Explore North Tyneside with Go North East

The vibrant borough of North Tyneside is a great place to live, work and visit. It’s brimming with awesome attractions for fun filled days out and getting around is easy with Go North East. 

We asked local blogger Rachel Kershaw, from Life in Geordieland, to tell us where she loves spending time in North Tyneside and she has created a list of her top ten favourite places. So, if you’re stuck for ideas on where to visit by bus this should come in rather handy.

For the best value travel across North Tyneside, plus in and out of Newcastle city centre, choose the North Tyne Go Local Saver ticket. It’s just £4 a day or £14 for a weekly ticket!

Rising Sun Country Park

• I love taking my dog for a long walk through the gorgeous parkland at Rising Sun Country Park. There’s over 400 acres to explore with an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways. At the heart of the park is a large lake, which is designated nature reserve for local wildlife, it’s so tranquil.
• Get there using these Go North East services: 40, 41, 57, 309, 310

Tynemouth Market

• The bustling market which fills Tynemouth Metro Station every Saturday and Sunday is always a great place to visit. You can shop till you drop for everything from vintage and handmade homewares to quirky collectables and yummy food. I can never go without taking home a pack of Geordie bangers.
• Get there using these Go North East services: 1, 1A

Spanish City

• This famous landmark with its stunning dome roof re-opened on Whitley Bay promenade in 2019 following a painstaking restoration project. The new facilities include a family-friendly fish and chip restaurant, a luxurious steak and seafood restaurant, tearooms and a champagne bar. Even if you’re not hungry, it’s worth popping in to admire the stunning architecture and learn more about the unique building’s fascinating history.
• Get there using these Go North East services: 1, 1A, 11, 309

Blue Reef Aquarium

• Blue Reef Aquarium offers a fun filled adventure for the whole family. Catch the Coaster 1 service to Tynemouth Seafront and enjoy close encounters with incredible creatures from around the world. The sea lions are my favourite, don’t miss them making a splash in their daily shows. Show your bus ticket and save £2 per person on the standard admission too, bargain.
• Get there using these Go North East services: 1, 1A

Royal Quays

• There’s something for everyone at Royal Quays, from outlet shopping in over 50 stores at Royal Quays Outlet Centre to soft play at Kidz Kingdome and super bouncy inflatable fun at Inflatanation. Wet n Wild waterpark is located nearby too so there’s plenty to keep your family entertained whatever the weather.
• Get there using these Go North East services: 5, 11, 19

St Mary’s Lighthouse

• This iconic lighthouse in Whitley Bay is surrounded by a thriving nature reserve on its own island which can be reached between the tides via a short causeway. It’s a fab place to go rock pooling and for just a few pounds you can climb the 137 steps to the top of the lighthouse where you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the north east coast.
• Get there using these Go North East services: 309

Segedunum

• One of the major sites along the world-famous Hadrian’s Wall, Segedunum Roman Fort is a fascinating place to make Roman discoveries. It is the most excavated fort along the Wall and there’s lots to see including a large interactive museum and full-scale reconstructions of a bath house. The 35-metre-high viewing tower offers magnificent views across this World Heritage Site and there are regular weapon displays and battle re-enactments during school holidays.
• Get there using these Go North East services: 1, 1A, Q3, 11, 40, 41, 42, 42A

Stephenson Railway Museum

• This attraction is a bit of a hidden gem and I’m always amazed by people who say they’ve never heard of it! Tucked away on Middle Engine Lane behind all the motor dealers you’ll find permanent exhibitions featuring early locomotives and there are heritage train rides to enjoy on Sundays, Bank Holidays and selected dates. The special Christmas events are always a big hit and there are themed family days throughout the summer too.
• Get there using these Go North East services: 19, 42, 42A, 309, 310

Whitley Bay Ice Rink

• Ice skating isn’t just for winter, you can enjoy this fun pastime all year round at Whitley Bay Ice Rink. So, get your skates on and show off your best dancing on ice moves, or if you’re anything like me, just shuffle your way around the edges while holding on for dear life! You can save £5 on a 2-hour skating session with skate hire for a family of 4 when you show your Go North East family bus ticket!
• Get there using these Go North East services: 11, 309

Waves Swimming Pool

• Whenever my niece and nephew come to visit me, they always ask if we can go to Waves pool in Whitley Bay. As the name suggests, the large swimming pool turns tidal every 20 minutes or so and there’s a couple of slides to play on to as well as a smaller Pirate themed pool for the little ones. We usually round off our visit with an ice-cream from the Rendezvous café on the sea front across the road from Waves.
• Get there using these Go North East services: 1, 1A, 11, 309