In Tyne And Wear, coastal landscapes meet castles, museums and industrial heritage. When planning your trip, it’s worth choosing a focus first: would you like to centre your visit on the coast, historic buildings, art or the history of technology?
Coast and views
Tynemouth Priory and Castle sits on a steep headland, with panoramic sea views at the mouth of the River Tyne. The entrance to the Priory is through a 14th-century monastic gatehouse. Visitors can also explore traces of the history of both world wars in the underground gun emplacements. If you want to focus on coastal landscapes, Tynemouth Longsands offers a different experience: the mile-long sandy beach is used for walks and games and is recognised across the region as a watersports destination.
Cullercoats Bay offers a distinct contrast in scenery: the sandy bay is framed by small piers. Its southern part serves as a launch site for leisure boats; two panels along the promenade explain Cullercoats’ art history. Here, the waterfront brings together landscape, leisure activities and a connection to local art, while offering a different kind of visit from other coastal towns.
Castles and historic traces
The area’s buildings also reflect different historical periods. Washington Old Hall dates from the 13th century and was renovated before the English Civil War. The estate is associated with the ancestors of George Washington. The grounds include a garden and the adjoining Nuttery, considered an oasis for wildlife and people alike.
At Newcastle Castle, the history reaches further back: the Roman fort of Pons Aelius, part of Hadrian’s Wall, once stood on the site. The Black Gate was added to the defences between 1247 and 1250, during the reign of Henry III. From the roof of the Keep, the 360-degree view takes in the city, the River Tyne and Gateshead. If you’re interested in buildings for their former uses, you can distinguish the Roman history from the medieval fortifications here.
The Penshaw Monument offers another perspective on history: the 70-foot-high monument stands on Penshaw Hill and offers panoramic views. Paths lead through the woods to the west. The monument and woodland paths offer different ways to enjoy a stay that takes in both architecture and landscape.
Art, museums and technology
On Gateshead Quayside, the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art presents art across four floors and has two viewing platforms. Its programme includes exhibitions, events, guided tours and activities; it is open Wednesday to Sunday. As the programme changes, check the official calendar before your trip. BALTIC is within walking distance of Newcastle Quayside via the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.
In North Shields, the Stephenson Steam Railway focuses on railway history. It is open for heritage train rides and museum visits. Exhibitions and collection objects, together with locomotives and vehicles, illustrate the development of engineering and propulsion technology. The Woodland Walk is on a former industrial site that has been converted into a natural area. The visit therefore combines the history of technology with a landscape feature of the former industrial site.
For more museum visits, Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort offers free entry; advance booking is not required. This information is current as of 25 August 2026 and may change, so check visitor information in advance. The Great North Museum: Hancock also offers free entry. Check the latest information before your visit, as these visitor details may also change.
Paths, events and planning
A two-mile circular walking route starts and ends at Foghorn Field. Along the way, it offers, among other things, a view of Lizard Point and the chance to watch birds at Whitburn Nature Reserve. For a different walk, the Woodland Walk at Stephenson Steam Railway is on the converted former industrial site. The two options differ both in length and in the landscape they take in.
Tynemouth hosts the Mouth of the Tyne Festival and the Tynemouth Food Festival each year, among other events. Check the dates before your trip if you want to plan your stay around one of the festivals. For getting around, all Metro stations are accessible via level access, ramps or lifts; low-floor buses and the Shields Ferry connect North Shields with South Shields. Information about access and connections is current as of 25 August 2026 and may change. Check the latest information before travelling.
When choosing a hotel, start with your own priorities: the coast, historic buildings, art or the history of technology. This keeps your accommodation choice focused on the places you actually plan to visit, without assuming a particular route or daily itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Washington, Seaton Burn, Holystone, Hebburn, North Shields, Whickham, East Boldon, New Herrington.
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