Mandy’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Parks
South Marine Park
Loads to do here. Children’s play area, miniature train and pedallo boats of the lake in the shape of a swan. Also a nice café.
Mowbray Park
Small park near to the flat with a children’s play area
Pubs
The New Crown
Nearest to the flat. Outside area. Family pub with TV screens. Food offers during the week. We usually pass by and go to either the Sand dancer or Platform 33
The Sand dancer
Right on the front. Gorgeous garden. Has music Thursday – Sunday. Food a bit pricey and service patchy but can’t be beaten for location.
Platform 33
Again right on the beach – bit further along. Sit outside with a view of the sand dunes. Does a decent carvery and also a buffet eat as much as you like breakfast. The beef sandwich is worth a try – maybe one between 2 though!
The Marine
Lovely real ale pub. Not had the food but have had one of their ‘scotch eggs’ which is an onion bhaji in sausage meat – an experience but maybe not one we’d repeat.
The Wouldhave (Weatherspoons)
Usual weatherspoons fare but quite nice building
The Alum House
Perfect for a pint while you’re waiting for the ferry. Serves real ale and toasties.
The Steamboat
A bit of a favourite for us. Good range of drinks – v quirky decor and a good jukebox
Restaurants and take aways
Haven hotel
Right at the end of South Shields by the river. Not eaten here but lovely to sit outside and have a drink.
Colmans
By far the best fish and chips. You can get a takeaway from Ocean road or underneath the Colman’s Sea Food Temple. Colmans Sea Food Temple used to be the public toilets but is now a fabulous restaurant. It’s pricey but worth it. You will need to book.
Kuzey
Really nice Turkish restaurant
Curry on Ocean Road
There are loads of curry places on Ocean road. We’ve tried a few – all pretty good
Moonlight take away
Mostly this is amazing (best curry ever) and v cheap however once or twice we’ve had a dud one – chef’s night off?
Things to see/do
The Groyne
The Herd Groyne is a very unusual lighthouse resembling a 1940’s sci-fi movie space craft is located on a small groyne in the river mouth at South Shields.
It was built in 1882 and was at the mouth of the river before the north and south piers were built. It still acts as a navigational aid to ships entering the River Tyne.
The Weebles
‘Conversation Piece’ affectionately known as the 'weebles'. Situated next to Littlehaven Beach at the mouth of the Tyne in South Shields, the 22 mysterious figures stand in various poses; some deep in conversation with one another, others simply gazing out to sea. Created by the Spanish sculptor Juan Muñoz in 1999, each of the 22 figures is approximately 1.5 metres high and weighs around a quarter of a ton.
The pier
The South Pier in South Shields is a large pier which, along with the North Pier, protects the Tyne estuary from bad weather and keeps the River Tyne navigable for commercial shipping and pleasure boats. Construction of the pier started in 1854 but was not fully completed until 1895. The pier is made out of rock-faced sandstone and concrete blocks which were taken from the nearby Trow Quarry and transported by rail (remains of the railway tracks are still present on the pier today). The pier is approximately one mile (1.6 kilometres) in length.
Fairground
Ocean Beach Pleasure Park
Free Admission amusement park located on the sea front in South Shields. Over 40 rides and attractions, amusement arcades, game stalls and more.
The market
This used to be huge in my childhood and have every stall imaginable. Now there is a ‘traditional market’ with a few stalls on a Saturday and a flea market on a Friday.
Fishing
Apparently the fishing here is very good according to my brother in law.
Indoor play centre/bowling
The Dunes, Sea Rd, South Shields NE33 2LD. Indoor entertainments including soft play ten-pin bowling and arcade games, plus restaurants and a bar.
Swimming pool
Haven Point Leisure Centre, Pier Parade, NE33 2JS. Haven Point is a state of the art leisure facility at South Shields seafront, boasting: a 25 metre competition pool and 18 metre teaching pool, both with adjustable floors for varying age groups and abilities; leisure waters with slides, sprays, bubble spa and water play; a sauna and steam room; an 86 station gym; two dance studios offering a variety of fitness classes; coffee lounge, cafe, outdoor terrace, two multi-purpose rooms, amphitheatre and a roof top viewing gallery
Cinema/Theatre
The Customs House Mill Dam, South Shields NE33 1ESThe Customs House was formerly a customs post, built in the 1860’s for commercial shipping. Now an arts venue with a theatre and a small cinema. Also a nice café.
Roman Fort
Arbeia, South Shields' Roman Fort has stunning full-scale reconstructions of original buildings including the commander’s house, a barrack block and a West Gate providing a unique and inspiring insight into Roman military life. The Roman fort at Arbeia once guarded the entrance to the river Tyne and served as a supply centre, receiving goods from across the North Sea and along the east coast to supply the thousands of Roman troops stationed along Hadrian’s Wall.
27 recommandé par les habitants
South Shields
Parks
South Marine Park
Loads to do here. Children’s play area, miniature train and pedallo boats of the lake in the shape of a swan. Also a nice café.
Mowbray Park
Small park near to the flat with a children’s play area
Pubs
The New Crown
Nearest to the flat. Outside area. Family pub with TV screens. Food offers during the week. We usually pass by and go to either the Sand dancer or Platform 33
The Sand dancer
Right on the front. Gorgeous garden. Has music Thursday – Sunday. Food a bit pricey and service patchy but can’t be beaten for location.
Platform 33
Again right on the beach – bit further along. Sit outside with a view of the sand dunes. Does a decent carvery and also a buffet eat as much as you like breakfast. The beef sandwich is worth a try – maybe one between 2 though!
The Marine
Lovely real ale pub. Not had the food but have had one of their ‘scotch eggs’ which is an onion bhaji in sausage meat – an experience but maybe not one we’d repeat.
The Wouldhave (Weatherspoons)
Usual weatherspoons fare but quite nice building
The Alum House
Perfect for a pint while you’re waiting for the ferry. Serves real ale and toasties.
The Steamboat
A bit of a favourite for us. Good range of drinks – v quirky decor and a good jukebox
Restaurants and take aways
Haven hotel
Right at the end of South Shields by the river. Not eaten here but lovely to sit outside and have a drink.
Colmans
By far the best fish and chips. You can get a takeaway from Ocean road or underneath the Colman’s Sea Food Temple. Colmans Sea Food Temple used to be the public toilets but is now a fabulous restaurant. It’s pricey but worth it. You will need to book.
Kuzey
Really nice Turkish restaurant
Curry on Ocean Road
There are loads of curry places on Ocean road. We’ve tried a few – all pretty good
Moonlight take away
Mostly this is amazing (best curry ever) and v cheap however once or twice we’ve had a dud one – chef’s night off?
Things to see/do
The Groyne
The Herd Groyne is a very unusual lighthouse resembling a 1940’s sci-fi movie space craft is located on a small groyne in the river mouth at South Shields.
It was built in 1882 and was at the mouth of the river before the north and south piers were built. It still acts as a navigational aid to ships entering the River Tyne.
The Weebles
‘Conversation Piece’ affectionately known as the 'weebles'. Situated next to Littlehaven Beach at the mouth of the Tyne in South Shields, the 22 mysterious figures stand in various poses; some deep in conversation with one another, others simply gazing out to sea. Created by the Spanish sculptor Juan Muñoz in 1999, each of the 22 figures is approximately 1.5 metres high and weighs around a quarter of a ton.
The pier
The South Pier in South Shields is a large pier which, along with the North Pier, protects the Tyne estuary from bad weather and keeps the River Tyne navigable for commercial shipping and pleasure boats. Construction of the pier started in 1854 but was not fully completed until 1895. The pier is made out of rock-faced sandstone and concrete blocks which were taken from the nearby Trow Quarry and transported by rail (remains of the railway tracks are still present on the pier today). The pier is approximately one mile (1.6 kilometres) in length.
Fairground
Ocean Beach Pleasure Park
Free Admission amusement park located on the sea front in South Shields. Over 40 rides and attractions, amusement arcades, game stalls and more.
The market
This used to be huge in my childhood and have every stall imaginable. Now there is a ‘traditional market’ with a few stalls on a Saturday and a flea market on a Friday.
Fishing
Apparently the fishing here is very good according to my brother in law.
Indoor play centre/bowling
The Dunes, Sea Rd, South Shields NE33 2LD. Indoor entertainments including soft play ten-pin bowling and arcade games, plus restaurants and a bar.
Swimming pool
Haven Point Leisure Centre, Pier Parade, NE33 2JS. Haven Point is a state of the art leisure facility at South Shields seafront, boasting: a 25 metre competition pool and 18 metre teaching pool, both with adjustable floors for varying age groups and abilities; leisure waters with slides, sprays, bubble spa and water play; a sauna and steam room; an 86 station gym; two dance studios offering a variety of fitness classes; coffee lounge, cafe, outdoor terrace, two multi-purpose rooms, amphitheatre and a roof top viewing gallery
Cinema/Theatre
The Customs House Mill Dam, South Shields NE33 1ESThe Customs House was formerly a customs post, built in the 1860’s for commercial shipping. Now an arts venue with a theatre and a small cinema. Also a nice café.
Roman Fort
Arbeia, South Shields' Roman Fort has stunning full-scale reconstructions of original buildings including the commander’s house, a barrack block and a West Gate providing a unique and inspiring insight into Roman military life. The Roman fort at Arbeia once guarded the entrance to the river Tyne and served as a supply centre, receiving goods from across the North Sea and along the east coast to supply the thousands of Roman troops stationed along Hadrian’s Wall.
Northumberland
Where to start? Some of the most gorgeous beaches anywhere in the world. Bamburgh and Seahouses are very popular but there are some lesser known, wilder beaches such as Druridge Bay
Alnwick Castle and Harry Potter
Alnwick Castle served as Hogworts in the Harry Potter films and is a must see for fans. We haven’t been but my young nieces give it rave reviews – they even got to ride broomsticks!
21 recommandé par les habitants
Northumberland
Northumberland
Where to start? Some of the most gorgeous beaches anywhere in the world. Bamburgh and Seahouses are very popular but there are some lesser known, wilder beaches such as Druridge Bay
Alnwick Castle and Harry Potter
Alnwick Castle served as Hogworts in the Harry Potter films and is a must see for fans. We haven’t been but my young nieces give it rave reviews – they even got to ride broomsticks!
City/town information
Newcastle and Gateshead
Getting there
The metro from either Chichester (pronounced Chai -Chester) or South Shields station. Either get off at Central station for the quayside or Monument for the shops (Or walk up Grey street from the station past some shops and lovely Georgian buildings)
Pubs
The Ouseburn six!
Ouseburn used to be an industrial area in Newcastle, now a bit hipster. There are some great pubs that you can see on the poster in the flat.
Tanners Arms
You start or finish here on the Ouseburn pub crawl. We often get the metro to Manors and walk along. The food is very good here . They do massive breakfasts and a very good Sunday Roast. Walk down the hill to…
The Ship
Nice outside area. You can hear the animals at the city farm from here.
The Cluny
This is predominantly a music venue but is a nice place to stop for a drink
The Cumberland Arms
Worth the walk up the hill! Real ale and often has music events on. Then down the hill, along the canal to
The Tyne Bar
Great outside area next to the canal. Good selection of drinks. They do snacky food such as hot dogs. Sometimes they have bands/music. Not to be missed up the hill is
The Free Trade Inn
Amazing views of the quayside and bridges and a good selection of drinks including real ale.
Other Pubs and places to eat
Around the Quayside
The quayside is lovely to walk along in any weather. On a Sunday there is a craft and food market.
South of the Tyne
The six restaurant and café at the Baltic.
Up to the top for a view or on the ground floor for the riverside. We really like the breakfast/brunch here.
Trakol (next to the swing bridge)
This is the place made of containers. It is lovely to sit outside in the summer and there’s plenty of seating. There is a Michelin starred restaurant – we’ve only been for a Sunday roast not at any other time but the roast is fabulous. Walk along a bit and there is a café and then a bit further for the market place that has different food and drink outlets and heaters in cold weather.
North of the Tyne
The Bridge Tavern
This is directly under the Tyne bridge and a bit of the bridge is actually in the back garden. Good burgers and beer – on the pricey side but v nice.
Slug and Lettuce
This is a chain place but is really well situated for views of the bridges. It also does a decent breakfast.
Tyne Bridge
Great pub with lots of nooks and crannies and lovely stained glass. Good selection of beers.
At the Central station – the Centurion
This is a must see for the fabulous tiling that lines the whole inside of the building.
Opposite the Central station – The Tap
Does a load of great beers and pizza
The Bigg Market
The Bigg Market is often known as the party central of the city and attracts visitors from around the UK. The area has more than 20 bars many with late licences, and a range of restaurants. No matter what the weather you won’t see anyone in a coat!
Art and culture
The Baltic
Vast converted mill with minimalist interiors, hosting temporary shows by contemporary artists.
The Sage
Culture centre with curving steel roof staging a varied arts programme.
The Cluny
Great live music venue – usually lesser known/indie acts.
The City Hall
Concert Hall. It has hosted many popular music and classical artists throughout the years, as well as stand-up and comedy acts. I saw my first live gig here!
Tyneside Cinema
Tyneside Cinema is Newcastle's leading independent cinema, screening best films from around the world. Opened in 1937. Great café and bar too.
Theatre Royal
Bringing you the best drama, musicals, dance & comedy - the North East's flagship theatre; great entertainment and 185 years of theatrical glamour and history.
Shopping
Newcastle City centre and Eldon Square
All the shops you could want inside Eldon square (indoor shopping centre) and on the streets around it
Fenwicks
Gone rather up market recently – all designer clothes and fancy food hall. If you are there at Christmas, visiting the Fenwicks window is a Geordie Christmas tradition and not one to be missed.
Grainger Market
Indoor market famous for one of the the first Greggs shops (where my aunty Jean used to work!)
Metro Centre
Massive out of town shopping centre with cinema – on the Gateshead side of the river
Angel of the North
The Anthony Gormley statue that people didn’t like at first but now love! Definitely worth a drive past but you can also park up and walk right up to the base.
Jesmond
Get the metro to Jesmond Dene. This is a bit of a trendy student area and worth a visit.
188 recommandé par les habitants
Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle and Gateshead
Getting there
The metro from either Chichester (pronounced Chai -Chester) or South Shields station. Either get off at Central station for the quayside or Monument for the shops (Or walk up Grey street from the station past some shops and lovely Georgian buildings)
Pubs
The Ouseburn six!
Ouseburn used to be an industrial area in Newcastle, now a bit hipster. There are some great pubs that you can see on the poster in the flat.
Tanners Arms
You start or finish here on the Ouseburn pub crawl. We often get the metro to Manors and walk along. The food is very good here . They do massive breakfasts and a very good Sunday Roast. Walk down the hill to…
The Ship
Nice outside area. You can hear the animals at the city farm from here.
The Cluny
This is predominantly a music venue but is a nice place to stop for a drink
The Cumberland Arms
Worth the walk up the hill! Real ale and often has music events on. Then down the hill, along the canal to
The Tyne Bar
Great outside area next to the canal. Good selection of drinks. They do snacky food such as hot dogs. Sometimes they have bands/music. Not to be missed up the hill is
The Free Trade Inn
Amazing views of the quayside and bridges and a good selection of drinks including real ale.
Other Pubs and places to eat
Around the Quayside
The quayside is lovely to walk along in any weather. On a Sunday there is a craft and food market.
South of the Tyne
The six restaurant and café at the Baltic.
Up to the top for a view or on the ground floor for the riverside. We really like the breakfast/brunch here.
Trakol (next to the swing bridge)
This is the place made of containers. It is lovely to sit outside in the summer and there’s plenty of seating. There is a Michelin starred restaurant – we’ve only been for a Sunday roast not at any other time but the roast is fabulous. Walk along a bit and there is a café and then a bit further for the market place that has different food and drink outlets and heaters in cold weather.
North of the Tyne
The Bridge Tavern
This is directly under the Tyne bridge and a bit of the bridge is actually in the back garden. Good burgers and beer – on the pricey side but v nice.
Slug and Lettuce
This is a chain place but is really well situated for views of the bridges. It also does a decent breakfast.
Tyne Bridge
Great pub with lots of nooks and crannies and lovely stained glass. Good selection of beers.
At the Central station – the Centurion
This is a must see for the fabulous tiling that lines the whole inside of the building.
Opposite the Central station – The Tap
Does a load of great beers and pizza
The Bigg Market
The Bigg Market is often known as the party central of the city and attracts visitors from around the UK. The area has more than 20 bars many with late licences, and a range of restaurants. No matter what the weather you won’t see anyone in a coat!
Art and culture
The Baltic
Vast converted mill with minimalist interiors, hosting temporary shows by contemporary artists.
The Sage
Culture centre with curving steel roof staging a varied arts programme.
The Cluny
Great live music venue – usually lesser known/indie acts.
The City Hall
Concert Hall. It has hosted many popular music and classical artists throughout the years, as well as stand-up and comedy acts. I saw my first live gig here!
Tyneside Cinema
Tyneside Cinema is Newcastle's leading independent cinema, screening best films from around the world. Opened in 1937. Great café and bar too.
Theatre Royal
Bringing you the best drama, musicals, dance & comedy - the North East's flagship theatre; great entertainment and 185 years of theatrical glamour and history.
Shopping
Newcastle City centre and Eldon Square
All the shops you could want inside Eldon square (indoor shopping centre) and on the streets around it
Fenwicks
Gone rather up market recently – all designer clothes and fancy food hall. If you are there at Christmas, visiting the Fenwicks window is a Geordie Christmas tradition and not one to be missed.
Grainger Market
Indoor market famous for one of the the first Greggs shops (where my aunty Jean used to work!)
Metro Centre
Massive out of town shopping centre with cinema – on the Gateshead side of the river
Angel of the North
The Anthony Gormley statue that people didn’t like at first but now love! Definitely worth a drive past but you can also park up and walk right up to the base.
Jesmond
Get the metro to Jesmond Dene. This is a bit of a trendy student area and worth a visit.
Along the Coast
To the south
Marsden
The first place of note is Marsden where you can visit Marsden grotto. This was originally a house blasted into the rock by a local miner and later used for smuggling. Now a boutique hotel, nice restaurant with fairy lights and an outdoor café on the beach. There’s also Marsden rock just a few feet away from the café.
Seaburn and Roker
Lovely clean beaches – a nice walk. Usually less crowded than the beaches north of the river. Quite a few cafes and bars too.
Seaham Sea Glass
Sea Glass can be found on many beaches around the world, but the amount of glass and the different colours you can find at Seaham make it a ‘must-visit’ site for collectors. There are many beaches in Seaham, which all will have some sea glass washed up onto them, however the most popular beach for finding sea glass is Seaham Hall Beach (also known as North Beach or Vane Tempest).
22 recommandé par les habitants
Seaham
Along the Coast
To the south
Marsden
The first place of note is Marsden where you can visit Marsden grotto. This was originally a house blasted into the rock by a local miner and later used for smuggling. Now a boutique hotel, nice restaurant with fairy lights and an outdoor café on the beach. There’s also Marsden rock just a few feet away from the café.
Seaburn and Roker
Lovely clean beaches – a nice walk. Usually less crowded than the beaches north of the river. Quite a few cafes and bars too.
Seaham Sea Glass
Sea Glass can be found on many beaches around the world, but the amount of glass and the different colours you can find at Seaham make it a ‘must-visit’ site for collectors. There are many beaches in Seaham, which all will have some sea glass washed up onto them, however the most popular beach for finding sea glass is Seaham Hall Beach (also known as North Beach or Vane Tempest).
My home city and well worth a visit. The most beautiful Cathedral in the world. The castle is a halls of residence for the university. Lovely market place and indoor market. The main shopping street Silver Street has seen better days but there are a few shops in the precinct. Lots of lovely bars and restaurants. You can walk along the river and hire a rowing boat.
117 recommandé par les habitants
Durham
My home city and well worth a visit. The most beautiful Cathedral in the world. The castle is a halls of residence for the university. Lovely market place and indoor market. The main shopping street Silver Street has seen better days but there are a few shops in the precinct. Lots of lovely bars and restaurants. You can walk along the river and hire a rowing boat.
To the North
We love getting the pedestrian ferry over to North Shields – if you have an all day metro pass you can use this.
North Shields Fish Quay
Walk along a bit from the ferry landing. This used to be where the fishing boats landed (and some still do) but is mainly bars and restaurants now. Very busy on a weekend especially when it’s sunny.
We really like the Harbour Lights right at the end of the quay on the corner. It does great Sunday roasts and pies. They don’t take bookings so you need to just wait for a table when it’s busy. There’s also The Salt Market Social above a car garage which is a bit of a hipster venue and only open now and then with bao buns and expensive drinks but very nice! Another place of note is the Prince of Wales (AKA the Wooden Doll) – this is open sometimes. It is a Sam Smiths pub so you have to pay by cash and there are no phones or computers allowed inside (this is why it keeps closing down – the last time we were in the landlord/lady had just had enough of policing the place!
North Shields
To the North
We love getting the pedestrian ferry over to North Shields – if you have an all day metro pass you can use this.
North Shields Fish Quay
Walk along a bit from the ferry landing. This used to be where the fishing boats landed (and some still do) but is mainly bars and restaurants now. Very busy on a weekend especially when it’s sunny.
We really like the Harbour Lights right at the end of the quay on the corner. It does great Sunday roasts and pies. They don’t take bookings so you need to just wait for a table when it’s busy. There’s also The Salt Market Social above a car garage which is a bit of a hipster venue and only open now and then with bao buns and expensive drinks but very nice! Another place of note is the Prince of Wales (AKA the Wooden Doll) – this is open sometimes. It is a Sam Smiths pub so you have to pay by cash and there are no phones or computers allowed inside (this is why it keeps closing down – the last time we were in the landlord/lady had just had enough of policing the place!
Tynemouth
You can walk up from North Shields – it’s especially nice to walk along the front up a slight hill or you can take the free bus opposite the ferry landing (just show your ferry ticket) to North Shields town centre (not a tourist place) and get the metro to Tynemouth or you can get the bus all the way to Tynemouth ( a little past the centre – ask the bus driver where to get off – then walk to the front and turn right).
The Priory
Tynemouth priory is located on a rocky headland, overlooking Tynemouth Pier. The moated castle-towers, gatehouse and keep are combined with the ruins of the Benedictine priory where early kings of Northumbria were buried. It’s run by English Heritage and there is an entrance fee (so we’ve never been in!)
The beach
Beautiful big beach and also King Edward’s Bay.
The Market
There is a lovely craft/collectables/second hand market inside the Victorian train station on a Saturday and Sunday. Well worth a mooch about and also there’s a nice pub on the station.
Places to eat and drink
Lots of restaurants, bars and cafes on the main street also:
Riley’s Fish Shack
This is right on the beach on King Edward’s Bay. It used to be a one man enterprise off the back of a bike and now is a fancy eating place. It is eye wateringly expensive but maybe worth doing just the once. You need to book and pay a £25 deposit per person (a clue to the prices!!!)
Vineyard 72
Land of Green Ginger, 78 Front St, NE30 4BP. Great place for a glass of wine and fantastic sharing boards of cheeses and meats. We love it.
Cullercoats and Whitley Bay
If you follow the coast up from Tynemouth you get to Cullercoats and Whitley Bay which are both worth a visit. Whitley Bay has the famous ‘Spanish City’. This used to be a fairground amongst other things but is now a food/drink/wedding venue.
107 recommandé par les habitants
Tynemouth
Tynemouth
You can walk up from North Shields – it’s especially nice to walk along the front up a slight hill or you can take the free bus opposite the ferry landing (just show your ferry ticket) to North Shields town centre (not a tourist place) and get the metro to Tynemouth or you can get the bus all the way to Tynemouth ( a little past the centre – ask the bus driver where to get off – then walk to the front and turn right).
The Priory
Tynemouth priory is located on a rocky headland, overlooking Tynemouth Pier. The moated castle-towers, gatehouse and keep are combined with the ruins of the Benedictine priory where early kings of Northumbria were buried. It’s run by English Heritage and there is an entrance fee (so we’ve never been in!)
The beach
Beautiful big beach and also King Edward’s Bay.
The Market
There is a lovely craft/collectables/second hand market inside the Victorian train station on a Saturday and Sunday. Well worth a mooch about and also there’s a nice pub on the station.
Places to eat and drink
Lots of restaurants, bars and cafes on the main street also:
Riley’s Fish Shack
This is right on the beach on King Edward’s Bay. It used to be a one man enterprise off the back of a bike and now is a fancy eating place. It is eye wateringly expensive but maybe worth doing just the once. You need to book and pay a £25 deposit per person (a clue to the prices!!!)
Vineyard 72
Land of Green Ginger, 78 Front St, NE30 4BP. Great place for a glass of wine and fantastic sharing boards of cheeses and meats. We love it.
Cullercoats and Whitley Bay
If you follow the coast up from Tynemouth you get to Cullercoats and Whitley Bay which are both worth a visit. Whitley Bay has the famous ‘Spanish City’. This used to be a fairground amongst other things but is now a food/drink/wedding venue.
Conseils aux voyageurs
Coutumes et culture
Geordies, Mackems and Sanddancers
Not to be mixed up (and don’t call a Northumbrian a Geordie according to my 80 year old Dad from Blyth). Geordies are from Newcastle, Mackems from Sunderland and Sanddancers from South Shields – there are various ideas as to where the name originates but no definitive one!
Coutumes et culture
Football
Football is very important in the North East. People around here will usually tell you what club they support by saying they are black and white (Newcastle)or red and white (Sunderland).
There are 3 clubs in the locality that you might want to see. Of course the big one is Newcastle United FC at St James’ Park in the centre of Newcastle who play in the premier league so tickets are pricey (if you can get one) although league and FA cup matches are usually cheaper.
Sunderland play at the Stadium of Light in the centre of Sunderland. They’ve just been promoted to the Championship. Tickets are