Short Break in South Shields: the resort at the mouth of the River Tyne

 

So, you want ancient Rome in a seaside resort (for FREE!)?  You want surfing the equal of Newquay? And you want a hotel room with close-up views of ocean liners and the romantic ruins of a Priory on the cliffs above?  England has it – in Tyneside.

I took the metro service east from Newcastle to South Shields and the mouth of the Tyne. The high street area has some great old buildings. It’s quite edgy – what people in Camden call ‘real’. Walking down to the front, I came to Britain’s second oldest lifeboat (the oldest is in Redcar) proudly displayed as a sculpture of human achievement.

Then there are the seaside rides of Ocean Beach Pleasure Park (£15 for an unlimited ride wrist-band; try EXTREME 3 for mega g-force!)  Or for something more sedate, the Lottery-restored Victorian public park (complete with miniature railway) is lovely and, on the beach, there’s really, really clean sand.  I headed to my hotel – the Little Haven – passing through a set of sculptures called “The Conversation Piece” which look like weebles (wobble but they don’t fall down…). The view from the hotel up to Tynemouth Priory (English Heritage) will quickly tempt you onto the ferry over the Tyne.

What brilliant strategic views! No wonder the army took it over when the church was driven out…!  Tynemouth itself is a pretty, café culture place. Longsands beach there is a surfing must. Even the derelict 1930s paddling pool is great for arty photos and, if you prefer things pristine, a little further north is lovely Cullercoats Bay.  But I was intrigued to go back to South Shields and follow brown signs to “Roman Fort”.  Bang in the middle of a Victorian housing estate I found it – Arbeia! A Gatehouse has been reconstructed. So has the Governor’s villa.  And a barracks – and all of it on the original Roman foundations. Take the kids – it’s free entry and it’ll bring their history lessons to life! Oh, and take a bike – I wish I had! – the cycle network here will give you hours of superb exploration.  

Let us know your favourite places to visit in Tyneside?

Blogger: Stuart Barrow

Comments

[RSA]

Perfect timing just in time for my vacation leave. I have never been there, but from the looks of it, it must be great.

[esther]

Newcastle and Tyneside have some great places to visit. Personally I am very fond of the city centre of Newcastle. Although I am sure I am missing out on the stunning countryside I enjoy the vibrancy and friendly atmosphere of the city - it far out classes any of the other northern cities I have visited.

[Steve Baylis]

I've never visited Tynside but it's sounds fantastic. I will be sure to book up a short holiday soon.