Tyne and Wear Tourist Information

The county of Tyne and Wear is situated in the north east of England around the estuaries of the River Tyne and River Wear. It was once the largest ship building area in the world. Many changes have taken place due to the closure of this traditional industry. However the area has undergone significant regeneration creating new leisure, arts and cultural venues. Tyne and Wear has award winning beaches, vibrant cities, museums, galleries, interesting attractions, sporting facilities and entertainments to suit all. Tyne and Wear Tourist Information can be found in each of the five areas of the county.

Tyne and Wear Tourist Information centre is located in Princess Square, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Newcastle is famous for its friendly welcome, great shopping, dining, entertainment and nightlife. Newcastle has many interesting attractions. In Blandford Square is Discovery Museum - an exciting interactive experience for all. The Life Science Centre in Times Square is a fascinating place to visit. The Laing Art Gallery not only has a fine collection of art and crafts, but provides a children's gallery with soft play area as well. Hancock Museum is the north east's premier natural science museum.

Visitors to the Gateshead area can't fail to notice Angel of the North - Britain's largest sculpture - towering over the Team Valley from its hilltop site.

Tyne and Wear Tourist Information is available in Gateshead Visitor Centre, housed in St Mary's Church. Gateshead is famous as the home of the Metro Centre, Europe's largest retail and leisure complex. There's also Gateshead International Stadium, a premier athletics venue. Gateshead Quays is the historic heart of the town, now being regenerated into a world class arts, leisure and residential destination. Baltic is an exciting new centre for contemporary art. Other attractions include Shipley Art Gallery with a gallery dedicated to the town's history, its people and their skills. At Blaydon is Path Head Water Mill, a restored 18th century working water mill, the grounds of which have picnic areas and woodland walks.

In the Sunderland district, Tyne and Wear Tourist Information is available in the city of Sunderland, situated at the mouth of the River Wear. This thriving city derived its prosperity from coal mining, shipbuilding, and glass making. Sunderland offers an excellent shopping centre, many independent shops, boutiques and restaurants to tempt you as you explore its fine old Victorian streets. Sunderland Museum in Burdon Road tells the story of its past history through to the present day. The Art Gallery features paintings by L.S. Lowry, Victorian masterpieces and artefacts from around the world. The Winter Gardens is an impressive modern building, home to a spectacular collection of flowers and plants. The Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art is situated in the City Library, acclaimed for its changing exhibitions. The National Glass Centre on the north bank of the River Wear is a fascinating experience for visitors of all ages. Other popular attraction in the area are North East Aircraft Museum - the north of England's premier aviation collection - and Monkwearmouth Station Museum.

A short distance to the west is Washington, designated a 'New Town' in 1964. George Washington's ancestors lived in the old village from 1183 until they moved south, before immigrating to Virginia USA in 1657. The family home, Washington Old Hall, in the care of the National Trust, is a typical example of a 17th century small manor house and is open to the public. Washington is also home to Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Washington. South east of the town is one of the north east's most imposing landmarks - Penshaw Monument. It was built in 1844 in honour of the first Earl of Durham, John George Lambton. The monument was modelled on the Thesion, the Temple of Theseus in Athens. It is located off the A183, Chester Road, Penshaw, Houghton-le-Street, opposite Herrington Country Park.

Tyne and Wear Tourist Information can be found in South Shields, a busy market town in the South Tyneside district. South Tyneside coastline offers stunning cliff top walks and clean sandy beaches, ideal for family days out. Inland are several walking and cycling routes to explore. Call in at the Tourist Information centre for details. There are lovely old towns and quiet villages in the area to discover such as Whitburn, Cleandon and Westoe. Nearby attractions include South Shields Museum, Arbeia Roman Fort and Souter Lighthouse.

Along the estuary is Jarrow, formerly another great shipbuilding town and the starting point for the Jarrow Marchers, who in 1936 took their 'Crusade for Jobs' to London. The Church of St Paul was part of the Jarrow Monastery where the Venerable Bede taught and wrote his history of the Church. The attraction 'Bede's World' is dedicated to the celebration of his life.

North Tyneside shares the same historic coastline. Tyne and Wear Tourist Information can be accessed in North Shields, where you can visit Stephenson Railway Museum. At Whitley Bay, St Mary's island and lighthouse is a famous landmark and the surrounding area is popular with divers and wildlife enthusiasts. Attractions in the area include Blue Reef Aquarium, Segedunum Roman Fort and Seaton Delaval Hall.