O2 City Hall Newcastle
WHERE
Newcastle upon Tyne
What it’s like
A grand old Newcastle venue hosting circus and live shows, though seat access up top means a fair few steps.
This isn't a soft play or a farm park, it's a proper old theatre building putting on circus and street performance style shows, so what your kids get out of it depends entirely on what's booked in when you go. Some events have age restrictions, and the site is upfront that under 8s aren't let into certain shows, so you'll want to check what a specific show allows before you get tickets rather than assume it's open to all.
The building dates from the early 1900s and it shows in the access. There's step-free entry on College Street and a hearing loop in, but there's no lift to the balcony, meaning it's 39 steps up if your seats are at the top. If you've got a buggy or a wheelchair user in tow, the ground level stalls are the easier bet, and the venue asks you to give them advance notice to book a wheelchair space or one of the six accessible viewing positions.
There's no car park attached to the venue itself, which is a bit of a faff if you're driving in. Pay and display nearby is free in the evenings, there's an NCP you can pre-book, and five blue badge spaces are held in College Street Car Park. If you're coming by train or bus it's easier, Central Station is half a mile off and Haymarket bus station is a short walk.
You can book on the day if there are tickets left, either online or turning up at the box office in person, though obviously for a popular show that's a gamble. Watch out for touted tickets too, the venue won't guarantee they'll let you in on one.
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- No on-site parking. Pay and display spots locally free evening
- Wheelchairs
- Accessible viewing area accommodates 6 positions including 3 wheelchairs in standing format
- Getting there by bus or train
- Central station 0.5 miles away
- Some shows restrict under 8s, so check the specific event before booking
- No lift to the balcony, 39 steps if you're seated up top
- There's a per-ticket restoration levy added to help maintain the building
- No on-site parking, nearest options are College Street Car Park or a pre-bookable NCP
Plan your visit
Is it suitable for young children?
It depends on the show. Age restrictions vary and some events don't allow under 8s, so it's one to check for the specific date.
Do we need to book ahead?
Not strictly. You can turn up on the day and buy in person if tickets are still available, or book online in advance.
Is there parking?
No car park at the venue itself. There's pay and display nearby that's free in the evenings, an NCP you can pre-book, and five blue badge spaces in College Street Car Park.
Is the venue accessible with a buggy or wheelchair?
Entry on College Street is step-free and there's an accessible viewing area with wheelchair positions. There's no lift to the balcony though, so upper seats mean 39 steps.
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