Tyne & Wear is brimming with quayside cities and sandy beaches, cosmopolitan museums and historic sites. There really is such variety of the things to see and do during your visit.
1. Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Here you can discover all of Sunderland’s fascinating history in one place. With collections dating back to 1846, you will come across plenty of surprises including Wallace the Lion, namely one of the most famous objects in the entire museum! The museum also plays host to amazing objects like the first Nissan car to roll off the production line at the Sunderland factory in 1986, extraordinary works of LS Lowry as well as an events programme meaning there is always something new and exciting to see. You can also explore The Winter Gardens, a tropical paradise right in the heart of Sunderland, home to over 2,000 plants which thrive in the glass rotunda. You must also venture to the treetop walkway and experience the bird’s eye view of Mowbray Park… just beautiful. Check the ‘What’s On’ section before your visit so you can really make the most of your trip. There is such a variety of things to enjoy including a Winter Craft and Food Fayre, Jurassic Gardens and a Textile Demonstration just to name a few.
Prices:
Entry is free however donations are welcome.
Opening Times:
Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm
Sunday Noon – 4pm
Closed December 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st & Jan 1st 2018
Address:
Burdon Road
Sunderland
Tyne and Wear
SR1 1PP
Contact:
01915612323
http://www.seeitdoitsunderland.co.uk/sunderland-museum-winter-gardens
2. St Mary’s Lighthouse
The Lighthouse was completed in 1898 on a hazardous coast for shipping which remained operational until 1984. Now, both the Lighthouse & keeper’s cottages stand as a visitors centre surrounded by a Nature Reserve containing rock pools, clifftop grassland, a beach and newly created wetland habitats. You must climb the steps of the Lighthouse for the most spectacular views of the North East Coast but if you or anyone in your party is unable to, there is also a video facility that allows you to have the same experience, at ground level. There are plenty of exhibits which will help you learn more about the history of the Lighthouse and also about the wildlife of St. Mary’s Nature Reserve. You can pop into the shop to choose your favourite souvenirs from your visit and hot drinks and refreshments are also available too. Check the ‘Getting Here’ section for getting to the Island.
Prices:
Adult £3.30, Senior Citizen or Child £1.70, Family (2 Adults, 2 Children) £7.70
Opening Times:
See HERE.
Address:
St Mary’s Island
Whitley Bay
NE26 4RS
Contact:
01912008650
stmaryslighthouse@northtyneside.gov.uk
http://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/category/635/st-marys-lighthouse
3. Tynemouth Priory & Castle
Once one of the largest fortified areas in England, the Priory & Castle overlook the North Sea and River Tyne. It holds a rich 2000 year history from its original beginnings as an Anglo-Saxon settlement to an Anglican Monastery, Royal Castle, Artillery Fort and coastal defence. Make sure you take some time to visit the restored gun battery built underground into the cliffs designed to defend the Tyne in the First & Second World Wars. Once you’ve finished exploring, enjoy a picnic or some fish and chips and soak up the wonderful surroundings and sea air.
Prices:
Adult £5.60, Child (5-15) £3.40, Concession £5.00, Family (2 adults, 3 children) £14.60
Opening Times:
1st Nov 2017 – 11th February 2018
Additional 2018 times available to view HERE.
Saturday – Sunday 10am – 4pm
Address:
Pier Road
Tynemouth
Tyne and Wear
NE30 4BZ
Contact:
01912571090
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tynemouth-priory-and-castle/
4. Whitley Bay Beach
Enjoy a golden sand, Blue Flag award-winning beach when you visit Whitley Bay. The popular beach stretches from Whitley Bay North towards St Mary’s Lighthouse and is a delightful place for all the family to enjoy. Regularly used by walkers, the Promenade and The Links also have wonderful walks with the beach as a beautiful backdrop. If you’re visiting in summer, you mustn’t miss out on the annual sandcastle competition! You’ll also find plenty of places to get refreshments including the Rendezvous Café. There is plenty of parking near the beach and stick to the North end only if you’d like to take your four-legged friends with you!
Address:
The Links
Whitley Bay
Tyne & Wear
NE26 1TP
5. Angel of the North
Rising 20 metres from the earth, the Angel of the North is a sight to behold. It completely dominates the skyline with a wingspan of 54 metres and the red/brown colour comes from the weathering steel which can withstand winds of more than 100 miles per hour. Visiting the Angel is most definitely an experience you will never forget! It is believed to be the largest Angel sculptures in the world… Definitely, one to tick off your bucket list!
Address:
Durham Road
Low Eighton
Gateshead
Tyne and Wear
NE9 6AA
Contact:
01914784222
Places to Eat & Drink in Tyne and Wear
1. Colmans Fish and Chips
This restaurant has been judged and praised by some of the country’s leading chefs gaining many national and regional awards. You can tuck into some exceptionally fresh food and enjoy a sea to plate, delicious meal. Recently, in Spring 2017 a second location was opened by Colmans called Seafood Temple offering fantastic local seafood and coastal cuisine as well as playing host to a cocktail and oyster bar and fish & chip seafood takeaway.
Address:
176-186 Ocean Road
South Shields
Tyne & Wear
NE33 2JQ
Contact:
01914561202
Address:
Seafood Temple
Sea Road
South Shields
Tyne & Wear
NE33 2LD
Contact:
01915111349
http://www.colmansfishandchips.co.uk/
2. Pani’s Café
This was one of the first Italian café’s to grace the streets of not just Tyne & Wear, but Newcastle as a whole. Boasting a really affordable, family-friendly menu this is a great place to stop in for a spot of casual dining in a really laid back and informal atmosphere.
Address:
61-65 High Bridge
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE1 6BX
Contact:
01912324366
3. The Bridge Tavern
If you’re a fan of real ale then The Bridge Tavern is the place for you! Formerly an Ale House, this pub has nestled under the Tyne Bridge for nearly two centuries. Wonderful bespoke 360-pint batches of cask and keg ale are brewed daily – that means when it’s gone it’s gone so you certainly don’t want to miss out. As well as great beers, they serve up a selection of local sources season comfort food with a gourmet edge.
Address:
7 Akenside Hill
NE1 3UF
Contact:
01912619966
http://www.thebridgetavern.com/index.html
4. Blackfriars Restaurant
Enjoy a taste of history at Blackfriars! It is located in the 13th century former medieval friary and serves an award-winning seasonal and local menu. Aside from some scrumptious dining, events are regularly held at the restaurant too including ‘Whisky tasting & dinner’ and ‘Pizza and Prosecco’ where you can learn to make your own delectable sourdough flatbreads and doughs. It is a good idea to book as Blackfriars is very popular!
Address:
Friars Street
Newcastle
NE1 4XN
Contact:
01912615945
http://www.blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk/
5. Mantra Thai Dining
Between the chefs at Mantra, you can enjoy over 40 years of experience in passion for creating exquisite, authentic dishes from around the country to give you a dining experience you won’t forget. The menu is bursting with culinary delights and there really is something for everyone. Every Monday from noon till 2.30pm, they hold a signature Mantra Thai Cookery class. Here you will learn how to create classic Thai food as well as some of the restaurant's best-loved cocktails! The cost is £70 per person.
Address:
29 Forth Banks
Quayside
Newcastle
NE1 3SG
Contact:
01912326080 / 01912326070
https://www.mantra-thai.co.uk/