Victoria Tunnel Taster Tours | Heritage Open Days

The Victoria Tunnel is a preserved 19th century waggonway, running under the city of Newcastle from the Town Moor to the Tyne. Originally built in 1838 by engineer William Gillespie to to transport coal from Spital Tongues Colliery to the river, the Tunnel was converted in 1939 into an air raid shelter to protect thousands of Newcastle citizens during World War II -- but was then sealed up and left forgotten for 60 years. In 2008 the Victoria Tunnel was carefully repaired and opened for guided tours with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, led by the Ouseburn Trust's award winning volunteer guides.

Tours will last around 20 minutes, with a chance to see the bowels of the city for yourself. Learn what life was like for the clay-kickers who built the tunnel, listen out for the rumble of distant coal waggons, and marvel at a creative yet hidden feat of Victorian engineering.

Access

The Victoria Tunnel Visitor Centre at 55 Lime Street is fully accessible and has a disabled toilet. The Victoria Tunnel itself has level access but 50 yards into the Tunnel there are a series of World War Two blast walls - it is impossible to take wheelchairs, prams or buggies beyond this point.

Max 12 people per tour/session. Taster tours last around 20 minutes. Please account for some extra queuing time. Children accompanied by a responsible adult are welcome to attend.