South Shields is a port and seaside town at the mouth of the River Tyne with sandy beaches
¾ mile from the Metro station.
www.visitsouthtyneside.co.uk
Displays and exhibitions tell the story of Tyneside's social, industrial and maritime history from 4000 years ago
to the present day. Creature Corner with reptiles and insects. Exhibitions and events programme. Tearoom. Admission free, donations welcome.
Open M-F 1000-1700, Sat 1100-1600.
www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/southshieldsmuseum
Built in AD160, Arbeia Fort was an important Roman garrison at the mouth of the River Tyne, guarding the main
sea route to Hadrian's Wall. There are impressive reconstructions of the west gate, a barrack and part of a late Roman courtyard house.
Galleries have objects found at the site and cover the history of the buildings, religion and the life of people living at the fort.
Exhibitions and events programme. Admission free, donations welcome.
Open Easter-Sep, M-F 1000-1700, Sat 1100-1600, Sun 1300-1600.
www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/arbeia
The only public steam working 9½ inch gauge railway in the UK. The line runs for about a third
of a mile round the boating lake. Events programme. Café.
Open Jun-Aug and school holidays, Daily 1100-1700. Otherwise see website.
www.lakeshorerailroad.co.uk
An amusement park with both thrilling and family rides, plus indoor games and arcades. Restaurant.
Open see website.
www.oceanbeach.co.uk
Souter Lighthouse was the first in the UK designed to be lit by electricity. Displays in the
Engine Room and Keeper's Cottage show what life was like at the lighthouse. Climb 76 steps to the top for great views.
The surrounding clifftop grasslands are rich with wildflowers in summer. Café and picnic area.
Open Mar-Oct, MTWSSu 1100-1600. Nov-Feb, see website.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/souter-lighthouse
Bus E1 from adjacent Bus Interchange to Souter Lighthouse, look out for the red and white Lighthouse.
About 20 minutes journey, Daily ½-hourly. Operated by Stagecoach.
Buses also operate from Sunderland.
The museum covers 100 years of transport history with a collection of military aircraft and vehicles,
trams, buses and classic cars. A highlight is a cold war Avro Vulcan B2 Bomber.
Open Daily 1000-1600.
www.nelsam.org.uk
Bus 50 from adjacent Bus Interchange to Nissan Factory, near Museum,
about 30 minutes journey. M-S ½-hourly, Sun & BH hourly.
Operated by GoNorthEast.
Buses also operate from Newcastle, Sunderland
and Chester-le-Street.
