A Guide to the County of Tyne and Wear, Naturally
Tyne and Wear is a county that is one of England’s coldest, as it sits on the same latitude as Scandinavia (it’s only the Gulf Stream that prevents it being covered with snow each winter). Home to the city of Newcastle and the town of Gateshead, it’s pretty near to the border with Scotland.
So you don’t think of sandy beaches, when someone mentions Tyneside! But actually it’s home to quite a few popular north-east holiday destinations.
If out walking, always follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. If at the coast, read about how to keep dogs safe by the seaside.
Tyne Bridge: A Feat of Northern Victorian Engineering
One of England’s most iconic bridges is Tyne Bridge, the one that links the city of Newcastle and the large town of Gateshead in northeast England. It’s used daily by many people, who often live in one area, and work in the other.
The bridge was opened to great fanfare in 1928, after taking three years to build (one man sadly died during construction, when he fell into the river).
The arch shape looks similar to that of Australia’s Sydney Harbour Bridge. But in fact this bridge in England was built first, so it’s likely the Aussie bridge was influenced by Tyneside, not the other way around!
Another bridge that this is compared to is New York’s Hell Gate Bridge (who would name a bridge after the gates of Hell?!) Now used by Amtrak (passenger railroad services), this was built in 1917 so may have influenced English architects.
Formerly the world’s longest steel bridge, it’s so strong it survived Nazi bombs. And experts say without maintenance, it could survive for 1000 years!
Providing Habitats for Coastal Kittiwakes
Made from strong steel, Tyne Bridge provides a strong backdrop for nesting kittiwakes, around 700 use it each year, hidden from view. In fact, Tyne Side now boasts the largest colonies of inland breeding kittiwakes on earth.
Local wildlife experts have been instrumental in persuading those restoring the bridge to avoid netting (that could trap nesting birds) and use alternative methods from those who know, to protect birds that have been there a lot longer than us.
Kittiwakes are gulls. But due to over-fishing, pollution and warming seas, their population has fallen in the UK by 60% in the last 40 years or so. This makes protecting those nesting in Tyne Side so vital.
In fact, despite being a naturally cliff-nesting bird that spends most of the time at sea, this area has become a haven for gulls that previously would have nested on shipwrecks even.
Unlike most gulls, kittiwakes (who only have three toes) are not scavengers, so you won’t find them stealing your chips or on landfill sites.
Learn more on how to protect seaside homes of wild gulls.
To attract a female, male kittiwakes perform a ‘head-jerk dance!’
The Main 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 (surprisingly sandy) Beaches of Tyneside
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’.
