Tyne & Wear Attractions

Bede’s World
 
Discover what daily life was like for Bede and his fellow monks and how much of his work is of continuing importance to us today.

Bede’s World, Church Bank, Jarrow, NE32 3DY  Tel: 0191 489 2106   Email

Bill Quay Farm
 
A working farm along the banks of the Tyne which is home to a fine collection of rare breed livestock, an abundance of artworks and a green haven for wildlife.

Hainigwood Terrace, Bill Quay, Gateshead, NE10 0TE   Tel: 0191 438 5340

Blue Reef Aquarium 
 
Part of a new generation of wildlife attractions that aim to give a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world. The sights, sounds and smells of the sea are vividly recreated by more than 30 living displays.

Grand Parade  Tynemouth  NE30 4JF  Tel 0191 258 1031

Castle Keep

Original starting point for Hadrian’s Wall.

St Nicholas Street, Castle Garth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1RQ  Tel: 0191 2327938

Derwent Walk Country Park and Derwenthaugh Park
 
A mixture of natural woodlands, riverside meadows and the Derwent Walk (a disused railway line) covering over 300 acres between Swalwell and Rowlands Gill. Until 1986 Derwenthaugh Park was the site of Derwenthaugh Coke Works. Opened in 1982 it took coal from chopwell Colliery and the resulting coke was shipped from the staithes on the River Tyne at Derwenthaugh.

Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, NE39 1PT  Tel: 0191 4142106

Fulwell Mill

A distinctive landmark overlooking Sunderland, Fulwell Mill was built in 1821 and is the most complete windmill in the North East.

Newcastle Road, Fulwell, Sunderland  SR5 1EX   Tel: 0191 516 9790

Gibside 18th Century Pleasure Grounds 

A landscaped National Trust property and former home of the Queen mother’s family, the Bowes-Lyons.

Near Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, NE16 6BG  Tel: 01207 542255  Email

Hadrian’s Wall

From Bowness on Solway in the North West to Wallsend in the North East, Hadrian’s Wall is the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain.   Email

The Life Science Centre

Discover just how truly amazing life is. Explore where life comes from and how it works. Find out how the secret language of DNA spells out instructions for every species on Earth. Discover how the union of a single sperm and egg becomes a five trillion-cell baby. Meet your ancestors and decide if you’re more closely related to a pig, a lizard or a cauliflower!

Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne   NE1 4EP  Tel: 0191 243 8210   Email

National Glass Centre

Opened in June 1998, the £16million centre celebrates Sunderland’s place in the history of glass and provides a world focus for today’s best glass makers. You can visit the interactive Kaleidoscope Gallery for an interactive voyage through the wonders of glass.

Liberty Way Sunderland   SR6 0GL  Tel: 0191 515 5555   Email

Ocean Beach Pleasure Park

Family day out with all the fun of the fair wih roller coaster rides, dodgems, go karting and much more

Sea Road  South Shields   NE33 2LD   Tel: 0191 456 1617

Path Head Water Mill
 
A restored 18th Century working water mill. Complete with working water wheel and machinery. Grounds with exihibits, picnic area and local wooded walks are open every day except Monday.The Gateshead Visitor Centre is housed in Gateshead’s historic St Mary’s Church which has a panoramic view over both quaysides.

Summerhill, Blaydon, Gateshead, NE21 4SP  Tel: 0191 4146288

Seven Stories - The Centre for Children's Books

Where our rich heritage of British children's books is collected, explored and celebrated. Books are our inspiration for all kinds of exhibitions, activities and events, for seeing and hearing, making and doing, writing and drawing, music and drama and much more.

30 Lime Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2PQ  Tel: 0845 271 0777  Email

Souter Lighthouse 

The lighthouse started operating in 1871 and was, at the time the most advanced in the world. It is possible to explore the lighthouse, starting in the Engine Room. Learn about how lighthouses work through video, displays and a variety of navigational equipment.  See the family living quarters in the Victorian Keepers Cottage and climb the 76 steps to the top of the tower to enjoy wide views of the coastline, from the mouth of the Tyne to the Tees. Or enjoy the same view without leaving the ground floor by operating the remote controlled CCTV.

Coast Road, Whitburn, Sunderland  SR6 7NH  Tel: 0191 529 3161   Email

Washington Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre

The Centre is situated in a superb natural setting embracing 100 acres of parkland on the north side of the River Wear. Designed by Sir Peter Scott, it is the third largest in Europe,

Washington, NE38 8LE   Tel: 0191 416 5454