Browse Tag by Marsden

Posts on our bed and breakfast accommodation blog about Marsden, South Tyneside, NE34.

Family-Friendly, Leaflets & Guidebooks, Tourist Information, Videos

South Tyneside Guide – Families

Home > Tyne & Wear > South Tyneside

The latest 2017 guide to South Tyneside is out.

Request your own free 33 page copy of the Official Guide to South Tyneside when you book direct on our website.

Here is an extract from the latest 2017 guide to South Tyneside

South Shields Coastline Free South Tyneside Visitor Guide 2017

Family Favourites

South Tyneside is jam-packed with fun things to do and great places to visit.

Plan your next family outing with this handy guide.

Haven Point.

This state-of-the-art leisure centre on the seafront at South Shields comes complete with two pools, a sauna, a steam room, a gym, two dance studios and a cafe.

Oh yeah, and there are some wicked water slides in the leisure waters area, along with a bubble spa and a water play area.

Dive in.

Jarrow Hall.

A fantastic new attraction where little historians can learn more about one of the North East’s most famous names: the Venerable Bede.

Animal-lovers will delight in wandering around the farm, meeting pigs, goats and other animals.

Marsden Bay.

At this beautiful setting, the whole family can clamber among the rock pools and watch the kittiwakes, fulmars, gulls and cormorants of one of England’s most important seabird colonies.

The Word. National Centre for the Written Word.

One of South Shields’ top attractions, this new, state of-the-art venue is perfect for families – there’s even a whole floor dedicated to children.

The library here is home to more than 70,000 books, StoryWorld is an immersive storytelling experience kids will love and 2017 sees the Shiver Me Timbers exhibit come sailing into South Shields, ready to take little landlubbers on a nautical adventure they’ll never forget.

Ocean Beach Pleasure Park.

A classic seaside funfair full of timeless rides and high-tech attractions.

Urban Wave, the only surf simulator of its kind in the country, allows your little beach dudes to try out surfing without getting wet, while the Laser Maze will test your agility to its limits.

Can you get across the room without crossing the laser beam?

South Marine Park.

The crowning jewel of South Shields’ seafront, South Marine Park boasts a miniature steam train, a boating lake and two play areas.

In addition, there’s green space, picnic tables, a café and, of course, great views of the sea.

Just next door, North Marine Park also offers stellar views.

South Tyneside has loads more green spaces to enjoy too.

Be sure to check out Cornthwaite Park at Whitburn, Drewetts Park in Jarrow and Tilesheds Nature Reserve in Boldon.

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery and Arbeia Roman Fort & Museum.

Discover the history of the area on a day out to this celebration of South Tyneside’s heritage which brings 4,000 years of history to life across two floors and is home to insects and reptiles at Creature Corner.

While we’re on the subject of history, don’t forget to explore Arbeia Roman Fort & Museum — a key garrison and military supply base to other forts along Hadrian’s Wall.

Learn about the area’s Roman history through re-enactments, falconry displays and gladiator battles.

The Dunes Bowling Alley.

Jump into the soft play area, get competitive in the bowling alley, get even more competitive in the arcade, then top it all off with a Sunday lunch.

Find this popular entertainment venue on South Shields seafront.

The Leas.

This two-mile stretch of coastal pathways, laid out along the 250 million-year-old cliffs, will lead you along the stunning shoreline from Sandhaven Beach to Marsden Bay and Souter Lighthouse and The Leas where inquisitive minds can learn about the smugglers that used to frequent the area.

You’ll get some great views of the sea from your vantage point high above the waves, which also makes for a great cycling, dog-walking and kite-flying location.

South Shields’ Beaches.

There are some great beaches at South Shields including both Littlehaven Beach and Sandhaven Beach.

Water-sport enthusiasts love the shelter that the pier offers at Littlehaven Beach, while Sandhaven Beach is a great spot for building a sandcastle.

If you’d rather keep your shoes and socks on though, why not go for a stroll along the promenade?

We All Scream for Ice Cream.

There’s nothing quite like a day out with an ice cream to round it off.

Fortunately, in South Tyneside, we’re pretty much spoilt for choice on spots to pick up a coneful of something creamy.

Try Minchella & Co, Scoop & Bean or the Ghiaccio Ice Cream & Dessert Lounge next time you’re out and about.

The Shields Ferry.

Kids love novel modes of transport, don’t they?

Shun the car and jump aboard the Shields Ferry running between North Shields and South Shields.

It only takes seven minutes to cross the mighty River Tyne, but the kids will love it.

Family Events.

There are plenty of events happening in South Tyneside that the whole family will enjoy.

In 2017, the South Tyneside Festival’s summer concerts at Bents Park include acts such as KT Tunstall and Busted, while the Summer Parade will be entitled Once Upon a Time and take its inspiration from classic children’s stories such as Peter Pan and The Jungle Book.

During the summer holidays, Kids Fun-Fest will run regularly at South Shields Amphitheatre and include performers, entertainers and a gunge tank!

You can read more about South Tyneside in our free 33 page Official Guide.

Enter your email below for a free copy.

Free South Tyneside Visitor Guide 2017

Please send me the free Official Guide to South Tyneside

(No spam we promise, we will not re-use or re-sell your email address).

Here is a short South Tyneside tourism video to watch while you wait for your free Official Guide to South Tyneside to arrive…

If you are looking for hotel accommodation in South Tyneside our bed and breakfast best price and room availability is here Book Online.

Room information including photographs can be found on the Accommodation page of our website.

For more tourist information on our blog visit Tourist Information.

Published on 15th June 2017 13:30.

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Leaflets & Guidebooks, Tourist Information, Videos

South Tyneside Guide – Coastline

Home > Tyne & Wear > South Tyneside

The latest 2017 guide to South Tyneside is out.

Request your own free 33 page copy of the Official Guide to South Tyneside when you book direct on our website.

Here is an extract from the latest 2017 guide to South Tyneside

South Shields Coastline Free South Tyneside Visitor Guide 2017

We Propose a Coast

To the finest stretch of seaside. cliffs, culture and heritage in the North East, and some amazing fish and chips: we salute South Tyneside’s coastline.

We’re not usually ones to get misty-eyed, but if there’s anything that’s likely to get us tearing up with North Eastern pride, it’s our coastline.

There’s something to recommend every inch of its roughly 110 miles of coast, but there are few places as jam-packed with intrigue, fun, heritage and romance as the South Tyneside coast between South Shields and Whitburn.

Firstly, the romance.

All coastline is gorgeous to varying degrees, but we’ve got some of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous coastline of all here in South Tyneside.

Take, for instance, its beaches: Littlehaven Beach, sheltered from the worst of the weather by South Pier, is a water sports haven; and Sandhaven Beach on the other side of the pier, with its soft golden sands and grand dunes, is ideal for a classic day out at the beach, ice creams and all.

It’s not just good to look at either.

Aside from the aforementioned waters ports, both are ideal for your classic beach sports – volleyball, football, cricket, frisbee and the like – and a dip in the North Sea is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.

There are countless hidden coves, bays, nooks and crannies all along the coast to explore, which is one of the best things about this bit of the shoreline.

No matter when you visit, you’ll always be able to find somewhere which feels completely your own.

“There are countless hidden coves, bays. nooks and crannies to explore.”

Further down the coast, things take a turn for the rugged.

The seven-mile walk from Littlehaven Beach to Whitburn takes in some of the most staggering rough-hewn coastline in the region, with its ancient grandeur having captivated generations of visitors.

You head across clifftops, past Frenchman’s Bay (a French ship ran aground there, hence the name) and towards Manhaven Bay and the uniquely-shaped humps of Velvet Beds – also known locally as Camel Island.

The big draw here, though, is Marsden Rock in Marsden Bay.

For the last 250 million years this limestone rock has stood in the sea, gradually being weathered into an instantly recognisable monolith.

You might be so knocked out by it (or, you know, just a bit thirsty after your wanderings) that you fancy a pint – happily, Marsden Grotto, one of the very few pubs we know of which is in a cave, is close at hand.

The other icon of this part of the coastline is the National Trust’s Souter Lighthouse and The Leas.

As the first lighthouse in the world designed and built to be powered by electricity, it’s an internationally important piece of industrial history as well as being a brilliant place to take children – they’ll love the pirate play shop and the Marsden Rattler play train.

Closer to sea level, there are promenades and parks to explore too.

South Marine Park is an absolute must: take a pedalo out on the lake, feed the ducks, take a ride on the miniature steam train (if there are three more exciting words in the English language than ‘miniature steam train’ then we’ve yet to read them) and then settle in for an ice cream at the incomparable Minchella’s, which has been the supreme dealer of lickable treats on our coast for decades.

Before that, though, you need some proper fish and chips, and they don’t come any more proper than the multi award-winning Colmans Fish & Chips on Ocean Road.

Alongside the taste of tradition, you can also sample some of the most vibrant public art in the region.

Take Littlehaven Beach’s promenade, for instance.

There, you can see the 22 life-size bronze weebles which make up Conversation Piece by Spaniard Juan Munoz, as well as two pieces by Stephen Broadbent which speak to the culture of this coastal community: The Eye, which looks out toward the sea to watch for ships coming home; and The Sail, representing the area’s seafaring past and present.

Between the coast’s culture, heritage and pure iconic landscape, you’ll be spoilt for choice when you come to explore it.

You can read more about South Tyneside in our free 33 page Official Guide.

Enter your email below for a free copy.

Free South Tyneside Visitor Guide 2017

Please send me the free Official Guide to South Tyneside

(No spam we promise, we will not re-use or re-sell your email address).

Here is a short South Tyneside tourism video to watch while you wait for your free Official Guide to South Tyneside to arrive…

If you are looking for hotel accommodation in South Tyneside our bed and breakfast best price and room availability is here Book Online.

Room information including photographs can be found on the Accommodation page of our website.

For more tourist information on our blog visit Tourist Information.

Published on 15th June 2017 13:20.

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Public Transport

New E1, E2, E6 Sunderland Bus Timetable

Home > Tyne & Wear > Sunderland

The popular E1, E2 and E6 bus service linking Sunderland and South Shields has had a timetable change.

E1 Bus Sunderland To South Shields

You can view the new E1, E2 and E6 bus timetable valid from 4th June 2017 here…

All E1, E2 and E6 bus services travel via Fawcett Street, Wearmouth Bridge, North Bridge Street to The Wheatsheaf then…

E1 via Roker Avenue, Harbour View, Roker Terrace, Whitburn Road, Whitburn Bents Road, East Street, Mill Lane, Coast Road, Redwell Lane, Marsden Lane, Horsley Hill Square, Cheviot Road, Highfield Road, Horsley Hill Road, Westcott Avenue, Mowbray Road, Sea Road, Ocean Road, Anderson Street, Winchester Street, Fowler Street, Keppel Street and Chapter Row.

E2 via Newcastle Road, Charlton Road, Station Road, Sea Road, Chichester Road, Sea Lane, Seaburn Terrace, Whitburn Road, Whitburn Bents Road, East Street, Mill Lane, Kitchener Road, Lizard Lane, Marsden Lane, Horsley Hill Square, Marsden Road, Sunderland Road, Dean Road, Beaufront Terrace, Laygate, Western Approach, Station Road and Church Way.

E6 via Roker Avenue, Fulwell Road, Dene Lane, Dykelands Road, Whitburn Road, Whitburn Bents Road, East Street, North Guards, Lizard Lane, Prince Edward Road, King George Road, Mortimer Road, Stanhope Parade, Chichester Road, Westoe Road, Fowler Street, Keppel Street and Chapter Row.

If you are looking for hotel accommodation for your visit to Sunderland our bed and breakfast best price and room availability is here Book Online.

Room information including photographs can be found on the Accommodation page of our website.

For more public transport information on our blog visit Public Transport.

Published on 5th June 2017 08:36.

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Places to Eat & Drink, Pubs, Clubs & Bars

Marsden Grotto Reopens

Home > Tyne & Wear > South Shields > Marsden > Coast Road

Marsden Grotto is a pub, restaurant and popular wedding venue just down the Coast Road from us in Marsden, South Shields, NE34 7BS.

The Marsden Grotto South Shields NE34 7BS Entrance

Marsden Grotto reopens this Wednesday 12th April 2017 at 10am and they begin serving food from 12 noon.

The Marsden Grotto South Shields NE34 7BS Exterior

If you are planning a visit to Marsden Grotto their new menus are as follows…

Lunch Menu

Sandwiches – all served with homemade coleslaw and salad garnish (add chips £2)
Seaside sandwich (egg, tomato and cracked black pepper) in white or brown sliced bread
Fresh local crab mayonnaise on sliced white or brown bread
Posh fish finger sandwich with tartare sauce in a crispy baguette
“Grotto” club sandwich, Chicken and pancetta mayo with iceberg lettuce in a crispy baguette
Tuna and mozzarella melt in a crispy baguette

Light Bites
A trio of Lindisfarne oysters with lemon wedges
Mug of seafood chowder with crusty baguette
Tempura king prawns with homemade sweet chilli sauce
Smoked mackerel pate, toasted sourdough and pea shoots
Garlic mussels cooked in their own pot, great for sharing
Bucket of whitebait with garlic aioli
Bowl of crispy potato peelings with garlic mayonnaise
Spiced haggis croquettes with saffron aioli

Something Bigger
Half a lobster and twice cooked chips with garlic butter and salad
6oz rump steak, twice cooked chips, coleslaw and salad
Our chefs own recipe steak mince and haggis burger in a toasted brioche bun with tomato, sliced red onion and lettuce and served with twice cooked chips and coleslaw
“Grotto” paella, king prawns, mussels, chorizo and saffron rice
Flatbread seafood wrap with garlic butter, prawns, crab, parmesan and twice cooked chips
Battered cod and twice cooked chips, minted mushy peas, tartare sauce and charred lemon
Mushroom and tarragon tagliatelle

Evening Menu served from 6pm until 9pm

To Start
Smoked mackerel pate with toasted sourdough bread and garnished with pea shoots
Tempura battered king prawns with a homemade sweet chilli dip
A trio of Lindisfarne oysters and lemon wedges
Marsden garlic mussels served in their own pot with warm crusty baguette
Our own seafood chowder served with warm crusty baguette
From “The Cave” wild mushrooms on toasted sourdough with garlic, parsley and melted mozzarella

From the Sea
Pan-fried hake supreme sitting on a mussel and saffron broth
Seabass fillets resting on sautéed new potatoes, sweet peppers, red onions and chorizo finished with a white wine and lemon dressing
“The Grotto” paella, king prawns, mussels, chorizo and saffron rice
Crab tagliatelle, prawns, mussels, lemon, chilli, garlic and parsley
Battered cod and twice cooked chips with minted mushy peas and tartare sauce

From the Land
“Jack the Blasters Surf and Turf”
12oz rump steak cooked to your liking with tomato, mushroom and twice cooked chips, topped with half a lobster and garlic butter
Chefs own recipe steak and haggis burger in a toasted brioche bun with sliced red onion, tomato, and lettuce and served with coleslaw and twice cooked chips
Mushroom and tarragon tagliatelle finished with Parmesan and rocket (Vegetarian)
Goat’s cheese and red onion marmalade frittata with a fresh green salad (Vegetarian)

If you are looking for hotel accommodation near Marsden Grotto on the Coast Road at Marsden in South Shields our bed and breakfast best price and room availability is here Book Online.

Room information including photographs can be found on the Accommodation page of our website.

Published on 11th April 2017 13:35.

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Places to Eat & Drink, Places to Visit, Pubs, Clubs & Bars, Videos

Marsden Grotto

Home > Tyne & Wear > South Shields > Marsden > Coast Road

If you are staying with us this Halloween weekend then you might want to visit one of the many haunted places in North East England, we are often asked by guests who stay with us over Halloween for suggestions of places to go so we have made a series of blog posts with all the haunted venues in the North East region that you might like to visit…

Haunted Places In North East England – Marsden Grotto

The Marsden Grotto South Shields NE34 7BS Exterior

Marsden Grotto, known locally as just The Grotto is the closest supposedly haunted location to our bed and breakfast accommodation in South Shields.

Marsden Grotto can be found less then ten minutes drive from us in Marsden on the Coast Road heading towards Whitburn, NE34 7BS.

Marsden Grotto is a public house and restaurant.

Marsden Grotto is one of the very few ‘cave bars’ in Europe, it is partly dug into the limestone cliff face.

Access to the Marsden Grotto via a lift or a zig zag staircase on the cliff at the side of the building.

The Marsden Grotto has a long history dating back to 1782 with a reputation for smuggling activities.

There are several tales of hauntings at Marsden Grotto, mainly relating to a smuggler named John the Jibber who was reputedly murdered by his fellow criminals after selling information to HM Customs.

It is said that he was hung in a barrel in a cave close to the present lift shaft and left to starve.

A popular story is that a former landlord of the pub would leave out a special tankard of ale each night after closing and in the morning it would be empty.

Local DJ and TV presenter Alan Robson drank from the tankard during one of his live Metro Radio shows, allegedly sparking off a series of supernatural phenomena that eventually forced the then landlord to quit.

This included flying ashtrays smashing against the wall and flooding in the cellar after all the beer taps were inexplicably turned on.

You can read more about Marsden Grotto here Marsden Grotto (opens in a new window).

You can see a short British Pathé video filmed inside Marsden Grotto here…

Several local paranormal investigation teams have held vigils at Marsden Grotto and continue to do so.

If you would like to take part in a group ghost hunt to the pub visit…

Haunted Rooms (opens in a new window).

Ghost North East (opens in a new window).

Ghost Team (opens in a new window).

Spirit Seekers (opens in a new window).

If you are visiting Marsden Grotto pub during its opening hours you can see their bar menu here…

The Marsden Grotto South Shields NE34 7BS Bar Menu

If you are looking for hotel accommodation near Marsden Grotto on the Coast Road at Marsden in South Shields our bed and breakfast best price and room availability is here Book Online.

Room information including photographs can be found on the Accommodation page of our website.

Published on 29th October 2015 21:47.

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Last online booking received
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