Tynemouth Priory and Castle

Home
United Kingdom
Tynemouth
Tynemouth Priory and Castle

Tynemouth Castle and Priory Tynemouth Castle and Priory on the coast of North East England was once one of the largest fortified areas in England.
(902)

Overlooking the North Sea and the River Tyne, it dominates the headland. With its 2000 year history and beautiful views it is the perfect location for a family fun day out. The interactive 'Life in the Stronghold' exhibition takes you on an exciting journey. It tells the story of the site from its original beginnings as an Anglo-Saxon settlement, an Anglican monastery, a royal castle, artillery fo

rt and a coastal defence. The newly refurbished battery gun was designed to defend the Tyne in the First and Second World Wars and can be explored. This page is for visitors and fans of Tynemouth Priory and Castle to share photos, thoughts and recommendations. If you have any questions about Tynemouth Priory and Castle or English Heritage please email [email protected] or 'like' us at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/English-Heritage/173240995747 and post your question there, where we will be happy to get back to you as soon as we can.

08/09/2026

Join us this weekend for a fantastic Classic Car Show at Tynemouth Priory & Castle!

📅 Sunday 13th September

⏰ 10am – 5pm

Come along and explore a wonderful collection of classic cars, featuring a variety of eras and models, all set against the stunning backdrop of Tynemouth Priory & Castle.

Whether you’re a dedicated car enthusiast, enjoying a family day out, or simply love a bit of nostalgia, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

🎟️ Standard admission charges apply

05/09/2026

What a day!

Ready to do it all again tomorrow?

04/09/2026

Tynemouth Food Festival is TOMORROW!

Join us on tomorrow and Sunday for a fantastic weekend packed with delicious street food, live music, artisan market traders, children’s activities and more.

🎟️ This is a ticketed event, with tickets priced at £5 for adults and FREE for under 15s.

⚠️ Please note: During the Food Festival, the moat will be closed while the event is taking place.

Find out more and book your tickets here: https://www.visitnorthtyneside.com/events/event/tynemouth-food-festival/

02/09/2026

This weekend, North Tyneside Council’s Tynemouth Food Festival returns to the spectacular setting of Tynemouth Priory & Castle! 🎉

Join us on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September for a fantastic weekend of delicious street food, live music, artisan market traders, children’s activities and more – all set against our stunning coastal backdrop.

🎟️ This is a ticketed event, with tickets priced at £5 for adults and FREE for under 15s.

Find out more and book your tickets here: https://www.visitnorthtyneside.com/events/event/tynemouth-food-festival/

31/08/2026

See below for September’s volunteer-led tours!

Our tours are free with standard admission and are a great way to discover more about the history of the site ☺️

29/08/2026

Behind the scenes at Tynemouth Priory & Castle

The Percy Chantry is one of the site's hidden gems. Built in the late 15th century, it was a private chapel and is an important part of the priory's story.

If you've visited recently, you may have noticed that the Percy Chantry is currently closed. This is due to high-level masonry issues affecting the Presbytery Tower above the chapel.

Looking after a historic site that's stood for centuries is an ongoing process. Wind, rain, salt-laden sea air and the passage of time all take their toll on medieval stonework. Regular inspections help identify areas that need attention, and when issues are found at height, temporary closures are sometimes the safest way to protect both visitors and the monument while conservation work is planned.

Although you can't explore the Percy Chantry at the moment, you can still admire it from outside and discover its fascinating history throughout your visit. Our team and volunteers are always happy to share more about this remarkable space and the work involved in caring for Tynemouth Priory & Castle for future generations.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to conserve this extraordinary place.

27/08/2026

The story of Tynemouth Priory and Castle is one of remarkable change. For centuries, the headland was home to a Benedictine priory and an important place of pilgrimage.

Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII in 1539, the site was transformed into a military stronghold. Its position overlooking the mouth of the River Tyne made it strategically important, and it continued to serve in defence of the coast for centuries — from Tudor times through to the mid-20th century.

Today, the remains of the priory and the later military defences stand together, revealing the many different chapters of Tynemouth’s long history.

25/08/2026

Life at Tynemouth Priory followed a strict daily rhythm shaped by the Rule of St Benedict, which guided the lives of the Benedictine monks who lived here.

Their days began in the early hours with prayers known as the Divine Office, returning to worship at set times throughout the day. Between services, monks devoted themselves to study, reading, writing, practical work and the running of the monastery. They also welcomed pilgrims who travelled to Tynemouth to visit the shrine of St Oswine.

Silence, discipline and devotion were central to monastic life. Every part of the day was organised around prayer and service, with the priory church at the heart of their community.

For the monks of medieval Tynemouth, life on the headland was one of worship, work and dedication, it was a way of life that continued for centuries.

Sources: The Benedictine Order

23/08/2026

Hidden among the gravestones at Tynemouth Priory is the grave of Alexander Rollo, a man whose story connects this quiet headland to one of the most famous moments of the Napoleonic Wars.

Rollo served as a Corporal in the Royal Artillery and, held the lantern at the burial of Sir John Moore at Corunna on 17 January 1809.

Sir John Moore, was one of Britain’s most respected generals, and was buried at night by torchlight after being killed during the Battle of Corunna in Spain. The dramatic burial later became famous through the poem ‘The Burial of Sir John Moore after Corunna’.

Rollo lived to the remarkable age of 82 and was buried here at Tynemouth alongside his wife Margaret in 1856. Today, visitors still come to the Priory searching for his grave, it’s a small but powerful reminder that even here on the Northumberland coast, local lives were tied to world-changing events.

Next time you visit the Priory, see if you can find it for yourself.

21/08/2026

How closely do you look when you visit?

We love spotting the little details that are easy to miss – weathered stone carvings, tiny flowers growing between ancient walls, or interesting textures in the historic masonry.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve discovered during a visit?

Address

Pier Road
Tynemouth
NE304BZ

Telephone

+441912571090

Website

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tynemouth-priory-and-castle/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Tynemouth Priory and Castle posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your organisation to be the top-listed Government Service in Tynemouth?