Great Savings Guide
Members receive great savings at over 900 attractions through the UK and Ireland
Start enjoying great savingsMembers receive discounts at hundreds of attractions thanks to the Great Savings Guide. Here is a trio to visit in north-east England.
Newcastle Castle, Tyne & Wear – 10% off
Of all the words I could have learned while visiting Newcastle upon Tyne, ‘bathmophobia’ wasn’t on my bingo card. It means a fear of stairs, and I discovered this while visiting Newcastle Castle, a Grade I listed monument that offers an engaging, interactive experience for all ages.
With around 260 steps (best guess, but it felt like more), winding through and around 18 chambers and across two separate towers, it offers the perfect excursion opportunity for history buffs and urban explorers.
Originally founded in 1080 as a wooden tower on the site of a Roman fort, the ‘new’ castle was later rebuilt in stone in the Norman style, to counter rebels and marauders from across the border.
Its keep has housed royalty and been used as a garrison, high-status home, court, prison, and even brewery cellars. As the town’s defensive walls expanded, the castle buildings fell into disuse and the area surrounding them became slums. At the dawn of industrialisation, what was left of the castle was cleaved apart by a railway line, which still divides it today.
The modern-day visitor attraction comprises both the keep and the Black Gate. Once the castle’s barbican, the latter now acts as its reception, ticket office and educational centre.
The top floor houses an interesting exhibition on the area’s history and includes a bank of vintage cabinets and drawers that invite you to be nosy and inspect the artefacts within.
Passing under the railway bridge, the main attraction is the keep itself. From its basement dungeons and Royal Chapel (apparently one of the best examples of Norman stone carving in England) to its crenellated open rooftop, which gives panoramic views across the city, this is an extraordinary place to visit.
Step back in time
Fight over who gets the throne and who is a serf in the imposing Great Hall; play dress-up in the garderobe; put loved ones in the stocks; compare the King’s Chamber with the prison cell occupied by Robert The Bruce’s younger sister, Mary; wonder at the kitchen well that’s two floors up; and look for masons’ marks (proof of work to guarantee payment) and scratched graffiti left by occupants throughout history. There’s even a mystery staircase...
I liked that there wasn’t an overload of information or directions, apart from the very useful museum in the Lower Hall, as exploring was half the fun. An audio guide is on the way for those who prefer a more structured tour. At the end of my visit, when I discovered that the museum didn’t know for sure how many steps there were, I regretted not counting them myself. Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be a specific word for a ‘stair enthusiast’, so we’ll just have to invent one. Suggestions?
Stay at: Durham Grange, Old Hartley Club campsites
Chillingham Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland – 10% discount
Image by James McCauley
This 12th-century stronghold, which became fully fortified in 1344, also has gardens, lakes, fountains and tea rooms - great for a family day out. Reputed to be one of the most haunted castles in Britain, the evening Ghost Tours and Ghost Hunts are sure to entertain.
Info: chillingham-castle.com. Club members enjoy a 10% discount on standard entry.
Stay: Berwick Seaview, River Breamish Club campsites
The Bowes Museum, County Durham – 10% discount
This grand museum in the town of Barnard Castle features world-class art, fashion and textiles, silver, ceramics, sculpture and furniture. As well as an acclaimed exhibition programme and family fun days, there is a cafe, gift shop and 22 acres of parkland to explore. Motorhome parking available.
Info: thebowesmuseum.org.uk. Club members enjoy a 10% discount on entry.
Stay: Teesdale Barnard Castle Club Campsite
