History and architecture
The town dates back to the Iron Age, and there are signs of Georgian and Victorian architecture in the local houses. It's also said that three historic kings are buried at the old monastery.
On the Village Green, there are war memorials and a statue of Queen Victoria.
Tynemouth Castle and Priory sits overlooking the pier and the North Sea. It defended the town during WWI and WWII, with an artillery fort and coastal defences. The castle ruins are large enough to spend an afternoon wandering round.
Things to do in Tynemouth
Take a walk down Tynemouth Pier to get to the old lighthouse. The pier is actually a breakwater made from stone, built to temper the sea's rush against the coast. Tours of the lighthouse, which is still operational, are run by a local heritage group.
You can get a closer look at sea life and underwater creatures at the Blue Reef Aquarium. Catch one of the daily seal shows, or watch sharks and stingrays swim around in the huge tanks.
Tynemouth Longsands Beach is popular with surfers and holds a Blue Flag award for cleanliness. You can walk dogs on the beach during the winter months.
Tyne & Wear
The Metro station in Tynemouth is on the Yellow Line between St James and South Shields. It is one of the longest-standing stations on the entire network.
Under the covered space around the platforms, the Tynemouth market is held at the station every weekend. There's also a farmers' market in the same place on the third Saturday of the month.
Make the trip to South Shields to explore the Arbeia Roman Fort & Museum. See reconstructions of the ancient buildings and the techniques used to construct them.
