About
A Northern Saints Trail so epic it combines three others in its course – by stunning coastline and crags, by imposing castles and by standout churches from Lindisfarne to Durham Cathedral.
Coasting along an exquisite but little-known stretch of the North East’s shoreline, The Way of the Sea reveals the area’s eventful relationship with the ocean throughout time.
It was the sea that sculpted the necessary environment to entice this region’s nationally important seabird populations.
It was the sea that allowed prolific fishing and coal-mining to first flourish here, and later be preserved in a number of riveting insights for visitors today to discover. It was the sea that necessitated the raising of castles at Tynemouth, lighthouses like St Mary’s and astounding Art Deco leisure complex Spanish City at Whitley Bay.
The scope of this trail will leave the wayfarer with a satisfyingly complete experience of the North East. On a path that alternates in appearance as often as the area’s notorious tides, you begin hiking through empty dunes and end on the edge of one of England’s biggest metropolitan areas. Along the way you encounter signs of just about every purpose people in this country ever derived from the sea: insights into the region’s unique maritime heritage at Newbiggin-on-Sea and a museum dedicated to the volunteer life-saving groups that helped the coastguard along this tempestuous coast at Seaton Sluice.
The Northern Saints Passport allows visitors to collect stamps at attractions and places to eat and drink along the six Northern Saints routes. Look out for venues that showcase the passport icon on the Northern Saints Trails website. View the current participating venues, with new locations added regularly.
The Northern Saints Trails Visitor Guide is a 55-page full colour guide that includes route descriptions and maps of the six Northern Saints Trails.
Details of how to purchase the Northern Saints Passport and the Northern Saints Trails Visitor Guide can be found on the website - http://northernsaints.com/
For full route descriptions download the documents below.
Video
- Way of the Sea
TripAdvisor
Access Information
Highlights...
St Mary's Lighthouse, North TynesideLighthouse, bird-watching hide and visitor centre are all open to the public. Permanent and changing exhibitions, gift shop and educational facilities.
Royal Quays Outlet Centre, North ShieldsRoyal Quays was one of the first outlet centres in the country originally opening in 1996. With over 50 outlet shops to choose from offering up to 60% OFF rrp on a host of famous brands.
North Shields Fish Quay, North ShieldsNorth Shields Fish Quay dates back to the 13th Century and has a fascinating history but is now not just a place to explore Tyneside's maritime history but the perfect place for a stroll with fish and chips in hand.
Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh
Woodhorn, Museum and Northumberland Archives, NorthumberlandFor a taste of Northumberland's history and mining heritage try a visit to Woodhorn - Museum and Northumberland Archives, near Ashington.
Seaton Delaval Hall, Seaton SluiceSeaton Delaval may have been one of the architect Sir John Vanbrugh’s smallest country houses; but it was home to the larger than life Delaval family.
Hadrian's WallThe UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall is the perfect day out. Explore its ancient archaeology. Find out more at NewcastleGateshead today.
Seaton Sluice, Seaton SluiceSeaton Sluice is a coastal village at the mouth of the Seaton Burn. It has a small, sleepy harbour and a number of pubs, shops and places to eat. It is quiet resort which shows little sign of its industrial past. Visitors here can get involved with surfing and the spot is also popular with…
Druridge Bay, Druridge BayA seven mile beach from Amble to Cresswell, this glorious beach combines sand dunes, pools, woodland and meadows for everyone to explore. Ideal for horse riders, walkers and cyclists, and for the more adventurous take part in canoeing, sailing, Suring and wind surfing.
Cullercoats, CullercoatsWith a sandy bay nestled between two piers this is a popular spot all year round.
Spanish City, Whitley BayCompleted in 1910, ‘The Dome’ became a hub of activity and interest. Work has been undertaken including the restoration of may original features. Now the building houses many leisure facilities including; family-friendly venues, a high-quality steak and seafood restaurant, tearooms, event spaces…
Northumberland Coast National Landscape, NorthumberlandForty miles of the country’s most sublime coastline, protected as a pristine package of wondrous wildlife and history.
Lindisfarne, NorthumberlandPhotogenic Holy Island, crucible of the Christianisation of Britain and one of the country’s most popular pilgrimage sites.
Seahouses, SeahousesSaunter along the bustling harbour of this colourful fishing village and browse an Aladdin’s Cave of shops in this popular seaside holiday resort.
Amble, Cresswell and Newbiggin, AmbleAgreeable Amble, just down the River Coquet from Warkworth Castle is a boarding point for seasonal boat trips to offshore Coquet Island, where an impressive 20,000-odd pairs of puffins nest, alongside endangered roseate terns (the island protects Britain’s biggest population). South along the coast…
RNLI Cullercoats Lifeboat Station, CullercoatsLocated in the beautiful horseshoe-shaped Cullercoats Bay, Cullercoats Lifeboat Station operates a B class inshore lifeboat. The first lifeboat in Cullercoats was funded by the Duke of Northumberland. This became operational in 1852 following the establishment of The Royal National Lifeboat…
Cullercoats Watch House, CullercoatsThe Watch House was designed by Frank West Rich. A pre-existing clock tower was incorporated in the design. The Cullercoats Volunteer Life Brigade, was formed after 1864 and the Watch House constructed between 1877 and 1879. The duty of the Life Brigade was to assist the Coast Guard in their…
Roman Vindolanda Fort & Museum, HexhamThe Vindolanda site today contains a modern world class museum using the latest interpretation techniques and display to tell a very old, very interesting Roman story.