Top 10 Sights & Landmarks in Tyne and Wear, England

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.

Guided tours of the fully preserved 19th century coal waggonway and WW2 air-raid shelter. Pre-booking is essential and tickets can be booked online through our website or by telephone during office hours. Tours every day, check the website for details. Our extensive Covid-19 precautions have been assessed by Visit Britain and we have been awarded "Good to Go" certification.

Fiddler's Green is a memorial which was erected to the memory of those Fishermen who have lost their lives at sea, particularly those who have sailed beyond the piers of the River Tyne. The memorial is a metal sculpture which depicts a Fisherman sitting on a bollard reflecting in thought.

Jesmond Dene is the jewel in the crown of Newcastle's parks and green spaces. The Dene is packed full of historic and natural features and masses of wildlife, flowers and ancient woodland for everyone to enjoy.

Reached between the tides via a short causeway, St. Mary's has all the fascination of a miniature, part-time island. The Lighthouse, completed in 1898 on a hazardous coast for shipping, remained operational until 1984 when it was superseded by modern navigational techniques. Since then the Lighthouse and former keepers' cottages have been operated as a visitor centre by North Tyneside Council. The surrounding Nature Reserve contains an area of rockpools, clifftop grassland, a beach and newly created wetland habitats.Wherever possible we are open seven days a week between May and September, and during weekends and school holidays in the winter. However, it is not possible for us to open on some days because of tidal conditions. The stated opening times can also be subject to variations on occasion due to weather affecting the times of the tide.

Newcastle Cathedral holds the story of the City in its stones and monuments. Located in the heart of Old Newcastle, it is a medieval church building of architectural interest with a spectacular lantern tower and filled with a superb collection of monuments, ledger stones and stained glass describing interesting people and events of importance to the history of the city and the region. The collection contains work by nationally and internationally reputed sculptors and craftspeople, including glass artist Leonard Evetts, 19th century woodcarver Ralph Hedley, and sculptor EH Bailey who was also responsible for Grey's Monument, and illustrates many of the ways in which contemporary local, regional and national culture has been shaped. Look out for mermaids, wild men, Roman senators, romantic ladies or even a precious medieval stained glass portrait of Mary and the infant Christ. Open: Sun 7:30am-5:30pm; Mon-Fri 7am-6:30pm; Sat & Bank Holidays 8am-4pm. Free entry; suggested donation £5pp.

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.