Grey's Monument, Newcastle upon Tyne

Monument in Newcastle upon Tyne

CC BY-SA 2.0 / James Cridland

Standing proudly at the head of Grey Street, Greys Monument is one of the top sights in Newcastle upon Tyne and a natural meeting point for locals and visitors alike. Built in 1838 to honour Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, the monument celebrates the Great Reform Act of 1832, which reshaped the British electoral system and gave new industrial cities such as Newcastle-upon-Tyne a stronger voice in Parliament. From the busy pedestrianised space at its base, the Roman Doric column rises 40 metres into the air, crowned by a statue of Earl Grey himself.

The monument is one of only a handful of Grade I listed structures in the city centre, its statue sculpted by Edward Hodges Bailey, who later created Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square. Below the column, shops, cafés and elegant 19th-century buildings radiate outwards, making this a great place to visit on a walking tour of Newcastle upon Tyne as you move between Grainger Town, Grey Street and the nearby Theatre Royal. On special open days, you can climb the 164 narrow spiral steps inside the column to a viewing platform with superb city views.

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

History and Significance of the Greys Monument

Greys Monument was erected in 1838 to honour Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1830 to 1834. His government oversaw the passing of the Great Reform Act in 1832, a landmark piece of legislation that transformed the British electoral system. The Act removed parliamentary seats from sparsely populated “rotten boroughs” and redistributed representation to growing industrial towns and cities, including Newcastle-upon-Tyne, giving urban populations a bigger say in national politics.

Architecturally, the monument consists of a statue of Earl Grey standing atop a Roman Doric column, all set on a pedestal of local sandstone. The column rises around 40 metres (131 feet), making it a striking focal point at the northern end of Grey Street. Its classical form and prominent position reflect the civic pride of 19th-century Newcastle, when the city was booming through trade, shipping and industry and eager to celebrate its role in Britain’s new political landscape.

The statue itself was created by Edward Hodges Bailey, a leading sculptor of the period who later went on to design Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square. Over time, Greys Monument has become one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks and a symbol not just of Earl Grey’s reforms, but of Newcastle’s own identity as a modern, forward-looking urban centre. Today it anchors the surrounding Grainger Town, a conservation area famed for its sweeping terraces and elegant 19th-century architecture.

Things to See and Do in the Greys Monument

At street level, Greys Monument is a constant hive of activity. The pedestrianised space around the base is a popular meeting point and regular host to markets, events and street performers, making it a lively spot to linger and people-watch. From here, you can also appreciate how the monument frames the view down Grey Street, often cited as one of the most beautiful streets in Britain thanks to its graceful curve and harmonious façades.

On selected open days, you can climb inside the monument itself. A narrow spiral staircase of 164 steps leads up through the column to a small viewing platform just below the statue. The climb is steep and a little claustrophobic, but the reward at the top is an excellent look at the cityscape, with views stretching along Grey Street, across Grainger Town and out towards the Tyne Bridges and beyond. It is a memorable way to see how Newcastle's historic and modern layers fit together.

Even if you do not make the climb, take time to walk around the base of the monument and look up at the details of the Doric column and the statue above. From different angles you can see how the monument anchors key vistas through the city centre. It is also an ideal starting point for exploring nearby highlights such as the Theatre Royal, Grainger Market, Grey Street's bars and restaurants, and the short downhill walk towards the Quayside and river.

How to Get to the Greys Monument

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. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Newcastle upon Tyne on Booking.com. From the airport, you can ride the Metro to Monument station, which brings you out almost directly beneath Greys Monument itself.

Arriving by train, you will come into Newcastle Central Station, a major stop on the East Coast Main Line with fast services from London, Edinburgh and other UK cities.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. From the station, it is an easy 10-15 minute walk uphill to the monument, following signs into the city centre and towards Grey Street and Grainger Street, or you can take the Metro one stop to Monument if you prefer.

If you choose to drive, follow signs into Newcastle city centre and then towards Grainger Town, Grey Street or Eldon Square, where you will find several multi-storey car parks within walking distance of the monument. Once you have parked, everything in the area is best explored on foot, with Greys Monument acting as a handy landmark for navigating the surrounding streets.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Greys Monument

Suggested tips: Use Greys Monument as your central orientation point for exploring the city centre; it is easy to find on a map and from street level, and most major shopping and cultural streets radiate out from here.
Best time to visit: The monument is attractive at any time, but early mornings and evenings offer softer light for photos, while weekends and market days create a livelier atmosphere around the base.
Entrance fee: Tickets are £5 fee per person
Opening hours: 24 Hours
How long to spend: Allow 15-30 minutes to enjoy the monument and surrounding views at ground level, and around an hour if you are climbing the column as part of a timed visit.
Accessibility: The area around the base is level and accessible, but the interior spiral staircase to the viewing platform is narrow and steep, and not suitable for visitors with mobility issues, claustrophobia or certain health conditions.
Facilities: There are no dedicated facilities at the monument itself, but you are only a short walk from cafés, shops, toilets and other services in Eldon Square and Grainger Town.
Photography tip: For classic shots, stand partway down Grey Street and frame the monument against the sweep of the buildings, or shoot upwards from close to the base to emphasise the height of the column.
Guided tours: Some city walking tours include Greys Monument as a key stop, explaining its political significance and its role in the layout of Grainger Town; joining one can add valuable context to what you see.
Nearby food options: The surrounding streets are packed with cafés, bars and restaurants, so it is easy to grab a coffee, snack or full meal before or after your visit.

Where to Stay close to the Greys Monument

Staying near Greys Monument puts you right at the heart of Newcastle’s city centre, with shops, theatres and major sights all on your doorstep. A stylish option just along Grey Street is Grey Street Hotel, which offers boutique rooms in a classic building only a short stroll from the monument. For a modern, good-value base tucked just off the nearby High Bridge, Motel One Newcastle combines contemporary design with an easy walk to Greys Monument, the Theatre Royal and the city's nightlife. If you prefer apartment-style comfort but still want to be within walking distance, Staybridge Suites Newcastle gives you more space and kitchen facilities while keeping the monument and Grainger Town close at hand.

Is the Greys Monument Worth Visiting

If you want to get a feel for Newcastle's civic pride, political history and elegant 19th-century architecture, Greys Monument is absolutely worth a stop. It is more than just a statue on a column: it embodies the story of the Great Reform Act and the rise of industrial cities like Newcastle, while also serving as the visual anchor of Grainger Town and Grey Street. Whether you simply pass by on your way through the city centre or take the opportunity to climb the column on an open day, it is a landmark that quickly becomes part of how you navigate and remember Newcastle upon Tyne.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (1,415)

Grey's Monument at 150 Grainger St stands atop a tall column honoring the 2nd Earl Grey and is an unmistakable focal point in Newcastle city centre, surrounded by elegant buildings, eateries and shops; visitors describe it as a lively meeting spot with street performers and musicians, good for people-watching and taking in views from street level, and note you can climb inside the column via a narrow stair (around 163–4 steps) on occasional guided tours led by knowledgeable volunteers for panoramic views over the city.

Ekinista Travelguruekint

4 months ago

"All the neigbourhood is very stylish(Parisian/neo classic) and so well designed but looked desperately empty! There was noone but fancy, pretty,poshrestaurants with fasionable gardening corners...."

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Highway Video

a year ago

"Grey’s Monument is a must-see landmark in Newcastle! The statue itself is impressive, standing tall and offering a striking view over the city. Thesurrounding area is always lively, with street performers, local vendors, and plenty of people passing by, giving it a vibrant atmosphere. It’s a great spot to take in the sights, people-watch, or simply enjoy the historic significance of the monument...."

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Radiate Repeat

a year ago

"A great meeting place where you’ll often find people playing music, waiting for friends and hanging out. The brilliant thing about the monument isyou can climb up inside and see the incredible views at the top. It’s 163/4 steps to the top snd the tours happen infrequently, you can find out more about them through NGI (Newcastle Gateshead initiative). The tours are excellent snd guides are volunteers who are very knowledgable about the cities history, definitely recommend booking one if you can...."

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FAQs for Visiting Greys Monument

Yes, but only on special open days; access is via a narrow spiral staircase of 164 steps inside the column, and numbers are limited for safety reasons.

Viewing the monument from the square is free, though there may be a small fee and advance booking required for guided climbs to the viewing platform.

The climb is relatively short but steep and confined, with 164 narrow steps, so it is best suited to reasonably fit visitors who are comfortable in tight spaces and can manage stairs without handrails in places.

From the viewing platform you get excellent panoramic views over Grey Street, Grainger Town, nearby landmarks such as the Theatre Royal and out towards the river and wider cityscape.

Nearby Attractions to the Greys Monument

Theatre Royal: A Grade I listed historic theatre on Grey Street hosting musicals, drama, opera, ballet and the city's much-loved Christmas pantomime.
Grey Street and Grainger Town: Wander one of the UK’s most elegant 19th-century streetscapes, lined with shops, cafés, bars and grand architecture.
Laing Art Gallery: A short walk away, this gallery showcases 18th-20th century British paintings, watercolours and decorative arts in a handsome listed building.
Grainger Market: A lively covered market dating from the 19th century, packed with independent stalls selling food, fashion and everyday essentials.
Newcastle Castle and Cathedral Church of St Nicholas: Head downhill to explore the city's medieval quarter, with its castle keep, cathedral and glimpses down to the Tyne.

The Grey's Monument appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Newcastle upon Tyne!

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