20 Attractions to Explore Near National Trust - Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

Marsden Beach is a hidden gem located just on the outskirts of South Shields, north-west of Lizard Point. It is backed by tall cliffs and is best known for its breath-taking rock formations, which include a number of sea-stacks and rock arches. This land, along with Souter Lighthouse, is now owned by the National Trust.

South Marine Park is the crown jewel at the heart of South Shields seafront and is a must to visit. For over 100 years it has been a place for walking, dancing, relaxing, playing and socialising. The park is a popular destination for tourists, day trippers, schools and community groups alike.

Roker Park is a recreation park in the Roker area of Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England. The park is roughly an upside down reversed 'L' shape. It is bounded by Park Parade to the south, Roker Park Terrace to the east, Roker Park Road to the west and Side Cliff Road to the north. The northern part of the park is the widest and fronts onto Roker beach via a ravine, which passes under a wooden footbridge.

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery has been at the heart of the community, bringing world-class exhibitions and events to the region.The Museum today occupies the whole of the former Library building and the fine art collection consists of approximately 500 items. The collection includes works by nationally recognised artists such as 'The Last Boat In' by Charles Napier Hemy, 'The Approaching Storm' by Thomas Sidney Cooper, and 'Blackberrying' by Harold C. Harvey.

Arbeia was a large Roman fort in South Shields, Tyne & Wear, England, now ruined, and which has been partially reconstructed. It was first excavated in the 1870s and all modern buildings on the site were cleared in the 1970s. It is managed by Tyne and Wear Museums as Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum.

The Collingwood Monument is a Grade II* listed monument in Tynemouth, England, dedicated to Vice Admiral Lord Cuthbert Collingwood. A Napoleonic-era admiral noted for being second-in-command to Admiral Lord Nelson during the Battle of Trafalgar, Collingwood is sometimes referred to as the forgotten hero of Trafalgar. The position of the monument marks Collingwood's family connection with North Shields and allows the statue to be seen from the sea and the river

Tynemouth Castle 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. The coat of arms of the town of Tynemouth still includes three crowns commemorating the tradition that the Priory had been the burial place for three kings.

North Shields Fish Quay is a fishing port located close to the mouth of the River Tyne, in North Shields, Tyne and Wear, North East England, 8 miles east of the city of Newcastle upon Tyne. The quay was originally located here to serve the nearby Tynemouth Castle and Priory. The Fish Quay was once the biggest kipper producer in the UK, but the fall in herring stocks has reduced the trade to a single smokery. A number of traditional smokehouses still exist but have been converted to other uses.

The National Glass Centre is a cultural venue and visitor attraction located in Sunderland, North East England. It is part of the University of Sunderland. Discover the origins, growth and legacy of glass making in Sunderland with their permanent exhibition, Stories of Glass in Sunderland. Using compelling personal stories from local people and striking audio visual display, this interactive exhibition traces the history of glass making in the City from the 7th Century to the present day.

Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art is a contemporary art gallery which is based in Sunderland, England. The gallery focuses on producing exhibitions of new work by emerging and established regional, national and international artists. It offers opportunities to emerging and established artists to present work at critical points in their careers and audiences the chance to see the stars of tomorrow today.

King Edwards Bay is a small sandy bay enclosed by cliffs and grassy banks and as such is an excellent environment for family use. The beach is at the foot of Tynemouth Priory and Castle, a historic site run by English Heritage. It is a perfect place to sit and relax on a hot summer day. With all of Tynemouth's cafes and shops right on the beaches doorstep it really is ideal for families.

The monastery at Jarrow was one of Europe's most influential centres of learning and culture in the 7th century. The remains standing today are from the medieval monastery, but part of the Anglo-Saxon monastery survives today as the chancel of St Paul's Church. Inside the church, cemented into the wall of the tower, is the original stone slab which records in a Latin inscription the dedication of the church on 23 April AD 685, which is the oldest church dedication stone in England.

Northumberland Park is a sheltered Dene formed by the Pow Burn as it flows from its source near Preston Village and runs down to enter the River Tyne at the Fish Quay. It is situated between two conservation areas - Tynemouth Village and North Shields Fish Quay which have recently been incorporated within the Tynemouth Conservation area. The park is bordered by King Edward Road to the north and Tynemouth Road to the south on which are situated the main entrances.

Jarrow Hall, the world’s only Anglo-Saxon farm and village and Bede Museum, is officially opening its doors full-time this weekend following on from its takeover by Groundwork South Tyneside and Newcastle. The site features a museum dedicated to the life and times of the famous monk, with other features and attractions.

Hylton Castle was built by Sir William Hylton as his principal residence in about 1400. The rich Hylton family had estates in Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland and by the 13th century had assumed the title of a barony within the Bishopric of Durham. The castle and its chapel are protected as a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Today, the castle is owned by English Heritage, a charity which manages the historical environment of England. The surrounding parkland is maint

Situated adjacent to Tynemouth’s award winning Longsands beach, the park provides the perfect stop-off point for visitors to the coast. There was a Clock Tower Café, providing super home cooking, snacks and refreshments; Lost World Adventure Golf for that fun round of mini-golf and The Boating Lake, where you can hire a Pedalo. There’s even a playpark for the little ones.

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens contains a wide range of collections which are of local, regional and national importance. These have been growing since early in the 19th century, and are still expanding. It contains the only known British example of a gliding reptile, the oldest known vertebrate capable of gliding flight. The exhibit was discovered in Eppleton quarry. The museum has a Designated Collection of national importance.

A beautuful park including 3.2 hectares of tree-lined paths and lawns on a site that slopes to the Brisbane River from Lytton Road. Today this formal park with its striking World War I memorial is a delightful place for a stroll along the formal pathways lined with palms, jacarandas and figs or a picnic in the groves of eucalypts and pines.

A beautiful sandy beach which offers a range of activities, including surfing and swimming. In summer it is one of the most popular spots on the North East coast. People come from far and wide to build sand castles, sunbathe or splash about in the clean waters. One of the iconic location for a sunbath and also for so many other leisure activities too.

Tynemouth Aquarium is an aquarium situated on Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, England. Over 40 living displays are home to various species from tropical sharks and lobsters or seahorses and tropical fish. At the Aquarium’s heart is a large ocean tank where an underwater walkthrough tunnel offers close encounters with the tropical coral reef fish.