VICTORIA TUNNEL

The Victoria Tunnel is a surviving 19th-century waggonway that runs from the Town Moor to the Tyne River beneath Newcastle. Originally constructed in 1842 and in use until the 1860s, its primary purpose was to carry coal from the Spital Tongues Colliery to the river. As World War II approached, hundreds of Newcastle residents sought refuge in the Tunnel, which had been transformed into a bomb shelter in 1939.

The Victoria Tunnel, which extends from the Town Moor to the Tyne River, is currently a popular stop on heritage tours and one of the prime tourist attractions in Newcastle in its own right. The historic tunnel's new entrance is at Ouseburn, right next to Hotel Du Vin. In 1842, the Victoria Tunnel was constructed to move coal from the Leazes Main Colliery to the riverside staithes (jetties), where it could be loaded onto ships. Hundreds of Newcastle residents were safe inside its tunnels from bombs in 1939, when it was first transformed into an air-raid shelter.

Put on a helmet and head underground with the helpful guides at Victoria Tunnel for a fascinating guided tour. Listen to the sounds of an air raid and then follow your guides far beneath to learn about the Tunnel's history as a transportation route for coal. Keep your ears open for the approaching coal trucks! Every day of the year, visitors can take part in guided tours of the Tunnel, which feature amazing sound and visual effects.

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Highlights

• Set out on your own voyage of self-discovery at one of the striking places to visit in Newcastle, the Victoria Tunnel
• Take a trip back in time to a Victorian waggonway, see how it was built, and keep an ear out for the coal-filled waggons making their way to the Tyne.
• Listen to the account of William Coulson's death with fortitude, and keep your senses on high alert as you follow the sound of the waggons down the tunnel.
• Listen for the air-raid alert, the sound of planes hovering overhead launching attacks, and the memories of those who lived through the terrible period in Newcastle's history during World War Two.
• Take a look at the rough wooden reproduction mattresses and seats, which are reminiscent of those used by terrified inhabitants during air raids.
• Stop by the crucifix commemorating WWII veterans and see if you can place any of the names on the honour list.
• Learn about the famous sights of Newcastle including the rare opportunity to go underground and see Hadrian's Roman Wall.
• Unravel the paranormal secrets of Victoria Tunnel that involved reports of ghost sightings from earlier travellers, and garnered the tunnel a great deal of notoriety.