{"id":31,"date":"2026-06-24T15:22:07","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T15:22:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/18.175.133.206\/?page_id=31"},"modified":"2026-07-01T15:54:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T15:54:17","slug":"exploring-in-progress","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/oldauctionhouse.com\/?page_id=31","title":{"rendered":"Exploring the North East"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The local area<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

North Shields is situated in North Tyneside and has great transport links into the local country of Tyne & Wear via the Metro train system, plus easy access into neighbouring Northumberland and County Durham<\/p>\n\n\n\n

North Shields Metro station is situated just 0.1 miles from The Old Auction House, just up the road and past the bus station.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Exploring the local towns and cities.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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North Shields<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Tynemouth<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Whitley Bay<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Newcastle<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
South Shields<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Sunderland<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Northumberland <\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
County Durham<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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North Shields<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On the doorstep<\/p>\n\n\n\n

North Shields comprises of the town centre surrounding Bedford Street, the Fish Quay down by the river, and the surrounding residential villages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Through the day<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The town centre offers a modest sized Asda, Iceland, B&M, Boots, and Superdrug for your everyday goods. For quick and easy food you can grab something to eat from Greggs, Dickinsons , Costa, Cooplands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best food and drink are found from local businesses, my recommendations would be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Northern Rye (coffee, baked goods, sandwiches and more).
– Wooden Deli (variety of lunch options and hot drinks).
– UNCLE\u2019S Panuozzo (Italian sandwiches and coffee).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In the evening<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Fish Quay boasts a selection of great places to eat including Lobo Rojo (Mexican), Cassia Sambucca (Italian), Low Lights Tavern (quality pies), plus many more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The town centre also has a wide selection from the classy establishments of The Exchange and The Uncommon, to the more casual Just Italy and Pigallo’s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We enjoy our drink in North Shields and therefor have a good selection, a few of my personal favourites include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– The Uncommon
– The Exchange
– Aperture
– The Two Pennies
– How Do You Do (a lovely view)
– Low Lights Tavern
– Fred’s
– The Three Tanners
…I could go on forever with this list, I’d very much recommend that you explore!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Takeaway<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Fortune City (Chinese)
– Jeera Tandoori
– Massimo’s (pizza & kebab)
– Social Crust (Neapolitan pizzeria)
– Waterfront (fish and chips)
…plus the usual big names like Dominos, Papa John’s, Pepe’s chicken, McDonald’s, Five Guys, Nando’s can be found on takeaway apps.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Tynemouth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Stunning beaches and booming seaside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tynemouth hosts two beaches, King Edward’s Bay and Longsands, as well as a lively Front Street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Front street you can grab a bite to eat at one of the many pubs, restaurants, coffee shops, and chippie. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can grab some hand-made chocolate at Gareth James Chocolatier, explore the interesting knick-knacks of Razzberry Bazaar, and many similarly themed shops with quirky goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tynemouth Priory is the historic ruin perched on the cliffs on the end of Front Street, this is often host to events in the summer months and can be explored for a fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

King Edward’s Bay is a small and secluded beach which is ideal for families that need to keep an eye on their young ones, you can also grab a bite to eat at Riley’s Fish Shack which is very highly regarded for its seafood, winning many awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Longsands beach in contrast spans a greater length and is ideal for stretching your legs or settling down with a bit more space, you can find Crusoe’s caf\u00e9 at one end, and The View restaurant at the other, both very inviting especially during cold and moody days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along the top of Longsands you can find a variety of bars and restaurants with special mention to Durano Lounge and Tynemouth Castle Inn. Tynemouth Aquarium is very closeby too, a modest-sized aquarium that can help to break up the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Parking<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beaconsfield Car Park is a large car park situated atop Longsands beach but there is a fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tynemouth Front Street has on-street parking for a fee but is often fully-packed during weekends. There is also parking down the bank of the priory, free parking at Priors Haven Car Park, and paid parking a little further along at Spanish Battery Car Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During weekends it’s recommended to walk to Tynemouth where possible, or take a quick ride on the Metro due to parking limitations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Whitley Bay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A seaside classic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few stops away on the metro you will find Whitley Bay, formerly known for it’s party scene but now very welcoming to families and couples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whitley Bay is comprised of two main parts, the seaside area and the main shopping area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The seaside are, spanning from the Spanish City to St Mary’s Lighthouse, comprises of award winning ice cream at Di Meo’s, a variety of classy restaurants and small shops under the dome of The Spanish City, The Waves Leisure Centre, and Whitley Bay Mini Golf & Footgolf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main shopping comprises of the usual Greggs, Subway, Wetherspoons, Pepe’s, Boots, Home Bargains, Holland & Barrett.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where the shopping area really shines is all the small local shops and restaurants, a personal shoutout would be to Pablo Eggsgobao for quick brunch, Friez & Burgz for a sloppy lunch, and Al Bear for something a little more classy. Failing all that, take a walk along Park View where you’ll find many more options.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Newcastle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The toon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There’s plenty to do in the city, music venues such as O2 City Hall, The Utilita Arena, and The Glasshouse have all hosted a range of worldclass artists from many genres of music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Art is also in abundance, The Baltic is a great free option, situated just over The Millennium Bridge. Other options include Laing Art Gallery and Hatton Gallery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those that enjoy learning we have “Life” science centre, Discovery museum, and Newcastle Castle (a tour of what’s left).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Food & Drink<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lunch in the town has a lot of the usual big chain options, they’re not hard to find, the smaller establishments that I’d recommend are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Pink Lane Bakery
– Acropolis (Greek)
– Geordie Bangers
– Cubanos
– Shwarma & Grillhouse (Middle Eastern)
– Chili Padi (Malaysian)
– I Scream for Pizza<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the evening:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– My Delhi(Indian)
– Lola Jeans (Burger & Grill)
– The Sandhill Arms (Pies & Ales)
… and any of the big chain restaurants on the Quayside are always a safe bet too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drinks – it’s hard to recommend one or two places, so the areas that I’d suggest are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Grey Street, classy establishments.
– Collingwood Street & Neville Street.
– St. James’ Stack (exercise caution on match days).
– Ouseburn, a bit further afield and a bit more grungy.
– The Bigg Market (only if you’re daring, not for the feint of heart).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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South Shields<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A boat ride away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

South Shields is situated just across the Tyne and can be accessed via The Shields Ferry or Tyne Tunnel (toll applies). There is also the lesser-used Pedestrian Tunnel for those interested in travelling by foot or bicycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can wander along a some lovely breaches, explore South Shields’ modest high street, or visit one of the many takeaway restaurants along Ocean Road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re looking for something quirky then Marsden Grotto might be for you – it’s a gastropub restaurant that specialises in seafood, perched on Marsden beach, not far from the iconic Marsden Rock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sunderland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It exists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a Geordie, and rival of the Mackems, I am not obliged to say anything nice about Sunderland and therefor I will say nothing at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Northumberland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The countryside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you explore past Whitley Bay northwards, or past the Newcastle suburbs eastward, you’ll find yourself in Northumberland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Northumberland consists of many lovely little coastal towns and countryside adventures, some of my favourites include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coastal – Alnmouth, Alnwick Castle & Alnwick Gardens, Seahouses, Lindisfarne\/Holy Island, Bamburgh Castle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Countryside – Hexham, Hadrian’s Wall, Kielder Forest & Observatory, The Cheviot<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: Holy Island visiting times are dictated by the tide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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County Durham<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Countryside to the South.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Situated to the South and South-West of Tyne & Wear, County Durham boasts some beautiful countryside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some notable places of interest are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Durham, a lovely little city known for its calm and inviting atmosphere, the cathedral and castle are buildings of beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Beamish museum is a stones throw from Newcastle and will take you back in time to a simpler time, the old-style sweet shop is a family favourite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Angel of the North, our picturesque monument is great for a quick picture with your friends and family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Local food in North Shields & Tynemouth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are some of my personal favourite food places but there are many more amazing places to grab lunch and eat out around the quay and the coast.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Wooden Deli<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Book Store<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Waterfront<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Book Store<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Sambucca<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Book Store<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Gulshan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Book Store<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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UNCLE\u2019S Panuozzo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Book Store<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Low Lights Tavern<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Book Store<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Lobo Rojo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Book Store<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Scott & Wilson<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Book Store<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How much does local transport cost?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At the time of writing, an all-day pass for the Tyne & Wear Metro is \u00a35.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus fairs in Tyne & Wear are capped at \u00a32.50 per journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A POP card<\/strong> can be very handy if you’re staying a while.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Are you affiliated with any local companies?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No, all suggestions in this page are based on my own understanding of the local area and my own preference, there are many more great places to visit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Where can I park my vehicle?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It costs 50p per hour to park outside of 15 Little Bedford St, but there is free parking down the road, just past The Uncommon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Could you recommend some good cycle routes?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wagonways & Coast<\/a> (24km)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tynemouth to Seahouses (100km)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tynemouth to Whitehaven (220km)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

…or just follow the coast for some lovely views!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n