The real New Castle in Newcastle
The New Castle that gave the city of Newcastle upon Tyne its name was built around 1080. That structure has vanished into the mists of time but parts of the castle that succeeded it are still there and are open to visitors.
The square stone Castle Keep was built in the latter half of the twelfth century. The thirteenth century Black Gate had all the appurtenences we associate with castle gates: a drawbridge, a portcullis and towers on either side from which defenders could harass unwanted visitors. In later years the castle fell on hard times, reaching its nadir in the nineteenth century when the gate was used as a slum tenement and the construction of railway viaduct obliterated most of the castle.
The remnant of the castle has been restored and is open to visitors. Its history, the view from the battlements and the ghost stories told about it make it a worthwhile destination for Newcastle visitors. If you would like to stay the night, there are a number of convenient hotels in Newcastle to stay at.