Our Location

St John the Baptist Church

Location: Corner of Grainger Street and Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne (NE1 5JG)

Nestled amidst the bustling commercial centre of modern Newcastle, St John the Baptist Church offers a serene step back in time. As a Grade I listed building and one of the oldest surviving churches in the city, its time-worn square tower and charming churchyard provide a rare green oasis in the heart of the city.

A Short History

St John the Baptist Church dates back to the Norman period, with the original building constructed around 1130—reportedly using stones from nearby Hadrian’s Wall. The church evolved significantly over the centuries, gaining its distinctive square tower in the 1200s. It took on much of its current appearance in the 15th century thanks to wealthy local benefactor Robert Rhodes, who funded the raised nave walls and the magnificent vaulted ceiling under the tower.

Key Historical Features to Spot:

  • The Norman Window: The only surviving piece of the original 12th-century church, located in the chancel.

  • The Anchorite’s Squint: A small cross-shaped opening that once allowed a resident hermit to view the altar from an attached cell.

  • Medieval Stained Glass: Features stunning 14th-century fragments, including the earliest known representation of the Newcastle City coat of arms.

  • The "Mousey" Pews: Installed in 1937 by famous furniture maker Robert "Mouseman" Thompson—look closely to spot his signature carved wooden mice!

Getting There: Transport Options

Because of its prime city-centre location, getting to St John the Baptist Church by public transport is incredibly easy.

  • By Train: The church is only a 3 to 5-minute walk from Newcastle Central Station, making it highly accessible for national and regional visitors. Simply exit the station, head up Grainger Street, and the church will be on your right.

  • By Tyne and Wear Metro: Exit at Central Station Metro. From the exit, it is just a short walk up the street. Alternatively, Monument Metro Station is roughly a 6-minute walk down Grainger Street.

  • By Bus: The church is surrounded by major city-centre bus routes. Stops on Westgate Road, Grainger Street, and Neville Street (outside Central Station) are serviced frequently by Go North East, Stagecoach, and Arriva buses.

Parking Options & Approximate Costs

Special Permit for Church Members

If you are a regular member of the church, you can apply for a Sunday Services Parking Permit through the Newcastle Civic Centre. This permit is subject to a quarterly fee and makes parking for Sunday worship much easier. Please speak to our church secretary to find out exactly how to register for yours.

General Public Parking

If you are visiting Sunday services and you do not have a permit or for any other services during the week, there are several convenient options within a short walking distance. (Note: Prices are approximate and subject to change; please check local signage or parking apps upon arrival).

  • Newcastle Central Station (Long Stay): Located just a 5-minute walk away.

    • Cost: A flat rate of roughly £8.00 on Saturday and £8.00 on Sunday.

  • NCP Newcastle St John Street & Fenkle Street: Both of these are exceptionally close to the church. St John Street offers a very small surface lot, while Fenkle Street is just around the corner. Both are cashless.

    • Approximate Cost: Starts around £3.00 for 1 hour, going up to £13.00–£18.00 for 24 hours. (Tip: Downloading and paying via the NCP app usually gets you a slightly cheaper rate).

  • Times Square Car Park (Centre for Life): Located about a 5-to-8-minute walk away, this large multi-storey car park is secure and heavily covered by CCTV.

    • Approximate Cost: Around £1.70 for 1 hour, scaling up to £15.00 for 24 hours.

  • Grainger Town Multi-Storey: Located on Waterloo Street, this is another large, secure parking facility just a short walk from the church.

    • Approximate Cost: Roughly £1.70 per hour or an £11.00 fixed daytime charge.

  • On-Street Parking: There are limited pay-and-display parking bays directly on St John Street and surrounding streets. These are highly sought after during the day but become much easier to secure (and are sometimes free) after 6:30 PM.