Attractions

South Shields is steeped in history and there are numerous historical attractions all within walking distance.

Arbeia Roman Port is part of the World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall and has a reconstructed Barrack Block and the Commanding Officer's House. It is quite awesome to turn the comer of the 21st century and find Roman Britain in front of you. Even those not usually inspired by history will find this particular site impressive.

Bede's World pays homage to Europe's greatest scholar, the Venerable Bede who lived and worked in the monastery of St. Paul, Jarrow 1300 years ago. The museum offers plenty of activities to interest the whole family and features a reconstruction of an Anglo-Saxon farm complete with rare breeds of animals and replica buildings.

South Tyneside is the birthplace of Catherine Cookson, Britain's most popular author and was the inspiration for many of her best selling novels. South Shields Museum and Gallery has just been refurbished and has a cobbled street reminiscent of the times Catherine Cookson wrote about. It's a lot smaller than Beamish (a great day out) but it's right on our doorstep and visitors can soak up more of the area's fascinating history.

Images courtesy of South Tyneside Council