The north east county of Tyne and Wear is brimming with cultural quayside cities and sandy North Sea beaches like Tynemouth Longsands where the surf is almost always up. Visit Tyne and Wear to discover cosmopolitan Newcastle and Gateshead museums and galleries for a dose of its Roman heritage, cross neon footbridges between redeveloped quays, or chant with the ‘Toon Army’ at a Magpies game - you'll soon feel like a true Geordie! Head to Sunderland for sparkling shopping malls and landscaped Victorian parks, not to mention more football, and stop by Washington to visit the Wetlands, one of the most unique things to do in Tyne and Wear.
Places to visit in Tyne and Wear
Top things to do on a Newcastle city break
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From the Angel of the North to the Victoria Tunnel, discover the best Newcastle landmarks and things to do on a city break to NewcastleGateshead.
Marvel at prehistoric cliffs and caves
The magnificent coastline of South Tyneside tells a story that stretches far beyond the stunning aesthetics of the golden sands and rugged cliffs.
Location: Marsden, South Tyneside
Walk in Roman footsteps at Arbeia Roman Fort
Britain’s biggest and best reconstruction of a Roman fort is the perfect place to immerse yourself in an ancient way of life.
Location: South Shields, South Tyneside
Discover a tale of forbidden love at Bessie Surtees' house
A tale of forbidden love to rival Romeo and Juliet is immortalised in Bessie Surtees’ 16th century house, tucked behind NewcastleGateshead's quayside
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
Experience panoramic views on Grey’s Monument
Experience panoramic views and close encounters with a former Prime Minister, followed by a well-earned cup of Earl Grey tea.
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
Go to the movies 1930s style at Tyneside Cinema
Live the glamour of 1930s cinema-going at this restored movie theatre, with free newsreel screenings, guided tours, a stylish bar and recent releases.
Location: NewcastleGateshead, Tyne and Wear
Free fun for the family at Monkwearmouth Station Museum
Monkwearmouth Station Museum has received national commendations for work with young children and provides fun and education for the whole family.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Take part in your very own Time Team project at Hadrian’s Wall
Join the Wallquest community archaeology project, and discover what secrets lie on the eastern sections of Hadrian’s Wall.
Location: South Shields, Tyne and Wear
Take on the challenging Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail
Follow in the footsteps of an Emperor along the Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail.
Location: Wallsend, Tyne and Wear
June events: Cheer on a winner at the Northumberland Plate Festival
Put on your posh frocks and enjoy three days of racing and live music at one of the biggest events in the North East horseracing calendar.
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
Go ghost hunting in Newcastle Castle
Uncover the horrifying history and hauntings of the castle from which Newcastle gets its name.
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear
Explore the colourful history of Newcastle Castle
Step back in time to discover life through the ages, from the Norman invasion to Victorian slums, at the city’s recently revamped attraction.
Location: NewcastleGateshead, Tyne and Wear
Climb the grassy hill to iconic Penshaw Monument
Roam picturesque parkland, spy flamingos and otters, admire sculptures and climb the secret staircase of this famous monument for panoramic views.
Location: Penshaw and Washington, Tyne and Wear
Trace a president’s past to Washington Old Hall
The ancestral home of first US president George Washington is an atmospheric stone manor with fragrant gardens, set in a picturesque village.
Location: Washington, Tyne and Wear
Try out Glass Blowing at the National Glass Centre
Take a masterclass in glass at this modern museum, which celebrates 1,400 years of a local craft with glittering displays and glassmakers in action.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Pay homage to the written word in South Shields
Step inside The Word, National Centre for the Written Word, a state-of-the-art venue in South Shields.
Location: South Shields, South Tyneside
Enter the world of Anglo-Saxon Northumbria at Jarrow Hall
Discover the incredible story of Anglo-Saxon Northumbria and the extraordinary life of the Venerable Bede.
Location: Jarrow, South Tyneside, Tyne and Wear