The Swing Bridge is one of the most iconic of the 7 monumental bridges arching over the Tyne Valley in the centre of Newcastle.

The red and white bridge is 171 metres long and, along with the modern Gateshead Millennium Bridge, is one of two bridges linking the riverfront promenades low above the river.

The two nearest and equally iconic bridges - the Tyne Bridge and the High Level Bridge - connect the higher banks (Newcastle city centre and the suburb of Gateshead) at over 25 metres above the level of the River Tyne.

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Swing Bridge stands on the site of the original medieval bridge and was opened in 1876.

How does the swing bridge work?

Because the bridge deck is only 4.5 metres above the water to allow larger boats to pass on the River Tyne, the bridge was designed as a swing bridge.

The river bed is divided in the middle by a concrete wall over 100 metres long, on which the bridge would swing 90 degrees if a large ship was passing.

Swing Bridge

Bridge rotation times

When can you observe the rotation of Newcastle's most famous bridge?

Currently, the bridge's rotation mechanism has been inoperative for a long time. It is thought that the bridge could be repaired between 2026 and 2027.

However, it remains too open for car and pedestrian traffic and offers fine views of the two neighbouring bridges and Newcastle city centre.