In Dunston, industrial history, nature and different routes come together. The Staiths represent the former coal-loading operations on the River Tyne; Saltmarsh Garden draws attention to plants of local ecological importance. There is also a cycle route, a walking trail and a named activity venue on Forge Road. As you plan your trip, first consider which of these interests you most.

The Dunston Staiths and their history

The Dunston Staiths are located on the River Tyne and are a Grade II listed building. The Dunston Coal Staithes are over 1,700 feet long. They were built in 1890 for the North Eastern Railway. The Dunston Staiths closed as a working coal-loading jetty in 1977 and were completely decommissioned in 1980. These dates mark different points in their history: their construction, the end of their use as a working loading jetty and their later complete decommissioning.

In 2024, the Dunston Staiths reopened to the public after the pandemic as part of the Tyne Derwent Way and were used for various events. If you are planning a visit or event, check in advance whether access or a programme is scheduled for your chosen date.

Distinguishing the cycle route from the walking trail

The Keelmans Way, which runs through Dunston, is part of National Cycle Network Route 141. The route is seven miles long and 81.1 percent traffic-free. These figures describe different aspects: the seven miles refer to the overall route, while the percentage indicates its traffic-free portion.

The Tyne Derwent Way is a nine-mile walking trail that passes the Dunston Staiths. This distinguishes two different ways to explore the area: Route 141 as a cycle route and the Tyne Derwent Way as a walking trail. The length figures refer to separate routes and are not the same type of route measurement.

Staiths Space, a community centre where you can explore heritage, nature and culture, is located on the Tyne Derwent Way by the Dunston Staiths. It serves as a stopping point on walks or cycle rides along the route. Alongside the routes themselves, it offers a place where these themes come together.

Nature and other activities

Saltmarsh Garden in Dunston is of local ecological importance. Parsley, sea aster, saltmarsh grass and wild carrot grow there. These specifically named plants give the nature theme a different focus from the industrial history of the Staiths: here, ecological importance and plant diversity take centre stage.

Another named venue is Newcastle Adventure and Little Diggers Park on Forge Road in Dunston, Gateshead. The facility covers 40,000 square feet. Its areas include Little Diggers, a soft play area, a Foam Zone, basketball, Battle Beams, Wipe Out, Open Jump, a Reaction Wall and a Ninja Court. The different names show the range of activities listed there.

Tailor your accommodation search to your plans

When searching for a holiday rental, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your stay: are you most interested in the history of the Staiths, nature, walks or cycle rides, or the activities mentioned on Forge Road? These questions can guide your choice without prescribing a fixed itinerary for your stay.

Then compare the location and specific details of each accommodation with your own plans. This lets you assess which base suits the interests you have planned, rather than deciding based on the place name alone. If you are planning to visit the Staiths or attend an event, remember to check access for your chosen date in advance.

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