Courts in North East

Short answer: The North East has Crown Courts in Newcastle, Durham and Teesside, along with magistrates' and county courts across Tyne and Wear, County Durham, Teesside and Northumberland. Check the building on your letter, and allow extra time if you are travelling from rural Northumberland.

Courts in North East at a glance

Type of court	Venues
County Court	6
Crown Court	3
Family Court	2
Magistrates' Court	6
Tribunal	1

Crown Courts in North East

Durham Crown Court · DH1 3HW
Newcastle upon Tyne Crown Court and Magistrates' Court · NE1 3LA
Teesside Combined Court Centre · TS1 2AE

Courts in the North East

The North East is a compact region, centred on Newcastle and Tyneside, Sunderland, Durham and Teesside, with a rural area in Northumberland. Its courts include Crown Courts, magistrates’ courts, county courts, family courts and tribunals.

Types of court

Type	What it handles
Crown Courts	Serious criminal cases and sentencing
Magistrates’ courts	Less serious criminal cases
County courts	Civil disputes
Family courts	Children and family matters
Tribunals	Specialist disputes

Combined buildings

Some venues in the North East combine several courts in one building. Newcastle, for example, appears in our directory as a combined Crown Court and magistrates’ court. Teesside has a combined court centre. In a combined building, check your letter for the court and courtroom, and look at the screens when you arrive. Read about combined court centres for more.

Travelling to court

Tyneside: the Metro, buses and rail serve the city centre.
Teesside and Durham: rail and bus links are available, but check the final leg of the journey.
Northumberland: distances can be long, so plan early.
By car: parking near city courts can be limited.

Aim to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your hearing, and read security checks at court.

Guides for your visit

Defendants can read going to court as a defendant. Witnesses can read attending court as a witness. Visitors can read the public gallery guide. Use the hearing day planner to schedule your day.

Places and counties covered

The region covers Tyne and Wear, County Durham, Teesside and Northumberland. Our directory lists Crown Courts at Newcastle, Durham and Teesside, with magistrates’ and county courts in towns such as Sunderland, Gateshead, South Shields, Darlington and Hartlepool. Northumberland is large and rural, and public transport to some villages is limited.

Practical tips for the North East

Check the Metro map if you are travelling on Tyneside, and note which station is nearest your court.
Plan for the weather, because winter conditions can slow journeys on rural roads.
Book a taxi in advance if you will be travelling late or from a remote village.
Phone the court early if bad weather means you cannot get there.

Hearing lists

Court pages show the latest lists for Crown Courts and magistrates’ courts. See the Crown Daily List and Magistrates Public List explained.

All 18 venues in North East

Frequently asked questions

Where are the Crown Courts in the North East?

Our directory lists Crown Courts at Durham, Newcastle and Teesside. Check your letter for the exact court.

Is the Newcastle Crown Court the same building as the magistrates' court?

Our directory lists Newcastle upon Tyne Crown Court and Magistrates' Court together. Check your letter for the courtroom and entrance.

Can I use the Metro to reach court?

The Tyne and Wear Metro serves parts of Newcastle and surrounding towns. Check your court's postcode and plan your route before you travel.