THE INSIDE OF NEWCASTLE UNITED ST JAMES PARK STADIUM

I hope this can be between the both of us and I’ll be honest, I never thought I’d find myself wandering through the halls of St James Park stadium, home to Newcastle United. But thanks to a work recruitment drive (and a very adventurous manager), I ended up having a mini behind-the-scenes stadium tour — and yes, even sat in the dugout!

In this guide, I’ll share my story and everything you need to know if you’re planning your own visit to St James Park stadium. Whether you’re a football fan or just exploring Newcastle Upon Tyne, here’s how to make the most of your time at this iconic stadium.

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Quick Guide: Where to Stay Near St James Park stadium

If you’re heading to Newcastle Upon Tyne for a St James Park stadium tour or match day, staying nearby makes everything easier.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Maldron Hotel Newcastle :5 minutes from the stadium, great value, modern rooms. Check rates here
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️Sandman Signature Newcastle :Literally across the street from St James Park. Ideal for football fans. See availability
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hotel du Vin Newcastle : Stylish stay by the Quayside, a short walk or quick taxi ride to the stadium. Book here

My Unexpected Mini St James Stadium Tour

So here’s what happened…

During a corporate event at St James Park, my manager and I somehow ended up exploring the stadium corridors, ok to be fair we were in search of the locker rooms. We passed by:

• The Chairman’s Suite – plush, private, and full of history.
• The Sir Bobby Robson Suite – a touching tribute to a Newcastle legend.
• Maze-like hallways that felt both exciting and a little eerie in the dark.

We were trying (unsuccessfully) to find the locker rooms, even asked a couple of employees when we stumbled upon an open box that led directly down to the pitch seats. And the door leading to the pitch seats were…you guessed it! Unlocked!

so we did what any normal person would do, leave the box and climbed down to the pitch.

(To be honest, as you know we were trying to find the locker room but we couldn’t find it and according to the security guard, even if we did find it – it was locked anyway *bummer*.)

Walking on the Newcastle United football Pitch & Sitting in the Dugout

I couldn’t believe it when we ended up pitch-side. For a few minutes, I sat exactly where managers and players sit during a match — though embarrassingly, I first sat on the away team’s dugout before the lovely lady who was working on the seats next to us politely corrected us!

I thought that gave us confirmation that we were permitted to be there *relieved*. I guess confidence and pretending that you belong goes a long way.

There were even a couple of players practicing football on the pitch, which made the whole experience even more surreal.

Here’s the thing, I never knew that we were not allowed to go and walked on the grass? There were no signs or anything, I am not sure what the reason is either because if you think about it, there were a couple of lads playing/ practicing football at the time! I mean, isn’t the pitch meant to be walked or run on anyway? *go figure* But please do educate me – always learning and I’m not the most knowledgeable about football but I do try.

Things to Do on a St James Park Tour

An official tour is way more polished than my sneaky experience — and well worth it. Here’s what you can expect:

• Visit the dressing rooms where Newcastle United players prepare before matches.
• Walk through the players’ tunnel.
• Visit the Media Suite
• Take in panoramic views from the highest seats in the stadium

👉 Book your official tour here: Newcastle United Stadium Tour Tickets

More Things to Do Around St James Park

If you’re visiting Newcastle Upon Tyne, combine your stadium tour with some local highlights and some places to eat here:

• Grainger Market – Historic food market with plenty of Northern classics.
• Newcastle Castle – The fortress that gave the city its name.
• Quayside – Perfect for bars, restaurants, and those iconic Tyne Bridge views.
• The Biscuit Factory – An independent art gallery worth checking out.

Tips for Visiting St James Park

• Book ahead: Tours sell out, especially on weekends and match days.
• Check match schedules: The stadium can get very busy on game days.
• Wear comfy shoes: Lots of stairs, especially if you climb to the top.
• and VISIT the Strawberry Pub next door, its a must!

Final Thoughts

St James Park isn’t just a football ground, it’s a part of Newcastle Upon Tyne and Geordie culture and identity. Whether you’re here as a lifelong Newcastle fan, a curious football lover, or just someone who enjoys exploring unique landmarks, the stadium tour is a must.

For me, this was a lucky accident as you might call it. But for you, it can be an unforgettable experience you’ll talk about for years.

So that’s my random story of exploring St James Park on a weekday, also please don’t sue us, we are quite harmless really!

Courtney x