Edwardian Central Arcade, Newcastle upon Tyne

Historic Site in Newcastle upon Tyne

Shops in Central Arcade Newcastle upon Tyne

CC BY-SA 2.0 / James Cridland

Right in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, Central Arcade is one of the best places to visit in Newcastle upon Tyne if you love period architecture and tucked-away historic corners. Built in 1906 as a Grade II listed Edwardian arcade, it dazzles with a glass barrel-vaulted roof, golden light and richly patterned tiles that make even a simple stroll feel special. The arcade sits inside a triangular building that began life as the Central Exchange, giving it a sense of depth and history that reaches back long before the Edwardian shopfronts arrived.

Originally designed by Oswald and Son and built by Richard Grainger between 1836 and 1838, the Central Exchange was first a commercial centre, then a subscription newsroom where people came to read newspapers, and later an art gallery. The transformation of part of it into Central Arcade stitched a new chapter onto this story, turning it into a refined passage linking key Grainger Town streets. Today, it is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Newcastle upon Tyne, connecting Grey Street, Grainger Street and nearby theatres, markets and shops in a single elegant sweep.

History and Significance of the Central Arcade
Things to See and Do in the Central Arcade
How to Get to the Central Arcade
Practical Tips on Visiting the Central Arcade
Where to Stay close to the Central Arcade
Is the Central Arcade Worth Visiting
FAQs for Visiting Central Arcade
Nearby Attractions to the Central Arcade

History and Significance of the Central Arcade

The Central Arcade stands within the shell of the Central Exchange, a triangular building created as part of Richard Grainger’s ambitious 19th-century redevelopment of Newcastle’s city centre. Constructed between 1836 and 1838 to designs by Oswald and Son, the Central Exchange was conceived as a commercial hub, reflecting the optimism of a city rising on trade, shipping and industry. As fashions and needs changed, it shifted roles, serving as a subscription newsroom where people could read newspapers and keep up with national and international events, and later as an art gallery.

In 1906, part of this complex was reimagined as the Edwardian shopping arcade you see today. The designers introduced a glass barrel-vaulted roof, curving balconies and walls lined with ornate tiles, creating a covered thoroughfare that combined practical shelter with theatrical flair. The arcade’s richly decorated surfaces were intended to convey quality and sophistication, making everyday shopping feel like an occasion and underlining Grainger Town’s status as a modern, stylish district.

Central Arcade’s Grade II listing recognises it as a rare and well-preserved example of its type. It also forms an important link in Newcastle’s wider architectural story, tying together Grainger’s 19th-century masterplan with early 20th-century tastes. Walking through the arcade today, you are not just cutting through from one street to another; you are moving through layers of civic ambition, changing commercial habits and evolving ideas about what city-centre spaces should feel like.

Things to See and Do in the Central Arcade

The main draw of Central Arcade is simply being inside it. As you step from the street into the arcade, the noise of traffic drops and the sound of footsteps on tiles takes over. Look up to appreciate the glass barrel-vaulted roof arching high above, filtering daylight down onto richly coloured walls and patterned floors. The interplay of reflected light and glazed tilework makes the space particularly photogenic, especially in the softer light of morning or late afternoon.

Take your time to walk the length of the arcade, pausing to study the tile details, decorative flourishes and the way the upper balconies frame the space. The arcade may be compact, but the craftsmanship invites slow looking: cornices, pilasters and handrails all contribute to the overall impression of Edwardian elegance. It is the sort of place where you might pop in just to escape a shower, only to find yourself lingering for far longer than planned.

Along the way you will find a selection of shops and businesses, often leaning towards independent and specialist traders rather than big chains. Browsing here has a different feel to a standard high street, and the covered nature of the arcade makes it pleasant in all weathers. Step out one end and you are close to Grey Street and the Theatre Royal; step out the other and Grainger Street, Grainger Market and the rest of Grainger Town await. This spot is one of the best places to see in Central Arcade if you are looking for a quick dose of heritage charm in the middle of a shopping or sightseeing day.

How to Get to the Central Arcade

If you are travelling from further afield, Newcastle International Airport is your main gateway, with regular domestic and European flights and a direct Metro line into the city centre in around 25 minutes. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Newcastle upon Tyne on Booking.com. From the airport, take the Metro to Monument station; Central Arcade sits right beside the station exits, between Grey Street and Grainger Street.

By train, you will arrive at Newcastle Central Station, which is well served by East Coast Main Line and regional services.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. From the station it is about a 10-15 minute walk uphill via Grainger Street towards Grey's Monument; Central Arcade is on your right as you approach the monument, with entrances from both Grainger Street and Grey Street.

If you choose to drive, follow signs into Newcastle city centre and then towards Grainger Town, Grey Street or Eldon Square. Several multi-storey and surface car parks lie within walking distance; once parked, you can easily reach Central Arcade on foot and explore the surrounding streets without needing to move your car again.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Central Arcade

Suggested tips: Walk through the arcade at least twice, once simply to enjoy the space and again to focus on details like tiles, railings and the curve of the roof.
Best time to visit: Early mornings and later afternoons are usually quieter and better for photography, while midday visits give you more of the everyday buzz of shoppers and commuters.
Entrance fee: Free entry; Central Arcade is a public thoroughfare and you only pay for anything you buy in the shops.
Opening hours: Generally aligned with daytime shopping hours; entrances are open when surrounding streets and shops are active.
How long to spend: You can pass through in a few minutes, but allow 15-30 minutes if you want to take photos, browse shops and appreciate the architecture properly.
Accessibility: Entrances from surrounding streets are at pavement level, and the main arcade floor is flat, though it can get busy and echoing at peak times; upper balconies are typically not accessible to casual visitors.
Facilities: There are no dedicated toilets or cafés inside the arcade itself, but you will find plenty of facilities in nearby shops, cafés, bars and shopping centres.
Photography tip: Stand at one end and shoot along the full length of the arcade to capture the perspective of the tiled floor and the sweep of the roof; try different heights and angles to reduce reflections in the glass and tiles.
Guided tours: Some city walking tours include Central Arcade as a stop when exploring Grainger Town and Grey Street; joining one can give extra context about Richard Grainger’s redevelopment and the building’s earlier lives as the Central Exchange and newsroom.
Nearby food options: You are moments away from numerous cafés, pubs and restaurants around Grey Street, Grainger Street and the surrounding lanes, so it is easy to pair a visit with coffee, lunch or a pre-theatre drink.

Where to Stay close to the Central Arcade

Staying near Central Arcade places you right in the heart of Grainger Town, with Grey Street, Grey's Monument and the Theatre Royal all on your doorstep. A stylish choice just along the curve of Grey Street is Grey Street Hotel, which offers boutique rooms in one of the city’s most elegant terraces. For a modern, good-value base a short stroll away, Motel One Newcastle sits just off High Bridge, giving quick access to Central Arcade, Grainger Street and the city’s nightlife. If you prefer easy connections to rail services while staying close to the arcade and main sights, Hampton by Hilton Newcastle opposite Central Station keeps both the station and Grainger Town within comfortable walking distance.

Is the Central Arcade Worth Visiting

If you are interested in Newcastle’s architectural heritage or simply like the feel of historic shopping arcades, Central Arcade is definitely worth a detour. It offers a concentrated burst of Edwardian elegance in the middle of the city centre, and its role as a passage between some of Newcastle’s most attractive streets means you will probably pass nearby anyway. Even a brief visit can be memorable, especially if you take a moment to stand still, look up and imagine the days when the building was a busy newsroom or art gallery rather than just a shortcut between shops.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (1,867)

Central Arcade in Newcastle upon Tyne is a striking Edwardian/Victorian shopping arcade in the city centre noted for its intricate tile mosaics, rich woodwork and a dramatic glass ceiling; visitors praise its historic charm and a long-standing record/instrument shop, though some note many vacant units and wish for a livelier mix of boutiques to make the space feel fuller.

Gary Brazel

2 months ago

"Beautiful Edwardian arcade constructed in 1906. The woodwork and tile mosaics are striking."

Highway Video

a year ago

"Central Arcade is a beautiful spot in Newcastle, featuring stu ing Victorian architecture, intricate tile work, and a gorgeous glass ceiling thatgives it a truly special atmosphere. Walking through, you can really appreciate the historic charm of the place. With such a unique setting, it could be even more vibrant with a better selection of boutiques or specialty stores...."

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Radiate Repeat

a year ago

"Such a gorgeous arcade with beautiful features. There are some cool shops 🏬 but would be excellent to see more of them full and the area moreexplored/used. Great record/music shop within it. It’s definitely worth checking out when exploring Newcastle...."

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FAQs for Visiting Central Arcade

Central Arcade sits between Grey Street and Grainger Street in the heart of Grainger Town, right next to Monument Metro station and a short walk from Grey’s Monument.

You can walk through in a couple of minutes, but most visitors spend 10-30 minutes enjoying the architecture, browsing the shops and taking photographs.

Yes, families are welcome; children often enjoy the echoing space and decorative details, though you may want to keep an eye on little ones around shop displays and at busy times.

Absolutely, one of its attractions is that it is fully covered, making it an ideal place to escape rain or wind while still enjoying a distinctive slice of Newcastle’s history.

Nearby Attractions to the Central Arcade

Newcastle Castle and Cathedral Church of St Nicholas: Head downhill towards the medieval quarter to explore the castle keep, cathedral and atmospheric streets leading towards the Quayside.
Theatre Royal: A Grade I listed 19th-century theatre on Grey Street with a rich programme of drama, musicals, opera, ballet and pantomimes.
Grey's Monument: The 40-metre column honouring Earl Grey at the top of Grey Street, a classic meeting point surrounded by shops and cafés.
Grainger Market: A Grade I listed covered market nearby, home to fresh produce, street food and a mix of traditional and modern traders.
Laing Art Gallery: A short walk away, showcasing 18th-20th century British paintings, watercolours and decorative arts in a historic building.

The Edwardian Central Arcade appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Newcastle upon Tyne!

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