours*
Tuesday 31 December	Normal hours*
Wednesday 1 January	8:30am-4pm
Thursday 2 January	Normal hours* resume

* 8am-6pm (Mon-Fri), 8am-5pm (Sat & Sun)