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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.

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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.

Kids & Families

Ouseburn Sights

Ouseburn's 'Back to the Future' Guided Walk

Discover the history of the Ouseburn Valley

Quayside to Ouseburn In-a-Day

A pleasant walk along the Tyne to Ouseburn

Text © Paul Shawcross

Image by © Ouseburn Trust