Exploring Ouseburn

Explore and enjoy

There are so many wonderful things to see and do here in Ouseburn - this video will give you a quick taste of some of the places you can explore and enjoy. Read more

Things to do with families

There's lots to do with children in Ouseburn Valley Read more

Arts and Crafts

If you love art, craft and creativity there is so much to see and enjoy in Ouseburn Valley Read more

Music and Gigs

Ouseburn rocks to the sound of music Read more

History and heritage

discover the history and heritage in Ouseburn's buildings and stories Read more

Special events

See a different side of Ouseburn at some very special events Read more

eating and drinking

From a simple snack to a posh dinner, and some great beer! Read more

plan your visit

Parking, public transport and practicalities Read more

Advance booking is essential for tours of the Victoria Tunnel - a preserved 19th century waggonway under the city built by the Victorians to carry coal and re-used as an air raid shelter during World War 2.

Victoria Tunnel Tour Tickets

Buy tickets for the two-hour and one-hour tours of the award winning Victoria Tunnel

Parking and Public Transport

Car park suggestions and public transport connections

Essential information

What to wear, what to expect, and more...

Meeting point for the Tour

Tours meet at the Victoria Visitor Centre, 55 Lime Street, Ouseburn

Tunnel history

The Victoria Tunnel runs beneath the city from the Town Moor down to the Tyne. It was built in 1842 to transport coal from Leazes Main Colliery to riverside staithes (jetties) ready for loading onto ships. In 1939, it was converted into an air-raid shelter to protect hundreds of Newcastle citizens during World War II. A programme of repairs in 2007-8 was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the TyneWear Partnership, and part of the Tunnel is now open to the public.