Explore Ballast Hills: Self-Guided Trail and Onsite Guides
between Albion Row and Ford Street, next to the former Ouseburn School building, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE6 1LL
Ballast Hills Burial Ground (BHBG) is an unconsecrated burial ground in the Ouseburn Valley, used from about 1640 to 1853 by people from varied religious and social backgrounds. More than 40,000 people are thought to have been buried at the site, including Nonconformists, Anglicans, working families, migrants, stillborn infants, people who died by suicide, and others often missing from official histories.
This informal onsite session offers a chance to learn more about the burial ground, its gravestone path, and the everyday histories connected with the people buried there. Project guides will be available throughout the session for conversations, questions, and short introductions to particular stories, features, and areas of the site.
Visitors can take part in as much or as little as they wish. The session is designed to support independent exploration, informal discussion, and a better understanding of why BHBG matters today.
This event can be enjoyed on its own, but also forms part of a wider BHBG Heritage Open Days programme taking place throughout Saturday 19 September. Other events in the programme include Everyday Histories at Ballast Hills, 10:30–14:00; the Brinkburn Brewery Tours, 11:00–11:45, 12:00–12:45, and 13:00–13:45 (must book); Beneath This Ground, 16:00–17:00; and Twilight at Ballast Hills, 18:30–19:30. Please check the Heritage Open Days schedule for full details and booking information.
Timings
- Saturday 19 September:
- 14:30-16:00
Location & directions
between Albion Row and Ford Street, next to the former Ouseburn School building, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE6 1LL
- Directions:
- Currently, three designated entrance points exist to BHBG: 1) on Albion Row, 2) at the junction of Cross Street and Ford Street, and 3) on Quality Row, all of which provide level access.
- Contact on day:
- Myra Giesen
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
All under-18s must be accompanied by an adult. Attendees are advised to wear suitable footwear and avoid uneven pathways where possible. As the event takes place outdoors, please bring appropriate clothing. The event may be paused or cancelled in unsafe weather conditions.
