Tyne and Wear is mostly known for the neighbouring cities of Newcastle and Gateshead, but is also home to the towns of North and South Shields (on opposite ends of the River Tyne) and the seaside city of Sunderland.
This area (known for its attractive ‘Geordie’ accent), is cold! It sits on the same latitude as Scandinavia (with a warming Gulf Stream). So bring a thick organic cotton jumper, you’ll be in for chilly nights!
Always follow the Countryside Code, to keep all creatures safe.
If at the coast, read our post on keeping dogs safe by the seaside.
A few years back, you could sail to Sweden from the nearby coast. But due to lack of passengers (and strict environmental regulations), it’s no longer possible. Apart from a freight ship (£800!)
Wild (surprisingly sandy) Beaches
You don’t think of sandy beaches, when someone mentions Tyneside. But Tynemouth’s Longsands Beach is popular, stretching from St Mary’s Lighthouse to the north (reached by a causeway at low tide) and the piers at the Tyne’s mouth, to the south. The nearby village has indie shops, bakeries, and old pubs for a warm-up after a windy walk.
The beaches of Roker and Seaburn are split by a headland, each has its own charm. You can stroll along the revived promenade. Roker Pier lighthouse offers great views, and the Marine Walk is perfect for sunset.
Painter LS Lowry spent his holidays at Seaburn. He holds the record for rejecting honours (five times, including a knighthood). Devoted to his mum, he explained ‘There seemed little point, once Mother was dead’.
Northumberland Park
This Victorian park (not the same as Northumberland National Park) lies between Tynemouth and North Shields. It’s full of blossoming plants, colourful flowerbeds, and shaded paths. You’ll also find a Victorian-style bandstand and medieval herb garden. The pond is home to ducks and dragonflies (who are some of nature’s best fliers!)
Jesmond Dene is a green valley, also in the heart of Newcastle, with wooded trails, waterfalls and bridges. You’ll spot dippers along the Ouseburn stream, and plenty of native wildlife.
In Gateshead, Saltwell is ‘the people’s park’, with ornamental gardens, and wheelchair-friendly paths and play areas.
The Cities and Towns of Tyneside
- Newcastle is linked by several bridges to Gateshead. Originally a Roman fort (2000 years ago), the old castle gave the city its name, and it later became prosperous, due to coal mining and ship building.
- Gateshead is just south of the River Tyne. Both places are looked over by the infamous ‘Angel of the North’, which most people say looks like a Nazi propaganda statue (known locally as ‘the Gateshead flasher!’) On a serious note, critics are concerned about road safety.
- Sunderland sits on the North Sea, and again has a rich ship-building history. It has its own patron saint (Benedict Biscop founded a local monastery; the ruins now a Grade 1 listed building).
The Sunderland Empire Theatre is where Carry On actor Sid James died of a heart attack in 1976. Les Dawson refused to play there again, after saying he saw Sid’s ghost in his dressing room?
The Tyne Bridge: A Feat of Engineering
The bridge that links Newcastle and Gateshead was opened to great fanfare in 1928 (it took three years to build, one man even died during construction, when he fell into the river).
The arch shape looks similar to Sydney Harbour Bridge, but this was built first. Made from strong steel, the real fans are around 700 kittiwakes, who use the bridge for nesting.
This area is not just on the River Tyne. The River Wear is also here, beginning in the hills of County Durham, passing through Sunderland and flowing east to the cold North Sea.
Freerangers: Handmade Vegan Shoes from Tyneside
Freerangers (also sold on Etsy) is one of England’s premier shoemakers. These are not ‘high fashion’, but super-comfortable and made to last years (each pair is signed by the maker, you can even send soles back for repair).
In many colours, choose from loafers, sandals and boots – this company also makes bags, satchels and even vegan sporrans. Wey aye man!
As Europe does not offer half sizes, go to a shoe shop and get your feet measured before purchase, to avoid the hassle of returns. Vegan shoes are really easy to clean, usually with a damp cloth.
Leather is not a by-product of the meat industry, and often big shoe brands outsource to the far east, where there are few animal welfare (or human rights) laws. Choosing quality vegan leather shoes (not pleather plastic that make your feet sweat) is an investment you won’t regret!
Tyne Chease: Artisan Vegan Cheeses
Tyne Chease (based just outside Newcastle) makes organic cashew cheeses (they don’t melt, more for cheeseboards, with fruit and wine). All have a tangy taste (apple-smoked, pink peppercorn, pickled onion, Ethiopian spice and cream cheeses in glass jars, plus a creamy nacho dip. It even makes vegan camembert.
Avoid ‘blue cheeses’ and unpasteurised miso if pregnant/nursing or weak immunity. Keep these cheeses away from children and pets, due to salt, spices and macadamia nuts. Read more on food safety for people & pets.
Due to the chilled nature of these foods, arrange for parcels to be sent to a local Service Point (or collected by a neighbour or safe space) if you are going to be out. Keep dry ice away from children and pets.
