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
Make a splash at Sandhaven Beach
Sandcastles, surf and smiles await in the fantastic seaside town of South Shields!
Location: South Shields, South Tyneside
Visit Jesmond Dene, a little green in the City
Do you love to picnic? Visit NewcastleGateshead to experience the beautiful wildlife corridor that leads to the centre of Newcastle.
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
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
Watch films for less at the Tyneside Cinema
If affordable cinema and cheap drinks are up your street, then Tyneside Cinema’s discounted film nights could be just the thing.
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
Discover the vibrant Ouseburn
Ouseburn is one of the most visually attractive, creatively exciting and historically fascinating areas in the North East.
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
Uncover Newcastle Highbridge Street
A cobbled hideaway off the Georgian grandeur of Grey Street, High Bridge is a must visit to uncover independent shopping and the city’s oldest pub!
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
Visit the Angel of the North
Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North is one of the UK’s most famous pieces of public art.
Location: Gateshead, Tyne and Wear
Follow art trails around NewcastleGateshead
Throughout NewcastleGateshead you will discover public art in the most surprising of places from figurative sculptures to conceptual work.
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
September events: Test your fitness levels at The Great North Run
The Great North Run is an iconic half marathon with more than 54,000 runners registering to take part every year.
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
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
Go behind the scenes at Sunderland Empire Theatre
Tread the same boards as a young Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy and the Beatles on a tour of this enchanting old Edwardian theatre.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Rainy Day Activities: Sunderland Museum
Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens is a great place for the whole family to spend the day – and it’s free.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Animal antics at Down at the Farm
Down at the Farm is one of Sunderland's most popular farms, home to a wide range of rare breed animals including giant tortoises, alpacas, raccoons, donkeys and red deer.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Settle down on Sunderland's award-winning beaches
Grab a blanket, a picnic and your favourite flip flops, and head down to the beautiful twin-beach resorts of Roker and Seaburn.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Go Walrus hunting at Sunderland Museum
Discover the inspirational statue behind the Lewis Carroll poem Walrus and the Carpenter.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
July events: Sunderland International Airshow
Pack a picnic, head to the beach and lie back for dazzling aerial acrobatics, classic aircraft, live music, fireworks and traditional seaside fun.
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