Holiday apartment in Tyne and Wear: Coast, culture and nature

Culture and history

Washington Old Hall is associated with the ancestors of George Washington. The building dates from the 13th century and was renovated before the English Civil War. Newcastle Castle also reaches far back into the past: the Black Gate was added to the castle's defences between 1247 and 1250 during the reign of Henry III. The Roman fort of Pons Aelius, which formed part of Hadrian's Wall, previously stood on the same site. From the roof of the Keep, there are 360-degree views across the city, the River Tyne and Gateshead.

At Gateshead Quayside, the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art is dedicated to art across four floors and has two viewing platforms. BALTIC offers exhibitions, events, guided tours and activities and is open from Wednesday to Sunday. It can be reached on foot from Newcastle Quayside via the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. Two other places combine history with an easy visit: admission to Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort is free, with no advance reservation required, and admission to the Great North Museum: Hancock is also free.

The Stephenson Steam Railway illustrates the development of design and propulsion technology through exhibitions and collection items, as well as locomotives and vehicles. The Stephenson Steam Railway in North Shields, Tyne and Wear, is open for historic train rides and museum visits. The Woodland Walk is located on a former industrial site that has been transformed into a natural area.

Coast and water

Tynemouth Longsands is a one-mile-long sandy beach. It is used for walking and games and is recognised across the region as a water sports destination. The Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade is part of the area's coastal history: it was the first organisation of its kind in the world, and its history is told in a small museum. Tynemouth hosts the Mouth of the Tyne Festival and the Tynemouth Food Festival, among other events, every year.

Cullercoats Bay is a sandy bay enclosed by small piers. Its southern section serves as a launching point for pleasure boats. Two information boards on the promenade explain Cullercoats' art history. Along this stretch of coast, landscape, water and local culture are therefore directly side by side, without the individual places losing their own character.

Nature and trails

A two-mile circular walking route begins and ends at Foghorn Field. Among other things, it offers views of Lizard Point and opportunities for birdwatching at Whitburn Nature Reserve. West of Penshaw Monument, paths lead through the woodland. The monument itself is 70 feet high, stands on Penshaw Hill and offers panoramic views.

Washington Old Hall also offers a quiet connection with nature: the garden and adjacent Nutterie are an oasis for wildlife and people. At Segedunum, 80 metres of the remains of Hadrian's Wall can also be seen. The range of attractions therefore extends from a coastal circular walk and woodland paths to preserved traces of the Roman past.

Getting around the area

All Metro stations are accessible via step-free entrances, ramps or lifts. In addition, low-floor buses and the Shields Ferry connect North Shields with South Shields. For further exploration of Tyne and Wear, you can also visit Washington, Seaton Burn, Holystone, Hebburn, North Shields, Whickham, East Boldon and New Herrington.

When comparing holiday apartments in Tyne and Wear, check the exact location, type of accommodation, occupancy, included services, price components, and booking and cancellation conditions on the relevant listing page.

For the main travel overview: North East England.