NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE WALKING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Walk Newcastle’s Dark Side: True Crime, Witchcraft and Execution Sites
A 1.5-hour guided walking tour that traces historic jails, courtrooms and crime scenes across Newcastle upon Tyne — this guide helps you plan what to expect and how to prepare.
Walk Newcastle’s Dark Side: True Crime, Witchcraft and Execution Sites.
Embark on a guided 1.5-hour walk through Newcastle’s shadowed history with a local expert, following stories of crime, executions, witchcraft and body-snatchers as you visit former jails, courtrooms and actual crime scenes around the city.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Gripping true-crime anecdotes and historic court cases
Hear first‑hand retellings of infamous trials and episodes of law and order that once rattled Tyneside, delivered by a local guide steeped in the city’s darker lore.
Jails, execution sites and medieval backstreets
The route visits Newcastle’s former prisons, places of execution and hidden medieval streets and stairways, putting you at the scenes where these stories unfolded.
Graveyards, the Quayside and the Bigg Market
Walk riverside quays, the Bigg Market and graveyards where tales of witch hunts and body‑snatching intersect with the urban fabric of historic Newcastle.
What the day feels like
What the tour feels like
Starting from the heart of the city, the 90‑minute walking tour threads through busy market areas, quiet graveyards and alongside the river, pausing at former jails, courtrooms and execution sites as the guide unfolds the grim and intriguing stories that shaped Newcastle’s reputation.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should take precautions.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour runs for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Meet inside Tickets Bar on Neville St (NE1 5DG); look out for the operator’s 'Meet Here' sign.
Bring layered clothing and a rain jacket as needed, comfortable shoes, and a camera for photos along the route.
Expect some uneven paving and steps; the route can be altered for accessibility where possible.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Where do we meet for the tour?
The meeting point is inside Tickets Bar on Neville St (Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5DG); look for the 'Meet Here' sign.
Can I bring my child onto this tour?
Yes. The tour includes stories of Newcastle’s darker past but the content is not graphic or gruesome; children are welcome with parental discretion.
Are there accessibility issues on the route?
The tour can involve some uneven paving and steps; the operator can alter routes to improve accessibility where possible.
What should I bring with me?
Consider layers and a rain jacket, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a camera.