Campsites in Tyne and Wear

Superb museums, architectural marvels, beautiful outdoor spaces and diverse activities to get stuck into are just some of the reasons that make Tyne and Wear a great holiday destination. Whether you’re planning a short weekend getaway or an extended trip, travelling with friends, a partner, the family or going solo, your stay is sure to be a great one with these excellent Tyne and Wear attractions...

Don’t Miss

• Victoria Tunnel
• Angel of the North
• Gateshead Millennium Bridge
• Tynemouth Longsands Beach
• Grey Street

Sightseeing

Sightseers who are looking for something more unusual to visit during their stay can have exactly that with the Victoria Tunnel. This 19^th century preserved waggonway runs underground from the Town Moor to the Tyne and was used for transporting coal. The tunnel was also utilized as a WWII air raid shelter, while today visitors can explore the tunnel through an intriguing guided tour.

Alternatively take the explorations aboveground and discover Grainger Town in Newcastle upon Tyne, which is a treat for sightseers with an interest in 19^th century architecture. A beautiful collection of streets and buildings can be found within this area, including Grey Street which is well known for its grand Georgian architecture and is home to the Theatre Royale, a Grade 1 listed building, as well as the Grade 1 listed Grey's Monument which is a monument to Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey and a British Prime Minister.

The famous Gateshead Millennium Bridge is also a sight well worth seeing. The tilt bridge can be crossed on foot or by bike and visitors can plan a visit to coincide with tilt times , as well as see it at night in order to fully appreciate the lighting displays on the bridge.

Sightseers who want to spend a few hours relaxing in picturesque surroundings should make their way to Saltwell Park. This beautiful Victorian park has plenty of attractions to entice visitors, including a boating lake, children’s play areas, a maze and a mix of woodland and ornamental gardens. A highlight is Saltwell Towers, a 19^th century Gothic mansion that is now the Saltwell Park Visitors Centre  and includes a tearoom, information on the park’s history, as well as regular art exhibitions. Jesmond Dene  also offers tranquil surroundings to explore at a leisurely pace. This wooded valley is home to a variety of wildlife such as red squirrels and kingfishers, while a variety of domesticated animals can be seen at Pets Corner near the entrance of Jesmond Dene.

Tynemouth Longsands Beach  is another natural attraction that is sure to appeal to beach lovers of all ages with its extensive stretch of sand that is great for walks no matter what season it is. Lifeguards are present during the summer months, while dogs are allowed at the north of the beach during winter. This Blue Flag 2014 and Seaside Award 2014 winner is also a popular spot for surfing. Those who are passionate about the sea will also enjoy visiting St Mary’s Lighthouse  which dates from the 19^th century and can be accessed by a causeway. The surrounding area is a nature reserve containing varied habitats such as rock pools, grassland and wetland.   

Visitors with an interest in architecture will appreciate a visit to Tynemouth Priory and Castle  which was once one of England’s biggest fortified areas. The site has 2000 years of history behind it which can be discovered through an intriguing exhibition. Another architectural attraction that is well worth visiting is St Nicholas Cathedral in Newcastle with its attractive features including high vaulted ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows.

Visitors looking for entertaining shows have a great selection of venues to choose from. Sage Gateshead  is a great venue for music fans, with a variety of shows ranging from classical to folk, while the Theatre Royal  provides a host of entertainment including musicals, ballet, opera, comedy and more. If a wonderful night of cabaret is in order, head to Boulevard for a fantastic mix of comedy and dance.   

Tyne and Wear also has a great assortment of cultural attractions to entice visitors, such as the Discovery Museum  which has impressive and diverse collections spanning areas such as maritime history, social history, costumes, as well as regimental military items. The Great North Museum  boasts a range of intriguing collections on subjects such as archaeology, world cultures and geology, while car enthusiasts will love visiting the Newburn Hall Motor Museum. Art lovers are also sure to enjoy a trip to the Biscuit Factory which is the biggest art, craft and design gallery in the UK.

Anyone who is a fan of Newcastle United will appreciate a tour of St James’ Park. During the tour visitors will be taken to the highest point in the stadium which promises great views and will also be able to see inside the home dressing room, the media suite, as well as the dugouts.

A visit to see the famous Angel of the North is also a highly memorable experience. An iconic piece of modern art, the Angel rises over twenty metres high and has a 54-metre wingspan. 

Activities

Outdoor enthusiasts who are keen to explore the coast should pop into Cullercoats Bike & Kayak where bikes and kayaks can be hired for discovering the local area. For those who would prefer a guided tour rather than exploring by themselves, a choice of fun biking and kayaking tours are also available.

Adventure seekers will find a variety of adrenaline-fueled activities on offer at Endless Adventure North East. With great activities including rock climbing, gorge walking, abseiling, canyoning, via ferrata, mountain biking, whitewater tubing and adventure rafting on offer, those who like to get active are sure to have an exciting day out.

Anyone who’s keen for surfing, from beginners to more experienced surfers, can dive into the action at Longsands Surf School which caters to participants aged 8 years and older. The Tynemouth Surf Co also offers surfing lessons for kids and adults alike who are keen to hit the waves.

In addition, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of walking routes to suit a range of walking preferences, from easy strolls to challenging walks. It is also possible to walk part of the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail. On the other hand, cyclists who are keen to explore by bike can get out and about on a range of cycling routes that cover a variety of different locations in the county.

Family Days Out

When out with the family you always want something that is fun, stimulating and exciting and the Escape Newcastle Classic Live Escape Game delivers . The game is based in an everyday living room where you are given a single hour to escape. The family will love working as a team to find the clues, solve the puzzles and seek out the hidden drawers to find their way out the room.

Looking for a place that combines lots of fun with exhilarating rides? Then head to Ocean Beach Pleasure Park which contains more than 40 different rides and activities offering serious fun for younger and older family members alike.

The Bill Quay Community Farm offers a wonderful day out where the whole family can interact with the animals of a working farm and see the rare breeds kept there. This farm boasts hairy Tamworth Pigs, Hebridean Sheep, Bagot goats and Scots Grey Chickens which are all rare breeds of farm animals, along with cute critters such as ferrets, rabbits and chinchillas.

The Life Science Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne is the leading science centre in the area and one of the leading centres in the UK. Its large range of family-friendly interactions and experiments make it a great place to visit. With attractions such as a planetarium, live science shows, hands-on exhibitions and a Young Explorers’ Zone aimed at kids younger than 7 years old, there’s no shortage of great entertainment for the whole family on offer here.  

Getting There and Getting Around

Tyne and Wear can be easily accessed by car thanks to an excellent network of roads which also make it convenient to get around the region by driving. Travellers can expect a journey time of around five and a half hours driving from London to Tyne and Wear. Visitors may also wish to reach the county by train or coach services or alternatively by plane courtesy of Newcastle Airport.

Visitors can make use of handy local public transport including train, metro, ferry and bus services for getting around Tyne and Wear, as well as local taxi services.