
There are ruins of an ancient priory founded AD 617-633, later the monks of Tynemouth priory were working Tyneside coal seams as early as the 13th century.
Occupying the site of an earlier Saxon church built first in wood, Tynemouth priory dates back to 1090 and was built over the remains of a 7th century monastery which was the burial place of the early Northumbrian kings.
The castle was added in the 14th century to defend the priory, and later became important as a river and harbour fortification.
More recently gun batteries were housed here in World War One.
There are dramatic views over the river from these well preserved ruins.
By the middle of the 19th century the railways were serving the town.
It became possible to work in Newcastle and live at the coast, and between 1871 and 1881 the population increased by almost one third.
The town has two beaches boasting excellent long stretches of golden sands that are popular all year round.
King Edwards Bay and Longsands are regular seaside award winners.

The Blue Reef Aquarium boasts a magical display of fish from our native species, to exotic visitors like the nautilus, sea horses, sharks and rays.
A new feature is Amazing Amazon, journeying into the fascinating world of the tropical rainforest.
Visitors can meet the cute miniature monkeys, tiny pygmy marmosets and cotton-topped tamarins.
This display also has a variety of brightly coloured exotic rainforest fish and a waterfall and a selection of tropical plants.
The Aquarium is a great all weather attraction, it also has a cafe and is available for functions and children's parties.
Photo © Andrew Curtis - CCL

Guarding the mouth of the River Tyne, the historic Tynemouth Priory and Castle are open to the visitor throughout the year, and are a great attraction for those interested in the past.

Dinghy sailing enthusiasts are well catered for by Tynemouth Sailing Club.
With the adopted classes being Enterprise, International 14, Laser, Mirror, National 12 and a diverse and varied handicap fleet.
The club is also an approved RYA Training Centre
An active sailing programme having race meetings on Wednesday evenings and Sundays, plus a variety of open meetings held throughout the year.
Social activities are also popular and the club also has bar facilities.
Photo © Christine Westerback - CCL
On Sunday 30th August 2009, the finish of The Great North Bike Ride once again ended at Tynemouth Priory.
The event, which is held to raise money for cancer research, is organised by The Chris Lucas Trust.
Starting off in Seahouses on a pleasant sunny morning, the riders covered a distance of just over 50 miles.
A total of 2302 cyclists took part in the event and raised in the region of £100,000 for the charity.
The next event takes place on bank holiday Sunday, 29th August 2010.

Over the weekend of October 23rd and 24th, is the 7th stage
of the
UK Pro Surf Tour 2010.
This stage, the North East Open, is a popular and exciting event held at Tynemouth Longsands Beach,
near the city of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Highly acclaimed, this domestic event attracts top professional surfers from all over the United Kingdom and beyond.
The quality of waves can be excellent and in the past top ranked British champions Gabe Davies and Sam Lamiroy have both trained here.
It is hoped the surf break conditions will be ideal, with competitors and spectators alike having an enjoyable weekend.
Photo © FreeFoto.com - Free Use Rules
Tynemouth has a variety of holiday accommodation available, including...
Hotels, Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfast and Self Catering.

The Land Of Green Ginger...
The Land Of Green Ginger shopping mall is situated in the heart of Tynemouth on Front Street.
Offering a wide variety of interesting niche shops and a café, all contained within the unusual surroundings of the converted 19th century congregational church.
The old and new combine everything that Tynemouth of today represents.
The Land Of Green Ginger - Shops...

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