Things to do in Tyne and Wear, England: The Best Museums

This Volunteer Life Brigade maritime museum details the history of the first Volunteer Life Brigade to be formed in the United Kingdom and her colonies on December 5th 1864 after the loss of 32 souls within sight of the shore when the schooner "Friendship" and the steamer "Stanley" came to grief on the Black Midden rocks at the mouth of the river Tyne during a South Easterly gale on the afternoon and early evening of the 24th November 1864. The museum contains many unique artefacts salvaged or donated from vessels wrecked along our shore and historic photographs and paintings showing the role of the brigade since it was formed. The brigade is still fully active providing search and rescue services along the coast from the Tyne to Seaton Sluice and upriver to the Tyne bridges and further if required. The brigade are the eyes and ears for the coastguard and are a declared search and rescue facility to HM Coastguard.

Pottery painting studio based in Seaham, offering pottery painting parties, 3d castings, commissions and fingerprint/handprint fine silver jewellery.No booking required for groups of six or less. This is a great place to meet friends and enjoy a creative activity together. Prices start from £1.50 and all pieces are professionally glazed and fired and ready for collection within for days.

Art & design gallery in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne. The gallery showcases and sells artwork from over 150 local artists. our wide variety of local art work includes original oil paintings, acrylic paintings and watercolour paintings, as well as limited edition giclee prints and photography. We also have a wide range of glass and ceramic work alongside our range of small gifts like items. Situated on the upper level of Eldon Garden Shopping Centre we are surrounded by Shops and Cafes.

The Bowes Railway is unique amongst preserved railways. It is home to the only standard gauge rope hauled incline still in operation. A visit to Bowes includes a visitor trail around our scheduled industrial monument, the rope hauled inclines, a three mile steam hauled train ride and refreshment facilities. All of this can be found at a small but friendly railway at the heart of the North East.

Reopening update We're happy to have a date for reopening in stage 3 of the government's roadmap (from 17 May) and we are getting ready to welcome you back again. We will confirm opening dates and details nearer the time. There will be new exhibitions and displays, and we will of course be implementing all of the Covid-safety measures. Until we reopen, we hope you continue to enjoy exhibition and collections content and activities on our website and social media or by joining our mailing list at mustseemuseums.org.uk. Our continued closure will have an even greater impact on our income - please support us. Thank you for your loyalty and support - it is hugely appreciated.

Re-opening on Monday 10 August 2020. More details at www.laingartgallery.org.uk. The Laing is home to an impressive collection of art and sculpture and its exhibition programme is renowned for bringing the biggest names in historic, modern and contemporary art to the North East. The Gallery has a packed programme of free events including gallery talks, family activities and artists’ events. Free entry.

Following new advice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Shipley Art Gallery Gallery will be closed from 4pm on Wednesday 4 November until 2 December 2020. Please sign up to our emails at mustseemuseums.org.uk and check our social media channels and website so we can keep you up to date with what’s going on. Thank you for your support and understanding at this challenging time. Stay well and we look forward to welcoming you back in due course.

Steeped in history this imposing Norman fortress, in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, is a rugged reminder of northern England's turbulent history. This was no baron's stately home. Newcastle Castle is a grim reminder of royal authority where armies gathered and criminals were imprisoned and executed. It is where the story of Newcastle began, the reason the city got its name and has the most commanding views over the city and the River Tyne. Open for the public to explore and enjoy our rich and varied history Newcastle Castle takes the safety of public and staff very seriously. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic we have introduced a number of measures to keep you safe whilst you explore, discover and enjoy.

Whilst we are closed you can enjoy exhibition and collections content and activities on our website and social media or by joining our mailing list at mustseemuseums.org.uk.