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Arbeia Roman Fort & Museum

Remains of a 4th-c Roman fort that once guarded the main sea route to Hadrian's Wall. Large sections have been reconstructed, including the west gate (shown here), the commanding officer's house and a barrack block. The museum houses one of the finest collections of Roman finds from from the local area. Regular activities and ongoing live excavations (see website for details).

Opening times: Apr ~ Oct: Mon - Fri, 10am to 5pm, Sat 11am - 4pm, Sun 1pm to 4pm - Free Entry
Location: Baring Street, South Shields NE33 2BB - Tel: (0191) 277 1410
Website: arbeiaromanfort.org.uk
Image Credit: R J McNaughton (CC2)

Bede's world (Jarrow Hall)

Fascinating museum that celebrates the extraordinary life and works of the Venerable Bede; a monk, scholar and key historian from the 7th-c. The most interesting exhibit is the 'Age of Bede', which displays artifacts excavated from the site of saint Paul's Monastery. Also a reconstructed Anglo Saxon farm and village that includes animals, buildings and food produce that would have been available in Bede's day (see image). Regular events throughout the season.

Opening times: Apr ~ Sept: times vary see website for details - Admission Charge
Location: Church Bank, Jarrow NE32 3DY
Tel: +44 (0)191 424 1585
Website: jarrowhall.org.uk
Image Credit: Andrew Curtis (CC2)

Bowes Railway Centre

Designed by George Stephenson. Bowes is the only rope hauled standard gauge railway that still functions to this day. Over a mile of original track is preserved. Operates on special opening days. Exhibitions of steam locomotives and colliery railway artifacts.

Opening times: times vary see website - Donations Welcome
Location: Springwell Village, Gateshead NE9 7QJ
Tel: 01914 161847
Website: bowesrailway.uk

Baltic Centre For Contemporary Art

A converted grain warehouse once a part of the Baltic flour Mills. Provides an international art centre of the range of contemporary exhibits and even period includes galleries, cinema, auditorium, library and an archive.

Opening times: All year, daily 10am to 6pm (closed Xmas) - Free Entry
Location: South Shore Road, Gateshead Quays NE8 3BA
Tel: 0191 4781810
Website: balticmill.com

Gibside

A beautiful 18th-c landscaped garden and nature reserve, located in the peaceful derwent valley. Discover miles of woodland walks, packed with wildlife and wild flowers. Run by National Trust*

Opening times: all year, daily from 10am - Admission Charge*
Location: Rowlands Gill, Gateshead NE16 6BG
Tel: 01207 541820
Website: nationaltrust.org.uk

Shipley Art Gallery

See amazing displays of modern glass, jewelry, ceramics, textiles and furniture along with historical pieces. The craft gallery featuring hundreds of pieces by local leading artists and crafts people. selection of old painting including Dutch and Flemish works. Also includes an exhibition on the history of Gateshead. Schedule of changing temporary exhibits.

Opening times: Mon - Sat 10am to 5pm, Sun 2pm to 5pm - Free Entry
Location: Prince Consort Rd, Gateshead NE8 4JB
Tel: 0191 477 1495
Website: shipleyartgallery.org.uk

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens

Award winning municipal museum containing extensive displays and hands on exhibits covering archaeology, geology, coal mining and history of the Sunderland shipyards. Several works by LS Lowry on display. The winter gardens are packed with exotic plants from around the world.

Opening times: Mon to Sat 10am to 4pm, Sun 12 to 4pm - Free Entry
Location: Burdon road, Sunderland SR1 1PP
Tel: 0191 561 2323
Website: sunderland.gov.uk

Wildfowl And Wetlands Trust - Washington

Gain an insight into the wonder of the wetlands and its need for conservation. Wetlands Discovery centre packed with things to do for all ages. Take a delightful walk in Spring Gill Wood or visit the waterfowl nursery to watch ducklings and goslings hatch.

Opening times: daily from 9.30am (seasonal closing times) - Admission Charge
Location: Pattinson, Washington, Tyne and Wear NE38 8LE
Tel: 0191 416 5454
Website: wwt.org.uk

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Towns & Cities in Tyne & Wear

Gateshead, Houghton le Spring, Jarrow, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, South Shields, Sunderland, Whitley Bay, Washington

Please note that the above information was accurate at the time this page was last updated. This information is subject to change at any time (opening times in particular), therefore if you plan on visiting any of the above attractions, please check the owner's website first or phone them for the latest details.