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
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
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
July Events: South Tyneside Festival
This fabulous summer festival brings three months of free entertainment to the vibrant seaside resort of South Shields.
Location: South Shields, Tyne and Wear
Brighten up your autumn with Sunderland Illuminations
Don't mourn the arrival of longer, darker nights; let the North East coastal city of Sunderland fill your autumn with light and magic.
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