THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step inside the Black Gate for an hour of dragons, witches and Border Reiver tales with Icy Sedgwick. Perfect for history lovers, storytellers and evening explorers of Newcastle.
Step inside the Black Gate for an hour of dragons, witches and Border Reiver tales with Icy Sedgwick. Perfect for history lovers, storytellers and evening explorers of Newcastle.
Book with Newcastle Castle
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Newcastle Castle · Newcastle upon Tyne, England
The Black Gate at Castle Garth in Newcastle upon Tyne is the meeting point for an evening that feels both scholarly and oddly supernatural. On 19 June 2026, Icy Sedgwick’s talk 'From St Cuthbert to the Wizard of the North: The Magical Legends of the North East' gathers listeners in the Harbottle Suite to trace dragons, wizards, vampires, saints, witches and Border Reivers through the region’s streets and moors. Doors open at 17:45 and the hour-long presentation begins at 18:00, with time for a lively Q&A and a chance to browse the gift shop or pick up a hot drink beforehand. This is a talk rooted in place: the Harbottle Suite sits within medieval stonework, part of the Black Gate and the old Castle Garth, and the stories told here sit on top of a landscape of river bends, coastal cliffs and heathered hills that shaped them. Expect references to Queen Mab and occasional mentions of King Arthur, alongside prophetic visions and shapeshifting tales that reflect how people in the North East have explained storms, raids and strange lights across the Tyne for centuries. The event mixes folklore scholarship with the voice of a practiced storyteller—Sedgwick hosts the Fabulous Folklore podcast and brings a former ghost-hunter’s relish for the uncanny. Practical details are tidy. The Harbottle Suite is on Floor 2 and is accessible by lift; check in at Black Gate reception on Floor 1 when doors open. The format is a focused hour, suitable for an early evening slot before dinner or as part of a weekend exploring Newcastle’s castle, quayside and nearby Northumberland countryside. The talk is ideal for anyone who likes local history, urban walks, or wants narrative hooks for exploring fortified gates, riverside paths and ruined tower houses across the region. What makes this a local standout is the blend of academic curiosity and theatrical delivery staged inside one of Newcastle’s most muscular medieval structures. It’s not just a classroom lecture: the setting amplifies the eerie and the epic, and the host’s podcasting background means the pace is contemporary and accessible. For visitors, the talk is a compact cultural lens into the stories that have traveled from village hearths to modern pubs and guided walks. Bring curiosity, a notebook or voice recorder for favorite lines, and arrive early to see the gift shop and the Black Gate’s stonework. Whether you’re mapping out an itinerary of castles and coast, or simply want an entertaining evening in a historic building, this talk is a lively portal into the North East’s magical past. Tickets often fill quickly during Carnival at the Castle; book early and pair the talk with a riverside walk at sunset and finish with a pint.
easy.
1 hour.
Minimal physical exertion; suitable for most visitors including those with limited mobility
The event runs for one hour, starting at 18:00 with doors opening at 17:45; there is time for a Q&A at the end.
Yes. The Harbottle Suite is on Floor 2 and is accessible by lift; check in at Black Gate reception on Floor 1.
Check in at the Black Gate reception on Floor 1 when doors open at 17:45 before heading up to Floor 2.
Recording policies are not specified; bring a small recorder for personal notes but check with the host at arrival if you plan to record audio.
No minimum age is listed, but the content and format suit adults and older teenagers interested in folklore and local history.
Yes—hot drinks will be available to purchase and the gift shop will be open before the talk.
The Black Gate forms part of the Newcastle Castle complex and sits at the heart of the city’s medieval defensive fabric, anchoring many local legends.
Support heritage by using public transport to the city centre, staying on marked paths around historic stonework, and avoiding touching fragile masonry.
Newcastle Castle is a historic Norman fortress in Newcastle upon Tyne that interprets the city’s medieval past through guided tours, special events and educational programmes. The site centres on a preserved Castle Keep and the adjacent Black Gate, offering visitors direct access to the architecture and stories that shaped the town. Newcastle Castle runs a programme of seasonal events, including theatrical performances, film screenings, themed talks and living history days, alongside regular Medieval Newcastle Tours and bookable school visits tailored to key stages. Visitors can purchase an Annual Pass Admission for unlimited visits across a year, or book single events such as mystery talks, horror screenings, family-friendly festivals and commemorative lectures. The venue hosts a range of ticketed experiences listed in advance, including author talks, Dungeons & Dragons–themed shows, historical lectures, horror screenings and community-focused activities during school holidays. Specialists and recognised guest speakers lead many talks and performances, while living history groups and performance companies contribute to reenactments and tournament days. For schools and groups, Newcastle Castle provides structured workshops, hands-on activities and guided tours that align with curriculum topics and local history learning outcomes. The site combines architectural interest with curated interpretation and a varied public events programme that appeals to families, students and history enthusiasts.
Book with Newcastle Castle