Paranormal Investigations
at Newcastle Castle
What will you uncover?
With almost 2,000 years of history, the site of Newcastle Castle is a major hub of paranormal activity. Staff and visitors alike have given numerous reports of strange occurrences, from eerie whistles and phantom footsteps to cold spots and peculiar shadows. Some have even seen the Castle’s chaplain pacing the length of the Chapel….
It is such reports that have brought Paranormal Investigation teams from across the UK to this very site, and they have not been disappointed. Newcastle Castle even featured on Most Haunted in 2005, where it was said to be one of the oldest sites the team had visited.
Are you prepared to investigate the dark rooms and winding passageways of Newcastle Castle, and unearth what still lingers from centuries past?
Life and Death
The site of Newcastle Castle has been the home, workplace and final resting place to thousands of people over the centuries, ever since it first came into use as a Roman fort. During the early middle ages it was the site of a churchyard (graves can still be seen under a railway arch), and in 1080 a wooden castle was constructed before being rebuilt in stone.
Once the seat of the sheriff of Northumberland, the Castle has been graced by soldiers, lords and ladies, and even kings and queens. In modern times, parts of the site have been used a prison, an air raid shelter and even a beer cellar for a local pub.
The Gaol of the Castle Keep has a particularly dark history due to the terrible conditions in which prisoners were kept. In 1787, prison reformer John Howard wrote that prisoners were “confined together seven or eight nights, in a dirty damp dungeon […] which, having no roof, in wet season the water is some inches deep”. This fostered the Gaol’s reputation for being the worst prison in England.
Hanged, Drawn and Quartered
One particularly gruesome incident at Newcastle Castle was the execution of Sir William Lisle. William was a local noble who was imprisoned in the Castle for getting on the wrong side of Cardinal Wolsey. After a daring escape, he turned to outlawry alongside a group of bandits and his son Humphrey.
Once he was recaptured in 1528, he was accused of ‘March Treason’ and sentenced to death. His punishment was to be hanged until almost dead, disembowelled, and then cut into pieces. His remains were displayed on the top of the Castle Keep as a grim warning to others.
Could William be responsible for the strange occurrences today?
Your Investigation
When you conduct an investigation at Newcastle Castle, the whole of the Castle Keep will be yours to explore, including the Chapel, Gaol, Great Hall, prison cells and private chambers.
You will have access to the building from 19:00 until a time of your choosing. The Lower Hall by the reception is your break room, in which we can provide seating and hot water if requested when booking.
Our toilets are situated in the Black Gate building, and staff will be on hand to assist you through the night and to let you into the Black Gate.
Up to 80 people can attend an investigation, divided into smaller groups of 20 maximum. Each group should have a member of the investigation team to lead them.
What people are saying…
“Newcastle Castle certainly didn't disappoint, and the investigation was fantastic. We caught some amazing evidence that night, including spirit photos, spirit voices on our equipment and most of the group had their own personal experiences. You can’t help but be in awe of the amazing building, which is obviously steeped in history, but the spirits connected to it have so many stories to tell. We will definitely be returning as there is still so much to discover.”
Elaine, Spectre Detectors
“After checking all the rooms were empty a work colleague and myself went to switch all the lights off, but we were distracted by the sound of footsteps, loud ones too, like a heeled boot. We went to investigate, all the doors had been locked by then and to our knowledge, there wasn't a soul around or was there? After checking again, there was nothing, we went to switch the lights off again, the same footsteps, very clearly, the same kind of noisy footsteps as before....”
George, Castle Team
Are you prepared to investigate Newcastle Castle?
If you can reveal the paranormal presence at Newcastle Castle, you now have the opportunity to hire the Castle Keep exclusively for your investigation.
Have you visited before?
If not, you can book a free viewing by clicking ‘Book A Viewing’ below. This gives you the opportunity to get a feel for the building, as well as understand its layout, safety and accessibility.
Ready to book?
Simply click ‘Book An Investigation’ below, provide details of your preferred dates and timings and we’ll sort out the rest. All bookings require a £100 or 10% deposit (whichever is higher) on booking, with the full balance due 8 weeks before the event.
PRICING (2024)
19:00-23:00 - £495
19:00-00:00 - £595
19:00-01:00 - £695
19:00-02:00 - £795
19:00-03:00 - £895
19:00-04:00 - £995
19:00-05:00 - £1,095
19:00-06:00 - £1,195
CONDUCTING AN INVESTIGATION
To conduct a paranormal investigation at Newcastle Castle, we’ll need the following documentation at least four weeks prior to your event:
1. A copy of your Public Liability Insurance (minimum £5 million)
2. A risk assessment for the event
A copy of our Hazard ID will be provided upon booking which will aid you in your risk assessment.
Photo credit: Graeme Peacock, Tom Ritson, Newcastle Libraries