Northumbria

Newcastle

I am a bit biased, but I think that the Tyne Bridge is one of the most beautiful bridges there is. It's probably the most recognisable symbol of Newcastle for people all over the world.

The Angel of the North


Whether you love it or hate it the "Angel of the North" certainly commands attention. Designed by Antony Gormley , it was positioned close to the A1/A167 junction in February 1998. It is, without doubt, a striking landmark.

Tynemouth

Tynemouth Castle and Priory have a long history. A church was first built there in the 7th century. The Benedictine Priory dates back to 1090 and was later fortified by Richard II. Early Northumbrian kings were buried here. More recently gun batteries were housed here in WW1

Beamish Open Air Museum

Beamish Open Air Museum is more like a theme park which shows northern life in the early 20th century. There are various areas to visit, connected by old buses, trams, steam trains and vintage cars. You can go to the pit village, which has a drift mine you can go down, there are tiny cottages to see and the old school to explore, in the church you can sometimes hear the choir singing.
In the Town; the main street	In the town the street has shops, a pub, a newspaper and print office, a "motor and cycle" workshop, various houses and the park. All are "manned" with people in authentic costume. At the back of the sweet shop, they demonstrate the making of the sweets; in the print shop you can watch the newssheets and posters being printed. The houses are fascinating, one is the doctor's house with it's surgery, there's a solicitors office, the music teacher's house and the dentist's.
The station is a snapshot of history, as is the old fashioned fairground. There is also the local "big" house, Pockerley Manor to see, it's shown as it was in the early 1800's. The drift mine, the farm and the Manor were already on the site, but the other buildings were moved from elsewhere in the region and rebuilt in Beamish, then carefully furnished with authentic items. Apparently, many more historic acquisitions are kept in store, awaiting new "homes".	The Music Teacher's House
1912 Armstrong Whitworth replica	The museum continues to develop, with "new" features regularly being added. The staff who work there are fascinating to listen to, they dress, act, and speak the "part" they are playing and bring the history of the area to life.

Northumberland | Newbiggin by the Sea | Near Newbiggin
Inland Northumbria | Tyne and Around