BBC Newcastle Tours offer visitors a unique opportunity to step behind the scenes of our television and radio world.
Scheduled carefully between our live television broadcasts, you are welcome to come in and have a good look around. Why do some newsreaders only wear one shoe? Why does the weather forecaster have an earpiece in their left ear, while news presenters have one in their right? In radio why do some programmes have a "driver"? And what is the RATS alarm?
After one of our tours you might just know the answers!
The cameras are set for action, the news stories are being prepared and as the clocks count down, you can step into the shoes of a director or try out the presenter's chair.
You'll see for yourself how we make radio shows – we are on air 24 hours a day. It's fast-paced, exciting and we would love to show you!
'The Pink Palace', as the building is affectionately known, is home to Look North, Sunday Politics and Late Kick Off as well as the radio station BBC Newcastle.
This is the hub of the BBC in the North East and Cumbria and with so many exciting dramas being made in the region – such as award-winning show The Dumping Ground, Wolfblood and until recently, The Paradise and Hebburn – we have a massive amount to show off.
And if after seeing all that you fancy having a go yourself then why not? To round up we have a whole host of interactive elements in our specially designed studio inviting you to make your own TV and radio programme.
Please remember that BBC Newcastle is a working building so no two tours are the same, but they will always be informative, interesting and fun.
The tour is scheduled for December 9 at 10:30, it is proposed that we meet at
Greys Monument at 10:00am from where we can easily get a bus along to Barrack Road.
Greys Monument at 10:00am from where we can easily get a bus along to Barrack Road.
Tour Duration
The tour of BBC Newcastle lasts 1 hour 45 mins approx. The tour will involve of walking around the building and periods of standing.
Disabled Visitor Access
As BBC Newcastle is a large building the tours cover a fair distance. If you are a wheelchair user or have any other disability related needs, please call our Booking LINE in advance of your tour on 0370 901 1227 (=44 28 9053 5904 from outside the uk); Textphone for hearing impaired callers 0370 903 0304.
A sign interpreter can be booked in advance of a tour.
Refreshments
Unfortunately we cannot offer any refreshment facilities at BBC Newcastle.
Security
Please be advised there are security checks before each tour and we request that you do not bring large bags with you. Sharp or pointed items such as knives, razor blades, cutlery, tools, nail files,scissors, penknives, deactivated firearms (including replicas), ammunition (of any calibre, in any quantity), pepper sprays and CS gas are not permitted on BBC premises. Any items found will be confiscated by BBC security so please avoid bringing such items.
Photography
Due to copyright and security reasons, photography and videoing at BBC Newcastle is restricted. However, we do have several photo opportunities and your guides will point them out on the tour so you are welcome to bring a camera or use the camera on your mobile phone.
Additional Information for Group Leaders
BBC Newcastle is a working building, so we cannot guarantee who or what you will see on the day of your visit. No two tours are ever the same and some days are busier than others.
If you are booking on behalf of a group, please ensure each member is aware of the amount of walking and standing involved and that there are no restaurant facilities at BBC Newcastle.
Please note the maximum number per tour is 15 and this should include any group organisers and coach drivers if they are accompanying the group.
If you have booked on behalf of a group please make each member of you group aware of these details.
BBC Tours values your opinion and would like to know what you thought of your tour. Your guide will ask you to complete a feedback form; either return it yo your tour guide or post it back to us at the address at the bottom of the form. We will use the information to continue to improve the content and delivery of the tours.
Makeup of your Tour Group
Tour groups are made up of varying age groups and nationalities and we are not able to guarantee the makeup of your particular tour group.
