Accessible things to do in Newcastle

Yes, parts of Newcastle Castle are wheelchair accessible, though due to the building’s historic nature, access is limited in some areas. The Castle Keep has narrow staircases and uneven floors, which may not be suitable for wheelchair users, but the Black Gate features an accessible exhibition space with ramp access and level flooring.

Staff are always happy to assist visitors and provide information on accessible routes. It’s recommended to contact the attraction in advance to plan your visit and ensure the best possible experience.

You can find more details about accessibility on the Newcastle Castle FAQ page or view a detailed breakdown of facilities in the AccessAble guide. 

Yes, Newcastle has several hotels with accessible rooms for guests with reduced mobility. For example, the Maldron Hotel Newcastle - highlighted in our itinerary - has 14 accessible bedrooms with wet rooms, lifts to all floors, and step-free access.

Other hotels in the city, such as Crowne Plaza Newcastle and Hotel Indigo Newcastle, also provide wheelchair-accessible rooms and facilities. For a more comprehensive list of accessible hotels in Newcastle, you can visit Newcastle Gateshead’s accessible hotels page.

When booking, it’s best to contact the hotel directly to confirm the specific accessibility features you need, such as roll-in showers, step-free entry, or accessible parking. This ensures your stay is comfortable and suits your requirements.

Yes, there are a variety of autism-friendly attractions in Newcastle with supportive facilities for neurodiverse visitors. Many museums and galleries have quiet spaces, sensory guides, and specially trained staff. For example, The Great North Museum Hancock and the Discovery Museum provide autism friendly resources such as visual guides, quiet hours, and pre-visit planning information.

Other autism-friendly attractions, such as the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, offer sensory spaces, quiet zones, exhibition warnings for flashing lights or loud sounds, accessible toilets, lifts, and pre-visit support. They also run inclusive programmes and workshops for neurodivergent visitors.

Newcastle has several options for hiring mobility scooters and wheelchairs, making it easier for visitors with reduced mobility to get around the city comfortably. Local suppliers offer both daily and longer-term hire, with equipment suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The British Red Cross also provides guidance on finding reliable wheelchair hire, with delivery available directly to your chosen postcode.

Many attractions in Newcastle and Gateshead are fully wheelchair-accessible, and some even offer on-site mobility equipment. For example, the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art provides a wheelchair service that can be booked in advance.

For more detailed information on trusted hire companies and accessibility tips, you can visit the Newcastle Gateshead accessibility guide.

Yes, the Tyne and Wear Metro in Newcastle and Gateshead is wheelchair accessible. All Metro stations feature step-free access via lifts or ramps, and most trains are designed to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Staff are available to assist at stations if needed, and priority seating is provided on trains. For detailed information on accessibility, including which stations have lifts and how to plan your journey, visit the Tyne and Wear Metro accessibility page.