Things to do in Tyne and Wear

Tyne and Wear has a wide choice of great of days out to keep all the family entertained. Visit the Centre for Life and be prepared to be amazed – get hands on with science, see the exhibits and visit the planetarium. The Discovery Museum is housed in an icon building in Newcastle city centre – be wowed by the 34 metre long steam powered ship – Turbinia – once the world’s fastest ships and them immerse yourself in The Newcastle Story – a timeline of the city from Roman times. The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art is a must for those interested in the arts. For the history of Sunderland head to Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens – the collections date back to 1846 – just don’t get bitten by Wallace the lion!

Tyne & Wear is the hot bed of football in the North East – and you can take stadium tours of both Newcastle United’s St. James Park and Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light.

Tyne and Wear’s has number of important houses, stately homes and glorious gardens open to the public. Belsay Hall is an interesting combination of impressive of gardens that link a Greek revival and medieval mansion where you can climb the tower for views across neighbouring Northumberland. Washington Old Hall is a 17th century manor house with links to George Washington’s ancestors – you can observe the displays and view a number of collections including paintings and furniture. Hylton Castle is a ruined 14th century and the Benedictine monastery of Monkwearmouth- Jarrow abbey was originally built in AD 674.
Garden lovers shouldn’t miss Seaton Delaval Hall – where history stretches back over 900 years. Take in the topiary, fountains and pond on your stroll around the grounds.

Looking for some retail therapy? Then head for NewcastleGateshead – designer brands, independent boutiques and familiar high street names abound at locations such as the Metrocentre and Eldon Square. When you’re fit to drop there are plenty places to grab a bite to eat and recover! When recovered don’t miss out on the vibrant night life. Looking for something exclusive? – pay a visit to Grainger Town home to browse a selection of boutiques – and if you are in the area then the it is well worth putting your head into the triple domed building that is the Central Arcade – the roof work is amazing – even if you don’t buy anything!

Tyne and Wear’s famous names include former footballers Alan Shearer and Paul Gascoigne, TV presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, James Herriot, comic genius Rowan Atkinson, journalist Kate Adie and rock star Sting.

Tyne and Wear has a large range of annual events including Sunderland Steam Spectacular, Gateshead Summer Flower Show, the multi venue Summer Tyne Festival, Sunderland International Air Show and sporting attraction – The Great North Run.
Tyne and Wear’s famed food includes Saveloy Dip – smoked sausage sandwich smothered in pease pudding or mustard, Stotties – a round flat bread, the casserole dish, Panaculty and of course Newcastle Brown Ale.

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