The Victoria Tunnel
From underground wagon way to air raid shelter
Located right in the centre of Ouseburn, the Tunnel opened in 1842 to transport coal from the Leazes Colliery (near to where St James' Park can be found) to the Quayside for transportation.
Unfortunately, the colliery closed in 1860 so the Tunnel became disused and was sealed off. It was used briefly in 1928 for a mushroom growing enterprise which quickly failed but the facility came in very useful during WW2 as an air raid shelter.
One third of the Tunnel (700 m/766 yds) has been reopened recently for tours and about 10,000 visitors per year come to experience this unusual attraction.
Victoria Tunnel Tour Meeting Point,
55 Lime Street, Ouseburn Valley,
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2PQ
Victoria Tunnels
Ticket price
Please Note: Tours of the Tunnel must be pre-booked. Not suitable for children 7 and under. Children between 8 - 15 are welcome.