Tours to the Top
Join our friendly guides for this unique experience. Climb up a secret staircase to enjoy magnificent views of the North East from the top of Penshaw Monument.
Climb 76 spiral steps built into one of the monument's columns and see if you can spot Durham Cathedral, the lights at Banks Homes Riverside (home of Durham Cricket), Tynemouth Priory, the Cheviot Hills, Pontop Pike, Burnhope Transmitter and the Victoria Viaduct. Our guides will help you navigate the views.
Booking is essential for all, including National Trust members, as there is limited availability.
A maximum of 5 people are able to climb to the top of the monument in each 20-minute tour slot.
For health and safety reasons there is a strict minimum height requirement of 1 metre. Infants are unable to join.
Image credit: John Millar
Please note:
- Climb Penshaw Hill and meet our guides at the monument. Please allow plenty of time to walk up the steps of the steep hill, and meet our guides at least 5 minutes before your tour begins.
- Please wear closed-toe shoes, and no heels. Please dress for the weather, it can be breezy at the top. No large rucksacks or bags, as you may be asked to leave this with a guide at the bottom.
- Access to the top of the monument is via 76 steps. Please note, the spiral staircase is narrow (around 50cm wide) and dark (you’ll be provided with a head torch to wear). There is no handrail.
- The climb up Penshaw Hill is via steps with slightly uneven terrain. There is no handrail.
- This event is not suitable for those with a fear of heights.
- Minimum height requirement: 1metre.
- Children must be at least 1 metre tall and all under 18s accompanied by an adult. All must have their own ticket. Infants are unable to join.
- On-road parking is available just off the A183 in front of Penshaw Hill. Additional parking is available in Herrington Park on the other side of the A183.
- This event will take place in all but extreme weather. Check the Penshaw Monument webpage and Washington Old Hall Facebook page on the day if weather is poor. If the tours are cancelled there will be a notice here, and you will be emailed.
- Refunds will not be offered to no-shows if the event goes ahead.
- If you arrive late for your slot we cannot guarantee admission, and no refunds will be offered.
- Dogs are not allowed on the tour up the monument.
Ticket options
Join our friendly guides for this unique experience. Climb up a secret staircase to enjoy magnificent views of the North East from the top of Penshaw Monument.
Climb 76 spiral steps built into one of the monument's columns and see if you can spot Durham Cathedral, the lights at Banks Homes Riverside (home of Durham Cricket), Tynemouth Priory, the Cheviot Hills, Pontop Pike, Burnhope Transmitter and the Victoria Viaduct. Our guides will help you navigate the views.
Booking is essential for all, including National Trust members, as there is limited availability.
A maximum of 5 people are able to climb to the top of the monument in each 20-minute tour slot.
For health and safety reasons there is a strict minimum height requirement of 1 metre. Infants are unable to join.
Image credit: John Millar
Please note:
- Climb Penshaw Hill and meet our guides at the monument. Please allow plenty of time to walk up the steps of the steep hill, and meet our guides at least 5 minutes before your tour begins.
- Please wear closed-toe shoes, and no heels. Please dress for the weather, it can be breezy at the top. No large rucksacks or bags, as you may be asked to leave this with a guide at the bottom.
- Access to the top of the monument is via 76 steps. Please note, the spiral staircase is narrow (around 50cm wide) and dark (you’ll be provided with a head torch to wear). There is no handrail.
- The climb up Penshaw Hill is via steps with slightly uneven terrain. There is no handrail.
- This event is not suitable for those with a fear of heights.
- Minimum height requirement: 1metre.
- Children must be at least 1 metre tall and all under 18s accompanied by an adult. All must have their own ticket. Infants are unable to join.
- On-road parking is available just off the A183 in front of Penshaw Hill. Additional parking is available in Herrington Park on the other side of the A183.
- This event will take place in all but extreme weather. Check the Penshaw Monument webpage and Washington Old Hall Facebook page on the day if weather is poor. If the tours are cancelled there will be a notice here, and you will be emailed.
- Refunds will not be offered to no-shows if the event goes ahead.
- If you arrive late for your slot we cannot guarantee admission, and no refunds will be offered.
- Dogs are not allowed on the tour up the monument.
Our payments are processed using : Sage Pay
