Volunteer

volunteer Victoria Tunnel guide

Our Volunteer Guides lead public tours and special visits to the Victoria TunnelRead more

Heritage Researcher

Research volunteers explore the heritage of the Valley and create interpretation materials to share the stories.Read more

Volunteer Photo archivist

Volunteers create a digital photo archive and promote our photo resourcesRead more

Wider opportunities

Volunteering opportunities with other Ouseburn organisationsRead more

Latest

Heritage Open Days 2017

Free taster tours of the Victoria Tunnel and heritage walks in Ouseburn Valley

Ouseburn Festival and 40s weekend

The 2017 Festival has a heritage theme this year and combines with our Victoria Tunnel 1940s weekend - 1&2 July

Ouseburn Valley Cross 2017

A fantastic August Bank Holiday event for cyclists and spectators.

Summer Walks 2017

A programme of short guided walks to explore the area.

Visit the Victoria Tunnel

The Victoria Tunnel is 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.

Essential information

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

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.