Ok, Ok don’t panic! On February 1st 2017, my heart was beating so fast, as I log into the Newcastle City council website to book tickets for Grey’s Monument Newcastle Tour, and finally got my hands on those precious babies! Bring on August 5th 2.30pm.
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How to climb up Greys Monument in Newcastle Upon Tyne?
You see, I’ve been walking past Grey’s monument for years and never thought it was open to the public. The photographer in me is dying to climb up there and take a birds-eye view of the city!
This tour is only open during the summer for the first weekend of every month until the beginning of September. You have half an hour to climb up 164 steps and enjoy the breathtaking views from above. There is a lovely volunteer who will point out the sights and history behind the buildings.
August 5th rolled on by – after praying the Sun God for good weather, we put on our walking shoes and head on up!
I’m taking this opportunity to show you Newcastle Upon Tyne from above.
For those of you who are not familiar with Grey’s Monument in Newcastle Upon Tyne, here’s a brief history:
- The monument is dedicated to Charles Grey who is a viscount from North East of England, Alnwick to be precise. This memorial was built to honour him for the passing of the Great Reform Act of 1832. As well as being a great electoral reformer which earned him the title from some of the father of modern British democracy, his Government also saw the abolition of slavery in the British Empire.
- And if you love your Earl Grey tea, it is reputedly named after him!
Before your climb, grab a nice meal for extra energy and try one of these restaurants in Newcastle City centre.
The Greys Monument Newcastle Tour:
Find the tour guide by this tiny little entrance on the bottom of the Grey’s monument. Watch your head as you enter and proceed to climb slightly narrow winding stairs.
The tour only allows 8 people at once. Keep in mind it’s not very spacious up there but roomy enough to maneuver ourselves around one another.
Below is a view of The Botanist, it’s gorgeous inside with lights around the dome and you can see their outdoor terrace. This is taking people watching to a whole new level from above!
All of this area is the Monument area due to the fact the Grey’s monument is here. It is lined with bars, restaurants, and clothing retail chains.
You can see St James’ Football Stadium at the far end in its glory – home to Newcastle United. If you want to see the inside, check out my previous post.
See if you can spot the Millenium Bridge in the picture below!
Don’t you think the people look like Lego figures from up here ?!
Honestly, I can’t get over how pretty Newcastle city centre is and its lovely Georgian architecture! If you have never visited this beautiful city, then I highly recommend it even if its only a day trip!
It’s incredibly windy up here but no fear, the fences are pretty high as you can see!
This is Grey street on the left, voted as the Academy of Urbanism’s 2010 Great Street Award winner. It is home to Theatre Royal and a range of restaurants, bars, and independent shops.
On the right street, is home to Grainger market which was the largest of its kind in Europe when first built in the 1830s. Inside, there are stalls with fresh produce from a wide range of butchers, grocers, as well as independent restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries.
I love this picture so much, I can’t resist editing it in two ways. Let me know which one is your favourite in the comments!
If you are planning to be around in Newcastle Upon Tyne during the summer, be sure to get tickets for the Grey’s Monument Newcastle tour in February for the year as it runs between April to September.
The tour and views were worth the climb, and a bloody good workout, my thighs were in pain the day after – think the gym is needed more often!
Courtney xx
Written by Sarah Courtney [heywhatsupcourtney] – Published: 2017/08/09
What a wonderful page, your pictures are amazing and show a unique perspective of Newcastle. I will look into this when this pandemic is finally over.
I can remember going up there in 1947/8 with my late mother and, younger brother. We just paid a man at the bottom, it was one old penny for children and two old pennies for adults and I don’t remember there being a time e limit?
Wow what absolutely stunning pictures! I went up Grey’s Monument a few years ago and loved it, glad you did too!
Oh I have just seen your pics on your blog! It’s such an amazing experience wasn’t it! So tempted to do it again!
Omg!! I love it! What a fantastic experience and yay for good weather that day! Love love all the pics so glad you got to do this ❤️
yayy thanks so much, hun! I know right! Finally after so many years living in Newcastle! I’ll keep a lookout when the tickets go on sale for 2018 and organise a trip up for you! ❤️ ❤️
Wow speechless. Really wonderful post and the view is stunning (lucky girl) I love exploring your blog and i can’t wait for your next update. Keep up your fantastic work.
PS: I’m clinging towards the black & white pic but all of them look great, very nice editing
Thank you so much for your lovely compliment! I’m pleased you like it! Yes, the black & white was one of my favourite too!