The Victoria Tunnel is a preserved 19th century waggonway under the city from the Town Moor to the Tyne, to transport coal from Spital Tongues (Leazes Main) Colliery to the river and operated between 1842 and the 1860s.
The Tunnel was converted in 1939 into an air raid shelter to protect thousands of Newcastle citizens during World War 2.
In 2008 the Victoria Tunnel was carefully repaired and opened for guided tours with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and TyneWear Partnership. Since 2010 the Ouseburn Trust has operated guided tours with fully trained volunteer guides.
Ticket prices for tours are £6 for adults and £3 for children (under 12 years).
If you would prefer to book your tour by telephone or have any questions about the tours please call 0191 261 6596 9am-5pm Monday – Friday or email the Tunnel Co-ordinator, email@example.com
The Victoria Tunnel is a place of many stories;
NEETA Gold Award logo
an award winning attraction – Small Visitor Attraction of the Year 2013 in the North East of England Tourism Awards, and a Bronze Award in 2014
currently recommended as Number One Visitor Attractionlink to trip advisor reviews in Newcastle on Trip Advisor
The Journal’s “best small visitor attraction”
In September 2012, the Tunnel featured in the BBC series ‘How We Won the War’.
The Tunnel was also featured in BBC 2’s programme ‘Dan Snow’s History of the Railway’ in January 2013.
In March 2015 the Victoria Tunnel is featured in a Barclay’s Bank advert with Alan Shearer.
Go on your own journey of discovery to learn how tough life was during WW2, listen for the air-raid warning and the sound of planes passing overhead dropping their bombs and memories of people who lived through the dreadful period in Newcastle’s history. See the rough wooden replica beds and benches, just like those slept or sat on, by frightened citizens during bombing raids. And visit the WW2 crucifix and see if you can identify the people named in the roll of honour. You may also be interested to hear about the sightings of a ghost seen in the Victoria Tunnel by visitors from a Paranormal group!!
Inside the Victoria TunnelExperience life in a Victorian waggonway, learn how it was constructed and listen out for the wagons full of coal heading for the Tyne. Be brave, listen to the story of William Coulson’s death and be aware as you hear the approaching waggons heading towards you through the tunnel in the pitch black darkness.