A HISTORIC tunnel that runs under a North-East city, once used for transporting coal and as an air shelter during the war, is set to reopen when Covid restrictions allow it.

The Victoria Tunnel is a preserved 19th-century waggonway under Newcastle, stretching 2.25 miles from the Town Moor to the Tyne.

Work began on the passageway in 1839 and it was opened in 1842 as a way to coal from Leazes Main Colliery in Spital Tongues to riverside staithes where to would be loaded onto boats for export.

Operating until the 1860s, the tunnel was converted in 1939 into an air-raid shelter during World War 2 - protecting the lives of thousands of the city's residents.

The grade II-listed structure remained unused until then, when new entrances were built and bunk beds, electric lights and chemical toilets installed, as well as blast walls for extra safety.

Today, Victoria Tunnel takes the top spot on Trip Advisor for things to do in Newcastle.

While history fans have been able to visit Victoria Tunnel through a Virtual Victoria Tunnel Experience from home during lockdown, the Ouseburn tunnel will also reopen on May 17 for in-person tours. 

The tunnel, which was left in darkness after the war and then became a sewer running, was reopened to the public in 2008.

It was repaired and opened for guided tours by Newcastle City Council with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and TyneWear Partnership.

Since 2010, the Ouseburn Trust has operated the tours, during which you will find out what Newcastle landmarks you are walking beneath, including the unique chance to walk underneath Hadrian's Wall.

May 17, when the tunnel is set to reopen, is the date earmarked as the reopening of indoor hospitality as part of the Government's road map out of lockdown.

This depends on the vaccination rollout, pressure on the NHS and concern over new variants of the coronavirus. 

History of Victoria Tunnel at a glance

  • 1838 Porter and Latimer, the owners of the Leazes Main Colliery granted permission to build the tunnel. Work begins the following year.
  • 1842 Construction finishes and tunnel is opened with a cannon salute and party for workers.
  • 1860 The pit closes, equipment is sold.
  • 1878 River end of Victoria Tunnel is demolished when Glass House Bridge built.
  • 1928 Gateshead entrepreneur, Thomas Moore establishes the Victoria Tunnel Mushroom Company and tries to farm mushrooms in tunnel. Business closes following year.
  • 1939 War breaks out and the tunnel is outfitted as an air raid shelter.
  • 1945 The war ends and all entrances but one are sealed.
  • 1976 Part of tunnel converted into sewer running from Ellison Place to Queen Victoria Road.
  • 2006 Newcastle City Council secures Heritage Lottery and Single Programme funding to restore the Tunnel and open it to the public.
  • 2010 The Ouseburn Trust took over operating guided tours and now takes 15,000 people on tours every year.

Booking is essential and can be done here.