Tynemouth Priory and Castle

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.
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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.

This weekend is the perfect time to visit Tynemouth Priory and Castle ☀️With Father’s Day and the Summer Solstice both t...
20/06/2026

This weekend is the perfect time to visit Tynemouth Priory and Castle ☀️

With Father’s Day and the Summer Solstice both taking place on Sunday, there’s plenty to celebrate at one of the North East’s most iconic heritage sites.

Join us this weekend to explore centuries of history, enjoy spectacular coastal views, and make the most of the longest days of the year as summer begins.

Whether you’re planning a family day out on Saturday, treating Dad to a special Father’s Day visit on Sunday, or simply looking for somewhere to enjoy the sunshine, we look forward to welcoming you.

📸 If you’re visiting this weekend, we’d love to see your photos – share your favourite moments with us in the comments.

Did you know that three kings are believed to have been buried at Tynemouth Priory?The priory became one of the most imp...
18/06/2026

Did you know that three kings are believed to have been buried at Tynemouth Priory?

The priory became one of the most important religious sites in Northumbria, with connections to Oswine of Deira, Osred II, and Malcolm III of Scotland after his death in 1093.

King Oswine ruled the kingdom of Deira in the 7th century and was remembered for his generosity and strong Christian faith. After he was betrayed and killed in 651, he was later honoured as a saint, making Tynemouth an important place of pilgrimage.

Osred II, who ruled Northumbria during a turbulent period of Viking raids and political conflict, is also believed to have been buried at the priory after his death in 792. His burial strengthened Tynemouth’s royal and religious importance in the north of England.

Malcolm III of Scotland, sometimes known as Malcolm Canmore, was killed at the Battle of Alnwick in 1093 while invading Northumbria. His body was brought to Tynemouth for burial before later being moved to Dunfermline Abbey in Scotland.

For centuries, pilgrims travelled to Tynemouth to visit the shrine of St Oswine, helping the priory grow in wealth, influence, and reputation across medieval Britain.

❗️ALL SPACES NOW TAKEN❗️Due to a cancellation, we now have 6 spaces available on our exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of...
17/06/2026

❗️ALL SPACES NOW TAKEN❗️

Due to a cancellation, we now have 6 spaces available on our exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Coastguard Station this Saturday 20th June at 11am! ❗️

This is a fantastic opportunity to discover how the Coastguard Station helped keep our coastline safe, monitored maritime activity, co-ordinated rescues, and responded to emergencies over the years.

Please note: these are the last remaining spaces available, and once they’re gone, the next available tour dates won’t be until October which has very limited spaces! The November tour has plenty of space at the moment ☺️

This tour is free for English Heritage members and included in admission tickets for non-members ☺️

To book one of the remaining 6 spaces, please message this page.

See Tynemouth from a whole new perspective! 👀✨Did you know that when you visit Tynemouth Priory and Castle, you can hire...
16/06/2026

See Tynemouth from a whole new perspective! 👀✨

Did you know that when you visit Tynemouth Priory and Castle, you can hire binoculars for just a £1 donation? It’s a simple way to take in the stunning coastal views, spot passing ships going in and out of The Mouth of The Tyne and appreciate the history up close!

Whether you’re exploring the ruins or enjoying the sea air, don’t miss the chance to get a closer look! 🔭🌊

What a day! From all the staff and volunteers at Tynemouth Priory and Castle, a huge thank you to everyone who joined us...
14/06/2026

What a day!

From all the staff and volunteers at Tynemouth Priory and Castle, a huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our very first Community Picnic.

A special thank you to our fantastic food vendors, entertainers, and the incredible Tynemouth Volunteer Lifeboat Brigade for helping to make the day so memorable.

Most importantly, thank you to the 2,336 visitors who came along to celebrate with us. It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the historic site, the entertainment, and time together as a community.

We hope you all had a fantastic day, and we’d love to see your favourite photos from the event.

Please share them in the comments below! 👇📸

Today’s the day! ☀️Join us today at Tynemouth Priory and Castle for a relaxed afternoon by the coast.Enjoy live music, g...
14/06/2026

Today’s the day! ☀️

Join us today at Tynemouth Priory and Castle for a relaxed afternoon by the coast.

Enjoy live music, garden games, and a fantastic selection of food vendors. It’s the perfect way to spend time with family and friends in a beautiful seaside setting.

⏰ 12pm – 5pm

Free entry for members and residents of NE30, NE28, NE29, NE26 and NE25 (please bring proof of postcode). Dogs are welcome too.

Bring a picnic blanket, find a spot, and enjoy what promises to be a wonderful day by the sea. ☀️

Happy World Gin Day from Tynemouth Priory! 🍸Today we’re raising a glass to the spirit of craftsmanship, heritage and gre...
13/06/2026

Happy World Gin Day from Tynemouth Priory! 🍸

Today we’re raising a glass to the spirit of craftsmanship, heritage and great British botanicals.

Our stunning collection of English Heritage gins celebrates flavours inspired by some of England’s most treasured historic places.

✨ Pomelo & Grapefruit Gin – bright, zesty and refreshing, bursting with vibrant citrus notes and a crisp finish that’s perfect for summer sipping.

🫐 Blackberry & Rosehip Gin – rich and elegant, balancing juicy blackberry sweetness with delicate floral rosehip and warming spice.

🌱 London Dry Gin – a classic expression, expertly crafted with traditional botanicals for a smooth, juniper-led character and refreshing complexity.

Just as every historic site has its own story, each gin offers a unique flavour journey. Whether you prefer bold citrus, fruity florals or timeless London Dry, there’s a perfect serve waiting to be discovered.

📸 Image credit to the beautiful Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens

If these walls could talk…They would tell the stories of Viking raids, the whispers of monks, songs of royal visitors, a...
12/06/2026

If these walls could talk…

They would tell the stories of Viking raids, the whispers of monks, songs of royal visitors, and centuries of coastal defence.

This weekend, why not come and hear a little of that history for yourself.

Don’t forget our community picnic is on Sunday! It’s the perfect blend of local history, good company, and community spirit.

Did you know Tynemouth's strategic headland has been occupied for over 2,000 years?Archaeologists have discovered traces...
10/06/2026

Did you know Tynemouth's strategic headland has been occupied for over 2,000 years?

Archaeologists have discovered traces of Iron Age occupation on the site, showing people lived on the headland centuries before the medieval priory was built. George Jobey excavated the site under the road to the north of the priory in 1963 and 1964. He uncovered the remains of foundations of two circular roundhouses and evidence of their occupation into the Roman period in the form of Roman Samian-ware pottery of the Antonine period (mid-2nd century AD). While we can not say that the Romans were ever present on the site, this points towards trade with the Roman Empire. Jobey also uncovered foundations of four rectangular timber structures which may date to around the 9th century, evidenced by a silver styca coin of Ethelred II of Northumbria from around AD 841-844, although this coin's relation to the timber structures remains uncertain.

These discoveries bridge the gap between pre-history and the known history of the site and extends the known occupation back over 2,000 years. The commanding views over the North Sea and River Tyne made our headland one of the North East's most important defensive locations for generations.

Jobey, G. (1967) 'Excavation at Tynemouth Priory and Castle'. Archaeologia Aeliana 4(45). 33-104
Images: Plate IV, fig.2; Plate V, fig.1; fig.1

We always enjoy seeing images shared by visitors to Tynemouth Priory and Castle.This beautiful photograph captures a str...
08/06/2026

We always enjoy seeing images shared by visitors to Tynemouth Priory and Castle.

This beautiful photograph captures a striking sun halo seen over the site, offering a wonderful reminder of how atmospheric the Priory can be at any time of year.

With thanks to Beth Brearley for kindly sharing her image with us.

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Pier Road
Tynemouth
NE304BZ

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+441912571090

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