Heritage Open Days 2026 offers several opportunities to explore Newcastle’s history through its burial grounds, churchyards, graveyards, and cemeteries. The events take place on different days, so visitors can enjoy all four.
Newcastle Cathedral Churchyard
Churchyard Mysteries: All-Ages Guided Tour
Saturday 12 September, at 11.00 am, 12.00 noon, and 1.00 pm
These lively 25 to 30-minute tours explore some of the stories and mysteries connected with the Cathedral churchyard, including the Vampire Rabbit and the possibility that a pirate lies buried within the grounds.
Pre-booking is preferred but not compulsory. Places are limited to 15 people per tour.
Image: St Nicholas’Churchyard, early 19th century. Courtesy of Newcastle University Special Collections & Archives.
St James’ Graveyard, Benwell
Stories from the graveyard: working lives, talk and tour
Wednesday 16 September, 1.00–3.00 pm
A short talk and film at West End Library are followed by a guided visit to St James’ Graveyard. The event explores the working lives of pitmen, engineers, farmers, shopkeepers, nurses, and other people from West Newcastle.
Pre-booking is required. Places are limited to eight people.
Image: St James’ Church and part of the Graveyard, Newcastle Libraties.
Jesmond Old Cemetery
Exploring Some of the Everyday Stories within Jesmond Old Cemetery
Thursday 17 September and Sunday 20 September, 11.00 am–1.00 pm
The Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery will lead a guided walk sharing newly researched stories about the people buried within this historic garden cemetery, its monuments, and its changing character.
Pre-booking is required. Booking closes on 7 September.
Ballast Hills Burial Ground, Ouseburn
Saturday 19 September
Ballast Hills will host a full day of free activities, including archive displays and family-history activities at Brinkburn Brewery, self-guided exploration and onsite guides at the burial ground, music and poetry, and evening storytelling along the gravestone path. Come along for one event or enjoy the full programme.
Most activities are drop-in, but places on the Brinkburn Brewery tours must be booked in advance.
Each burial place offers a different perspective on Newcastle’s past. Visitors can explore churchyard mysteries, working lives, cemetery stories, and the overlooked histories of Ballast Hills across four separate days.
Why choose only one? Heritage Open Days make it possible to enjoy them all.
