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Check AvailabilityRowan Cottage is a 3 bedroom two storey holiday accommodation that sleeps 6 and is located in Consett, Northern England. This property does not allow pets. Prices range from £462 to £772 per week and the accommodation has an average rating of 6.7 out of 10.
Overlooking 20 acres of grounds surrounding one of Northumberland’s premier hotels are these comfortable cottages. The spacious grounds with far reaching views offer plenty of space for relaxation and are the perfect setting for family celebrations. Visitors also enjoy use of the hotel’s leisure club and acclaimed restaurant (booking advisable) and bar which offers a range of facilities including an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna and spa pool. Ideal for exploring the county’s many attractions, Durham’s magnificent cathedral and Newcastle’s Metro Centre and Blinking Eye Millennium bridge are all about 15 miles away, whilst set amid the breathtaking scenery of the Border country is the famous 2,000 year old boundary (and designated World Heritage site) of Hadrian’s Wall. Within easy driving distance are the award winning Beamish Open Air Museum, Hexham, a historic town with a Saxon abbey and ancient marketplace; the market town of Barnard Castle with its 12th century castle; and medieval Raby Castle with its 200 acre deer park. This corner of the country includes some of the highest, wildest and most beautiful scenery in England – an absolute delight for bird watchers, walkers and cyclists (cycle hire is available locally). Nearby, Hamsterley Forest provides miles of lovely forest and riverside walks, and, adjacent to one of the most attractive sections of the Pennine Way, woodland walks lead to High Force, England’s largest waterfall. The uncrowded roads provide superb touring, and Kielder Forest, the Scottish borders, the Northumbrian coast and the Lake District are all easily accessible. Horse riding is available locally, Derwent Reservoir offers both coarse and fly fishing close by and golf can be enjoyed at Slaley Hall, 8 miles. The nearest shops can be found in the village of Castleside 1.5 miles.
An absolute must visit. Delicious food, exceptional service and a superb setting. Elegant, funky and very relaxed; this venue has a whole host of events on throughout the week. Go casual early and enjoy the laid back atmosphere, or dress up for dinner later in the evening and have a cocktail in this vibrant restaurant.
Enjoy excellent food complemented by an extensive wine list and first-class service in the exceptionally comfortable and relaxing ambiance of the Red Well Inn.
This friendly family run pub offers three distinct experiences in each of its cocktail bar, lounge and restaurant. The restaurant's proud claim is to serve a 'world of food' in an eclectic menu ranging from oriental dishes to meat platters.
These tearooms are popular for their seasonal farm-fresh menu of light lunches, homemade cakes and refreshments. Its farm shop also stocks locally produced fruit and vegetables, cheeses and award-winning home reared and prepared meats.
This traditional village pub serves good home cooked food and is especially renowned for its Sunday lunches.
Hall Hill Farm is home to a number of farmyard animals, some of which you can stroke and feed. Visitors here can enjoy a complimentary farm trailer ride and there are also donkey rides.
Beamish is a world famous open air museum whose reconstructed streets and houses tell the story of the people of North East England at two important points of their history - 1825 and 1913.
The Giants Den is a massive 15,000 square feet of non-stop fun for children up to 12 years of age. The adventure starts here!
Durham is a compact city offering a wide range of attractions, shops and restaurants. The panoramic view of the cathedral and castle has been described as ?one of the finest architectural experiences of Europe? and together they are now designated a World Heritage Site.
Lots and lots of things to keep the children occupied here at Adventurelands, from climbing frames, towers and rope bridges to motorised car tracks.
The centre operates with families in mind and children can meet hundreds of parkland animals in a parkland setting. Lots of children's activities are run in the school holidays.
Karting North East is best known as a premier karting circuit but, it offers much more with others activities like paintballing, rage rally, archery, off road 4x4 and tomahawk throwing also available. They are located in Warden Law Motorsport Centre in Sunderland offering the perfect environment to pursue the choice of activities on offer. They have a long established reputation that has earned them the position of being one of the best activity centres in the country. Their karting circuit is unparalleled it is both fast and technical with lots of hairpin turns, tight corners, straights and much more. Riders have to be eight to use the karts but there is a two seater kart that children aged five can ride in with an adult, as long as they have a full driving licence. The paintball facility is a newer addition and is the biggest paintball arena in the UK, it is different in that spectators can see you play, it is a realistic combat environment with plenty of features. The off road experience uses a fleet of ex Army Landrovers on a specially designed track. Rage Rally is fast and responsive and offers a thrilling driving experience. All equipment is maintained and of the highest standard and safety is paramount, but, they still ensure a fun time is had by all. Before engaging in an activity a safety briefing is given as well as a run down on equipment, rules etc. The staff are friendly, fun, enthusiastic, patient and highly trained. There are a range of offers and packages available so check these out before booking. There are plenty of areas to sit that are comfortable and offer great views of the track as well as refreshments available, if you are not partaking. Karting North East offers a range of fun and adrenaline filled activities that everyone can get involved in and have fun with, a great group or family outing, children will love you if you book a sesion here.
Waves Leisure Pool offers the ultimate fun and thrills in a water environment. This superb pool has super facilities and amazing attractions with a choice of slides, wave pool, mini pirate ship complete with water cannons and slides, and fountains too. The facilities are clean and well maintained and the changing rooms have lots of space and offer easy access to the pool. There is plenty of staff on duty to supervise the area. There is a shallow section for the smaller children and the older ones will enjoy the three lane slide and wave pool that operates every half an hour. They serve a good selection of hot and cold food that is all tasty and well priced. Waves Leisure Pool is excellently priced and offers great value for the fun and entertainment it offers, it will easily keep young and older children amused, making a for a great family activity. Can get busy in peak times and they are strict on the parent to child ratio so check with them before going to avoid disappointment.
HMS Trincomalee represents the pinnacle of the ship restorer's craft and visitors can now savour its unique atmosphere and experience what life was like onboard this classic British Frigate.
Marsden Beach is a wide sandy bay that is sheltered by limestone cliffs. It is overlooked by the 139ft high Marsden rock that is well known for being home to a number of seabird colonies. Children will love playing in the sand and exploring the rock pools and the caves in the rock when the tide is out. It offers lovely walks along the cliffs with gorgeous views. Access is via about 130 wooden uneven steps or you can take the lift. The beach is immaculate and very clean and well maintained. There is a cafe at the bottom of the lift that serves refreshments. Marsden Beach is very scenic with its rugged coastline of pillars, arches and caves and does not get too busy so makes for a great place to come for peace and quiet, or to bird watch.
Tynemouth has two beaches boasting excellent long stretches of golden sands that are very popular all year round. King Edwards Bay and Longsands are regular award winners. Sit and relax or play some beach sports on either stretch of sand at Tynemouth before getting a Mr. Whippy and some fish and chips!
A former railway line that is now a lovely traffic free path open to pedestrians, cycles, horses, and dogs, its 10.5 mile route winds all the way up from Swalwell to Consett.
One for history lovers and walkers alike — 84 miles of national trail will take you along the riverside route in Tyneside, through Tynedale farmland and will gradually descends into the delightful Cumbrian landscape.
A gentle 2 mile walk through some lovely farmland, past the beautiful St Mary?s Magdalene Church and the impressive 5-sided keep in Mitford Castle.
Prudhoe Waterworld has a 25m pool incorporated into a free form shape with shallow beach area, a wave machine and 40m aqua-slide plus plenty of other activities.
F1K Indoor Go karting Newcastle is a fast adrenaline fuelled motorsport experience that is suitable for all from 8 years and over. Safety, professionalism and value for money can be found at this all weather indoor venue.
A splendid 18-hole golf course set in undulating parkland with fine views over the Tyne Valley.
Just one mile north of Barnard Castle town centre, this is an excellent 18 hole golf course. Play a round on this beautiful course and soak up the lovely, local scenery.
This community leisure centre offers a range of facilities including a 25m swimming pool, toddler pool, skate park, squash courts, adventure play area and fitness suite.
Whitley Bay Ice rink is used by thousands of people each week. Whether you are an experienced ice skater, hockey player or absolute beginner, the ice rink is a great place for all year round fun.
For all your parachuting needs! Based on Shotton Airfield, it offers parachuting and light aviation. Basic parachute courses involve a day's training before 3,200ft solo jump.
This community swimming pool offers a range of facilities including a 25m swimming pool, 3 diving boards and two water slides. You can also play squash or hit the gym.
Clay pigeon shooting for all ages in a carefully controlled environment with fully qualified instructors, where safety is of the utmost importance.
With plenty of waymarked cycle and walking trails, this is the perfect start point from which to explore the beautiful nearby North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It also features a visitor's centre, tearooms and an adventure play area.
Summerhill Country Park and Outdoor Nature Reserve combines two very different but appealing attractions in one site. Extending to 100 acres there is ample space to run and roam around, children will love playing hide and seek amongst the trees and playing in the two adventure playground. There are nature trails to explore, they vary in length as well as bike trails, where you will see lots of the local wildlife. The activities available here include indoor climbing, archery, balance bikes, high rope courses, mountain biking and environmental activities. They run a range of events and clubs, aimed at all ages, with an explorers club, pond dipping, mini beast safari, seasonal discovery walks, Nordic walking, seasonal art and craft activities, den building and lots more. There are lots of activities aimed at families for the school holidays. There is a nice cafe that serves a good election of hot and cold meals, it is warm and inviting and the prices are very reasonable, perfect on a cold winters day. The park is well maintained and kept clean. There is a visitor centre where you can get information on the park and the history of the region from Saxon times to present. The park is open daily and there is no charge for entry however, the certain activities have to be paid for and it is advisable to book these in advance. Summerhill Country Park offers loads of wide open space, fresh air, peace and tranquillity and an abundance of activities if required, the ideal place for a day out as something to suit everyone and it doesn't have to be expensive.
A moorland country park on the banks of the Derwent Reservoir, ideal for that country walk with the dog or cycling by the river.
Set at the very heart of the beautiful Northumberland countryside, this lake is surrounded on all sides by sites of historic importance and stunning views. Explore the woodland and grassed areas in the vicinity.
Whalton Manor Gardens are private gardens that comprise of three acres and are located in the charming village of Whalton in the heart of Northumberland. The gardens date to the 17th century and have been lovingly restored, they are absolutely stunning and are brimming with colourful and aromas, it has some fantastic planting being designed by Lutyens with assistance from Gertrude Jekyll as well as having impressive architectural structures, like the Italianate summerhouse. Other areas of interest are the magnificent walled garden, a large stone paved courtyard, summerhouses, pergolas, a rose garden and stunning herbaceous borders. The gardens are open from April through to October, appointments must be made in advance as they are not open to the public, details are on the website. A tour will take about an hour to an hour and a half and they can be adapted to cater to your requirements, you will be advised on the creation and upkeep of these beautiful gardens, the tours are informative and interesting, the owner Penny is so passionate. Afterwards you can enjoy a delicious wholesome home-cooked lunch or cream tea in the lovely surroundings of the garden. You can purchase a selection of perennial plants, that are grown here. During the year they organise a number of events to showcase the beauty of the gardens with Open days and also productions of Shakespeare's plays are shown. Whalton Manor Gardens are a real treasure and a must if you are an ardent garden lover, or if you just enjoy the beauty of flowers and plants.
Roker Park Conservation Area is a municipal park that first opened to the public in 1880, it is found in a deep natural ravine close to the centre of Sunderland. It is a beautiful park that extends to six hectares of shrubland, flower beds, woodland, manicured lawns and wide open green spaces, a garden for the blind and a boating lake, as well as bowling greens, basketball area, football courts and tennis courts. Amongst the ancient oak trees is a network of caves and tunnels that were used by Smugglers in the past. The park is well designed and maintained and showcases its many fine features. Located in the park is a charming Victorian bandstand that dates to 1880 and is often used by local bands, in addition there is a large water fountain that dates to the same time. Children will love the play area and the miniature railway, that takes them on a ride through the park, or fishing with nets and buckets in the lake or sailing a boat here, or even feeding the ducks. There are plenty of walks and cycle trails to enjoy, with some walks taking you down to the beach at Roker Rocks and the promenade along the sea front. Roker Park has loads to offer and doesn't cost anything, there is not many places that can offer this, regardless of the time of year you visit there is lots to see and do for everyone.
Set in 100 acres of woodland, meadows and riverside. This is the ideal spot for a family day out in the countryside.
All the up to date films are shown in the massive Odeon complex. Check the website for up to date film listings and times.
This shopping centre has over 140 shops, including world famous names so you are sure to find what you are looking for here.
The award winning Laing Art Gallery has truly dynamic exhibitions and excellent interactive, learning events for children and families. These fun sessions work alongside discussions and talks from contemporary artists to create a great atmosphere and passion for art from an early age.
Bowes Railway was originally a colliery railway built to carry coal mainly from pits in North West Durham to the Tyne at Jarrow. See website for public open days and events.
Herrington Country Park is one of the biggest parks in Sunderland and offers its visitors lots to do, with a number of walks, cycle trails, environmental sculptures, large pond and a modern childrens play area as well as a skate/bmx park. It also hosts a number of impressive events such as the "Sunderland Festival", "The Race for Life" and "Pretty Muddy" that everyone can get involved in. The park also hosts one of the biggest open-air concerts in the North East in the amphitheatre. The park is clean, well maintained and laid out with plenty of different walking paths to take in the many features of the park whilst enjoying its peacefulness. The Penshaw Monument overlooks the park, it is a nice walk to the top and you get really good views. Don't forget to take bread to fed the ducks and swans, always plenty of them on the pond. Cafe in the park is small but cosy and serves a selection of beverages and snacks. Herrington Country Park is a lovely country park and perfect on a cold or dry day to enjoy the many features of the park, no real shelter if it rains, everyone will enjoy a trip here.
All your favourite high street shops and designer labels under one roof here at Dalton Park.
Customs House is located in South Tyneside and serves as a premier arts centre that extends fantastic arts and entertainment productions and events to everyone. You will find it in a lovely location on the South bank of the River Tyne in the historic Mill Dam area. It is home to a cinema, theatre and gallery, You will find a diverse programme of events here with dramas, comedies, dance, musicals, bands and much more there is something to appeal to everyone. The cinema is not very large but shows all the latest releases and big blockbusters as well as independent films. The facilities are excellent and you can not fault the acoustics, lighting or seating which is very comfortable and roomy with excellent views of the stage. The Gallery is a bright modern space that showcases the very best of national, international and local contemporary arts methods, there is no charge for entry and you will see a frequently changing collection of exhibits from a broad range of highly skilled and accomplished artists. Customs House has a lovely friendly and welcoming atmosphere and the staff are great so amicable, helpful and polite. The Green Room is where to go to eat and drink whilst here, it is lively and bustling with a great vibe, they serve a great selection of drinks and a a menu that changes weekly with a lovely selection of dishes made from fresh local produce, well cooked, presented and great value too. It is possible to take a tour of the Customs House by phoning and arranging in advance, full details are on the website. Customs House is a real asset to the community, they showcase a fantastic range of productions at great prices, in a beautiful venue that is so convenient a real gem.
River escapes and sightseeing cruises offer an unrivalled way to experience one of the North's great cities and its evolving industries, taking you from past to present.
The Beacon Shopping Centre offers a wide range of high street brands, conveniently located in the centre of North Shields.
Whitehouse Farm Centre is located close to Morpeth and is a a family run Farm that extends to more than forty acres. It is a real hands on attraction, you get to see, hold and feed a diverse range of animals from domestic pets to more unusual and exotic species. There is always something happening to keep everyone entertained, from talks to feeding the animals. There are also indoor and outdoor play areas, with trampolines, bouncy castles and slides. You can also take a tractor ride, or have a go on the indoor racing cars. Nelsons Pig Trough cafe is warm and welcoming and serves a nice selection of home cooked breakfasts, lunches and light snacks that are tasty and well priced. There are also lots of picnic areas if you want to take along your own food. The Gift Shop has a large selection of gifts for all ages, they are not too expensive and there is something to suit every pocket. They are open daily from April through to August and at other times it is mainly just weekends, the website has full details. The staff are lovely, really friendly and helpful. The whole place is clean and well maintained and the facilities are excellent, the animals are well cared for and look very healthy. Whitehouse Farm Centre is a brilliant day out for all the family and has lots of activities to keep everyone entertained, it has great facilities and is excellent value for money too.
South and North Marine Parks each offer their own attractions and have been a prominent feature of the area for many years, South Marine Park dates back to the 1890's. South Marine Park benefits from two lovely walks, two children's play areas, one is home to a giant sandpit compete with diggers and running water wheels, there is ample open green spaces for running around in or playing sports, an ornamental boating lake with ducks and pedalos, beautiful gardens are next to a Victorian bandstand that hosts a brass band performances during the summer months giving a nostalgic summertime beach feel. There is also a cafe that serves a nice selection of drinks and snacks, as well as the most delicious ice creams. Or take a ride on the miniature steam train around the park, these run during the summer months. Nearby is North Marine Park and it offers a sanctuary of peace and quiet with amazing views, the pace is quieter here with more subtle pastimes like bowls, petanque and pitch and putt. There a a number of walking trails that take you through the park, several take you to an raised point where you are able to see for miles along the coastline. There is no admission to either park but some of the activities will incur a charge namely the miniature railway, boats and mini golf. Both parks are open daily, North Marine remains open and does not close however, South Marine park closes at dusk. Both parks are excellently maintained and are very clean. Through the summer lots of events and activities take place so it worth looking out for these. There are lots of benches to sit on in both parks where you can sit and admire the views or just watch the world passing by whilst enjoying the peace and tranquillity. South and North Marine Parks offer something for everyone as well as a cheap but fun day out for all, they can be enjoyed whatever the season and are a credit to South Shields.
Tynemouth boasts two great beaches, a flea market, The Blue Reef Aquarium and lots of historic stories about this neat little coastal town.
The Treehouse is a family run children's soft play centre, it comprises 3,000 sq ft of soft play equipment that includes, slides, ball pool, bridges, log climbs, bash bags, talking trees and much more. It is well maintained and very clean and the facilities are very good, lots of high chairs and excellent baby changin facilities. The staff are very friendly and helpful and the centre is well run with good supervision of the play areas. The centre is divided into three separate areas, a specific area for babies under the age of one that has play mats and toys. There is a toddler area for children aged under three that offers loads of fun with its log climb, slide and selection of toys and shapes. The large soft play area is for the older and more intrepid children it has lots to keep them entertained with log climbs, crawl nets, rope bridges and slides. There is a cafe are where you can relax and keep on eye on the children as they play, they serve a nice selection of hot and cold food that is all freshly prepared by them and the cakes and scones are homemade and are delicious and all reasonably priced. The Treehouse is a safe and fun soft play where younger children can have a great time in a safe environment and you can relax whilst they do this.
The Playhouse has underwent a complete restoration to turn it into a modern facility with state of the art amenities, it is part of an extensive transformation project in Whitley Bay to re-energise this renowned coastal resort. This intimate venue is home to a 630 seater luxurious auditorium, in addition to a corporate viewing suite, there are nice bar areas, with a good selection of drinks, perfect for pre show and interval drinks, with a lively atmosphere. The first floor lounge are has the most amazing sea views. The Playhouse hosts a diverse and packed programme with everything from local to touring west end productions, comedy to drama, music recitals to concerts and much more, there will be something to appeal to everyone. The staff throughout are really friendly and most helpful and he theatre has a lovely friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The seating is roomy and very comfortable and all seats have good views of the stage, the lighting and acoustics are very good. The Playhouse is a lovely venue, showing a great range of professional productions and shows at great prices, can't recommend a trip here enough, you won't be disappointed.
Whitley Bay Skatepark is also known as the Panama Skate Park and is located on The Links, an area of green space that enjoys views out over the North Sea at Whitley Bay, it is an area that is part of a huge regeneration programme. The park covers an area of 1000 square metres and young skateboarders helped in the design of it. The park offers loads to space in addition to two bowls, ramps, driveways and walls, a hubba, a jersey barrier, a wall ride, taco and pier 7 so there is lots of opportunity to test your skills on a skateboard, skates, bike or scooter. Some of the participants are really good and have a lot of spectators, it can be fun to just watch as they twist and turn and fly around the concrete bowls. Whitley Bay Skatepark is a major attraction for the young people of the area offering them a dedicated and fun environment to use, with skating and biking a great way and fun way to keep fit.
Preserved steam and diesel locomotives from Britain and overseas run between Alston station and Kirkhaugh. There are refreshment facilities and a railway shop at the station.
The Civic Darlington Theatre offers a wide array of performances from professional shows to seasonal pantos.
Camerons Brewery Visitor Centre offers you the opportunity to visit this family brewery and experience first hand the brewing process from start to finish. The brewery is located in the former Stranton pub, an old building with lots of character, and gives an insightful look in the process of beer production, as well as covering the interesting story of the history and growth of the brewery from its inception back in 1865. Camerons are a highly regarded breweries that adheres to stringent quality controls. Water is sourced in their own well and using quality ingredients they produce first rate craft beers for your enjoyment. The brewery has the capacity to make one million hectolitres of beer each year and make over 500,000 pints of beer or lager each day. Brewery tours are operated Monday to Saturday and you will get to meet the people involved in the brewing process, smell the hops and see the malt as you stroll through the brewery hall. The tours last about an hour to an hour and a half, you are required to wear a high vis vest and hard hat for health and safety reasons. There are interactive displays that are used to track brewing through the different ages. The guides are jovial and entertaining and impart their knowledge in a fun and interesting way. At the end of the tour you get the opportunity to sample some of their brews, considered to be the best part of the tour by many. Camerons Brewery is a large part of Hartlepools history and should not be missed if visiting the area, excellent tour.
Discovery is the North East of England's most popular free tourist attraction. Walk though its doors to discover all about life in Newcastle and Tyneside. Attracting an astonishing 467,000 visitors last year, it's well worth a look.
The Centre for Life features a permanent exhibition that tells the story of Human Life through three major themes: Our Origins, Our World and Our Future.
A brand new museum is now open which will form part of the Stadium tour! The museum is a wonderful trip down memory lane featuring photographs and memorabilia from across the years.
Once the largest of the British Roman forts, Binchester has been partly excavated,but much remains undiscovered. Stare in wonder at the ancient Roman bath house and its incredible 1700 year old underfloor heating system!
Souter Lighthouse and The Leas is a familiar and immediately recognisable landmark on the coastline of Tyne and Wear. The lighthouse was opened in 1871 and is dramatic with its red and white hoops, it is a unique lighthouse in that the was the first lighthouse constructed in the country to be powered by electricity. You can climb the 76 steps to get to the top of the tower where you are awarded the most fantastic views of the surrounding area, they are quite steep so it might not be accessible for those with mobility issues. During a visit you get full access to the lighthouse and engine room and will also find out all about life and what was involved for a lighthouse keeper and his family. You will also find out about the mining village that existed here until 1968 when the area and colliery were demolished. In addition there is a small outdoor play area for children. The Leas can be found to the north and is a two and a half mile expanse of magnesian limestone cliffs, coastal grassland and shore. These cliffs along with the rock stacks of Marsden Bay is where you will find nesting Kittiwakes, Fulmar, Cormorants, Shags and Guillemots. To the south of the lighthouse is Whitburn Coastal Park and Nature Reserve it was former colliery land but is now a sanctuary for wildlife. The area is beautiful and so peaceful, with picturesque views and endless walks along this lovely area of coastline. The Lighthouse Cafe serves a good selection of homemade snacks and cakes made using fresh local produce, that are delicious and very reasonably priced. The shop has a good range of products including home made preserves, biscuits and their own Souter Lighthouse Best Bitter as well as nautical themed gifts, books and souvenirs. They organise a number of events that are aimed at children throughout the year, it is worth checking the website to see when these take place, they are great fun and really engage the children. The staff are great, very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Souter Lighthouse and The Leas is a beautiful and interesting place to visit and will appeal to all ages, a fantastic day out that everyone will enjoy, highly recommended.
Delve into the history of mining on the North Pennines in this fascinating museum. Hear about the people that worked there, the lifestyle they lead and the legacy this important mine had on the social and cultural history of the area.
A great interactive museum which is fun for all ages. Home to George Stephenson's 'Billy', his first attempt before the infamous Rocket design was completed; it also demonstrates the inner workings of train mechanisms.
The museum runs regular activities for all ages throughout the holiday periods, as well as displaying the history of the City from its prehistoric past to the present day.
A fascinating museum for all the family to enjoy, the Bowes Museum houses the greatest collection of European fine and decorative arts in the North of England.
St Mary's Lighthouse and Visitor Centre is an iconic landmark here in Tyneside, it can only be accessed when the tide is out or at low tide and is reached by a short causeway, it is in effect on its own island. The Lighthouse dates back to 1898 when this area of coast was treacherous for shipping. It continued to operate until 1984 when modern techniques intervened and made it redundant. However, since them it has taken on a new purpose along with the former light keepers cottages it now serves as a museum and visitor centre. The encircling Nature Reserve is home to a diverse range of marine life and sea birds who habitat the rock pools, clifftop grasslands and beach, it is a great place to bird watch and is so tranquil and peaceful here. The ground floor serves as a small museum relating to rich maritime history of Tyneside that is told through displays, photographs and artefacts, you can even find out what qualities were necessary to be a lighthouse keeper. A long climb to the top (137 steps) of the open stairs will reward you with the most fantastic perspectives of Whitley Bay and far beyond. The centre is open most days from May through to September, as well as weekends and school holidays in the winter, although it is dependant on tidal conditions. There is a small charge for entry. There is no cafe here just a small gift shop and a vending machine. St Mary's Lighthouse and Visitor centre is great for a family day out, the children will love crossing the causeway especially at low tide, climbing the lighthouse tower and examining the rock pools, you might even encounter a friendly seal, a fantastic day out for all ages. Just keep on eye on the tide times as you could be stranded here for a few hours.
Museum of Hartlepool has undergone a complete change to further enhance this great attraction, it forms part of the Hartlepool Maritime Experience and is located on the quay side. During your visit you will discover all about the history of the town, important events and its people through a range of displays and exhibits. The museum is well laid out and takes you in chronical order through the ages starting 5,000 thousand years ago in the Bronze Age where you are greeted by Hartlepool's oldest known man, you will see lots of wonderful artefacts, and objects as you stroll through, including prehistoric axes, old toys, Anglo-Saxon jewellery and much more. You then continue through the ages from past to present as the growth of the town is documented. There are actual historic figures as well as fictional figures who narrate the story of the town as well as lots of activities to get involved with including, trying your hand at being an archaeologist or a monastic scribe or dress up in historic costumes. The museum is open daily from from 10.00am to 5.00pm although, winter hours are from 11.00am to 4.00pm and there is no charge for entry. There is a small gift shop with a nice selection of gifts that are reasonably priced. Along the quay side you will find the Quayside Coffee Shop that is warm and inviting and serves a lovely selection of home cooked hot and cold dishes accompanied by a choice of beverages, prices are very good and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. The Museum of Hartlepool is a superb local museum, that is intriguing, fun and educational, it will appeal to all ages and makes for a fantastic day out, not to be missed.
Hartlepool's Maritime Experience is a fantastic interactive experience that is centred around a recreated 18th century seaport, it makes for an ideal day out for all. A visit allows you to step back in time to the era of Nelson, Napoleon and the Battle of Trafalgar. It is realistic with it replica quay side complete with shops, houses and vessels and much more. You can climb into the mari-time machine and be transported back two centuries in time to get a real experience of what it would have been like aboard a real British navy frigate, the 17th century war ship, HMS Trincomalee, see the conditions the seamen had to endure, not pleasant. Even the guides are in authentic costume adding to the overall experience, you will find them to be friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about the history of this era, that is told through talks and demonstrations, such as displays of musketry, cannon firing and sword fighting. There is also a steam driven ship moored here. The activities available for children are excellent. The Quayside Coffee Shop offers an excellent choice of beverages and snacks in a warm and comfy environment, the food is very good, well priced and the service is prompt too. Hartlepool's Maritime Experience is open all year round, and the admission charge allows you the with your pass a further four visits without any additional charge during the twelve month period. It makes for a fun and exciting day out for all ages and should not be missed if you are in the region, highly recommended.
