Summary
A metropolitan county located in the far northeast of England, Tyne and Wear is named after the rivers that traverse its two principal cities, Newcastle and Sunderland.
For centuries, coal mining and shipbuilding were integral to this region; however, in recent decades, Newcastle and Sunderland have successfully established new identities in high-tech manufacturing, research, and cultural endeavors.
Although the North Sea waters may be brisk, the allure of the many magnificent sandy beaches along the coast is undeniable.
As heavy industry declines, these beaches have become cleaner than ever.
Some are bordered by premier golf courses, but all offer splendid opportunities for contemplative winter walks and vibrant seaside activities during the summer.
Let us examine the premier attractions in Tyne and Wear:
1. Newcastle
Like many industrial cities in northern England, Newcastle faced a significant challenge in redefining itself following the abrupt downturn of heavy industry.
The city, once a hub for coal mining, manufacturing, and shipping, has repositioned itself as a center for scientific research and a lively destination for entertainment.
Since 1928, the Tyne Bridge has stood as a recognizable landmark and a lasting symbol of Tyneside.
Newcastle boasts a variety of museums, art galleries, theaters, and live music venues, along with its renowned football team, Newcastle United, which plays in the cathedral-like St James’ Park.
At the city’s heart lies the medieval Castle keep, marking the birthplace of the city, initially constructed by William the Conqueror’s son.
2. Quayside
Newcastle (north bank) and Gateshead (south) are interconnected by the Tyne River, and the Quayside offers insight into Tyneside’s 21st-century evolution.
Until the latter decades of the 20th century, this riverside area, located east of the Tyne Bridge, served as an industrial hub, housing warehouses and bustling wharfs along the water.
Subsequently, the area fell into disrepair but has since been revitalized, emerging as a vibrant destination for entertainment and culture, as well as a pleasant location for waterfront strolls.
The Gateshead Millennium Bridge, completed in 2001, symbolizes this transformation, providing a crossing for cyclists and pedestrians while tilting on an axis at scheduled times to accommodate river traffic.
3. Grainger Town
Named after the 19th-century city planner Richard Grainger, this significant central district of Newcastle underwent comprehensive redevelopment in the neoclassical style between 1824 and 1849. Within just a few streets, there are 29 Grade I listed buildings, all situated within a designated conservation area.
Grey Street stands out as the most magnificent, featuring the Theatre Royal with its spectacular portico, as well as the refined Edwardian shopping gallery, Central Arcade.
Meanwhile, Grainger Market offers excellent shopping opportunities, with family-run stalls, eateries, and high street shops sheltered under a wrought iron and glass roof.
4. Sunderland
A few miles along, Sunderland maintains a (typically) amicable rivalry with Newcastle.
Sunderland has also navigated a new direction after thriving as one of England’s prestigious shipyards from the 14th century onward.
This industry has diminished, giving way to the emergence of high-tech industries and services from the 1990s onwards.
Visitors can explore the history of glassmaking at the National Glass Centre, observe over 2,000 plant species at the Winter Gardens, and enjoy a Premier League match at the Stadium of Light.
Throughout the year, visitors should head to the seafront, where the former dreary beaches at Roker and Seaburn now proudly fly the Blue Flag for their cleanliness.
5. Gateshead
The last two decades have allowed Gateshead to showcase several stunning monuments.
The standout is undoubtedly the iconic and beloved Angel of the North, a 20-meter-high steel sculpture crafted by Antony Gormley and positioned on a hill just south of Gateshead.
At the riverside, the Sage Gateshead, designed by Norman Foster, is an extraordinary concert venue added in 2004, known for hosting touring rock and pop artists.
The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, housed in a converted flour mill, features impressive temporary exhibitions and offers stunning views of Newcastle from its upper platform, undoubtedly warranting a spot on your itinerary.
6. Tynemouth
This charming town is situated on the northern bank of the Tyne as it flows into the North Sea.
During the Georgian and Victorian eras, Tynemouth was home to affluent shipowners, merchants, and industrialists, resulting in an abundance of elegant properties from the 1700s and 1800s.
The maritime scenery provides a wonderfully dramatic backdrop in winter while, on sunnier days, visitors from Newcastle flock to King Edward’s Bay and Tynemouth Longsands for leisurely seaside experiences. Tynemouth Pier extends over 800 meters into the North Sea as a breakwater at the river’s mouth.
For a comprehensive view of the lighthouse built in 1864, one can walk the pier’s length. Further, Tynemouth Market continues to thrive, and the historic Tynemouth Priory, established in the 600s, is worth a visit.
7. South Shields
Located opposite Tynemouth, South Shields is a coastal town featuring refreshing North Sea beaches, beautifully landscaped parks on its foreshore, and captivating historical sites throughout.
Arbeia Roman Fort, which once served as a supply hub for Hadrian’s Wall, has seen its gatehouse, commanding officer’s residence, and barracks painstakingly reconstructed on the originals.
Marsden Beach, a short distance away, is breathtaking, characterized by its expansive sands and formidable cliffs.
Souter Lighthouse, constructed in 1871, holds the distinction of being the world’s first AC-powered lighthouse and is now accessible to the public as a National Trust site.
8. Wallsend
Located to the east of Newcastle, Wallsend was historically one of England’s shipbuilding powerhouses during the steam age, notable for launching the RMS Mauretania, which set the record for the fastest eastbound Atlantic crossing in 1907. Although no vessels are currently constructed at the renowned Swan Hunter, the site continues to service North Sea oil and gas rigs.
The name “Wallsend” signifies its position as the eastern terminus of Hadrian’s Wall during Roman times.
This formidable structure spanned northern England, marking the border to areas that remained unconquered, primarily what is now Scotland.
Visitors can see the foundations of the fort built to protect the eastern side of the wall from an elevated platform at Segedunum. A museum showcases several Roman military artifacts discovered during excavations in the 1990s.
9. Jarrow
Jarrow, also notable for its shipyards, was responsible for launching warships for the Royal Navy during the Victorian era and early 20th century.
A statue of Charles Palmer, a distinguished 19th-century shipbuilder and later Member of Parliament for Jarrow, stands before the town hall.
Addtionally, a monument commemorates the Jarrow March, which took place in 1936 during the Great Depression when 200 laid-off workers from the defunct Palmer’s Shipyard marched from Jarrow to London to present a petition to Parliament.
Jarrow’s most influential historical figure is arguably the Venerable Bede, an 8th-century monk at St Paul’s Abbey (also worth visiting) who translated Christian Latin and Greek texts into Anglo-Saxon, thus profoundly influencing the English language.
A museum dedicated to Bede is located within the grounds of Jarrow Hall, featuring a reconstructed Anglo-Saxon farm.
10. Washington
Did you know that George Washington’s ancestral estate is located on Wearside? Washington Hall is a splendid historical manor house managed by the National Trust.
Entry hours are limited; however, visitors in the vicinity can appreciate a relic of the region’s mining heritage.
The Washington F Pit features a Victorian engine house and an impressive horizontal winding engine that once operated on steam.
This is all part of the Washington ‘F’ Pit Museum, which typically opens on Saturdays.
Washington previously housed an RAF base at Usworth, which is now home to the North East Aircraft Museum, showcasing 30 de Havilland, Avro, Hawker, and Westland aircraft, alongside an intriguing selection of Rolls-Royce propeller and jet engines.
11. North Shields
Sitting across from its southern counterpart, North Shields is positioned at the mouth of the River Tyne and historically played a vital role in ensuring the safety of ships.
During high tide, the rocks known as the Black Middens become submerged, having previously caused countless shipwrecks over the centuries.
In an effort to remedy this, “High and Low Lights” were constructed nearby above Fish Quay in the 16th century, serving as navigational aids for ships entering the Tyne safely.
The existing High Light and Low Light date back to the 1700s and are both recognized as listed buildings.
Though the beacons have long been removed, vessels continue to use these whitewashed towers as daymarks for entry into the Tyne.
12. Whitley Bay
Only ten miles from Newcastle, Whitley Bay is a traditional seaside resort that gained prominence during the 19th century.
Visitors can stroll along the long and broad sandy beach, flanked by a promenade that offers delightful views of St Mary’s Lighthouse to the north.
At the northern end, an exceptional links golf course awaits, and if one continues along the seafront, they will reach the lighthouse, which is connected to the mainland by a concrete causeway that can be traversed at low tide.
While St Mary’s Lighthouse is no longer operational, it has been preserved as a museum, and a café is also available on the tidal island.
13. Whitburn
Situated between South Shields and Sunderland, Whitburn is a village that surprises with its rural charm, despite being in a large metropolitan area.
There are no notable landmarks demanding attention; rather, visitors can relish the tranquility found within tree-lined lanes adorned with lovely 18th-century townhouses and timber-framed cottages.
A local cricket club offers a relaxing afternoon watching matches, or one may wander up to the Whitburn Windmill, facing the North Sea and dating back to the 1700s.
14. Houghton-le-Spring
Similar to the Angel of the North, the hilltop Penshaw Monument is discernible from a considerable distance and is a cherished landmark within the landscape.
This folly on Penshaw Hill, built in 1844, honors John Lambton, the 1st Earl of Durham and Member of Parliament for County Durham, which included all of Tyne and Wear until the 20th century.
Additional reasons to visit Houghton-le-Spring include the local parkland; Herrington Country Park is ideal for families and dog walkers, and visitors might also enjoy a round of golf at the 18-hole Houghton-le-Spring Golf Club.
15. Monkwearmouth
During the era of the Venerable Bede, St Paul’s Abbey in Jarrow and St Peter’s Abbey in Monkwearmouth were components of the same monastery despite their physical separation by several miles.
Monkwearmouth was among the first three settlements along the River Wear, and like many coastal areas, it suffered from Viking raids during the 8th and 9th centuries.
St Peter’s Church, once part of the abbey, remains the primary attraction, recognized as one of the oldest churches in the nation, preserving the original 7th-century porch alongside later Norman modifications.
