City Guides join with museums to spread stories far and wide
New asset for North East Museums
Newcastle City Guides, those friendly folk who know the story behind every city landmark, nook and cranny, have joined North East Museums in what looks a marriage of like minds.
North East Museums cares for more than a million objects and its mission is “to welcome and connect people to the past, present and future of the North East through stories, shared spaces and experiences”.
Newcastle City Guides was established as an organisation in 1962 and its members are volunteers who love the city and its rich history.
They offer walking tours of Newcastle – and also Gateshead – bringing to life the people and stories behind familiar landmarks and other interesting features that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Not limited to the big urban centres, they also venture further afield with guided tours of neighbourhoods including Jesmond, Gosforth and Tynemouth. They can even take you to the top of Grey’s Monument.
Previously the guides were supported by NewcastleGateshead Initiative.
In joining North East Museums they become part of the organisation which manages 12 regional museums and art galleries plus the archives service for Tyne & Wear.
Maria Hill, chair of Newcastle City Guides, said: “Working alongside North East Museums is an exciting opportunity, enabling guides to draw on their amazing collections.
“For 60 years we have shared the successes of North East innovation and the determination of those who lived and worked in the area to shape the future we inhabit now.
“As well as these, we like to share stories of the less well-known people who make the North East a vibrant part of the country.
“We love a good story too.
“Our guides look forward to welcoming visitors, both local and international.
“We have customers from all corners of the globe, particularly on our highlights tours which start from the Central Arcade entrance on Grey Street.”
Keith Merrin, director of North East Museums, said coming together with Newcastle City Guides was great news.
“There are some unique opportunities in working together, including the chance to use our museum buildings and exhibitions in tours led by the guides.
“The City Guides are hugely knowledgeable about the history of North East England and they have a large online audience.
“Bringing our collective expertise together will lead to new discoveries and new stories to tell about our great region.”
The 2026 City Guides main season runs from May 1 to October 31, with walking tours offered daily (except on Great North Run Sunday – September 13).
Season tickets offer access to the daily city highlights walks and over 50 additional heritage walks throughout the year.
Grey’s Monument tours take place on the first and third Saturday of the month from April to September. Newcastle City Guides also offers private walking tours for groups on request.
Newcastle City Guides 2026 season tickets are on sale now. To book, please visit the Newcastle City Guides website.