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Tynemouth Castle and Priory

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

Tynemouth Priory and Castle is a complex of historic buildings that has been in use since at least the Iron Age period. The appeal of the site is its position on an isolated headland situated between the River Tyne and the sea. There was a native settlement here during the Roman period, and in the 7th century a monastery was esablished on the site, and Oswin, Northumbrian king and saint, is supposed to have been buried here. That first monastery was destroyed in a Danish raid, and a new monastery based on the Benedictine rule was established in about 1090.

The monastery lasted until it was dissolved by Henry VIII. The east end of the priory church, built around 1200 AD, is the most imposing of the priory remains; it stands almost to its full height. The 15th century chapel, built as a chantry for the Percy family, Earls of Northumberland, is very well preserved, and features a complete rose window and decorative vaulting.

The entire priory complex is surrounded by defensive walls. The first defenses at Tynemouth were probaby begun by Edward I around 1296. Edward's wallls were strengthened in the 15th century. Then, asfter the dissolution of the priory in 1539, the site was transformed into a royal castle, and gun emplacements built to counter the threat of Spanish invasion.

Tynemouth Castle was a major part of England's coastal defenses for the next several centuries, and visitors can still see the restored gun battery built during the Napoleonic Wars.

It is rare to see a site that has been put to so many purposes over the centuries, and Tynemouth Priory is well worth a visit for its historic interest.
Pier Road, Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear, England, NE30 4BZ

About Tynemouth Castle and Priory
Attraction Type: Castle
Website: Tynemouth Castle and Priory
English Heritage
Location map
OS NZ372693
Photo Credit: Steve McShane, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence.
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information

Nearest Attractions Jarrow Monastery - 3.2 miles (Abbey) Bede's World - 3.3 miles (Family) Souter Lighthouse - 3.9 miles (Historic Property) Segedunum Roman Fort (Hadrian's Wall) - 4.8 miles (Roman) Seaton Delaval Hall - 5.4 miles (Historic House) Hylton Castle - 6.7 miles (Castle) Holy Jesus Hospital - 8.1 miles (Historic Property) Bessie Surtees House - 8.2 miles (Historic Property)

Nearest Towns and Villages Seaton Delaval - 5.1 miles away Blyth - 8.3 miles away Newbiggin-by-the-Sea - 11.9 miles away Ponteland - 13.3 miles away Morpeth - 14.6 miles away Belsay - 17.3 miles away Ovingham - 18.1 miles away Bywell - 20.8 miles away

Nearest Accommodation to Tynemouth Castle and Priory

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

1 Urpeth Terrace - 13.2 miles from Tynemouth Castle and Priory Chester le Street, County Durham Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £150

66b South Terrace Cottage - 19.7 miles from Tynemouth Castle and Priory Esh Winning, County Durham Sleeps: 2 Stay from: £120

Dairy Cottage - 22.8 miles from Tynemouth Castle and Priory Castleside, County Durham Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £334.

More Self Catering near Tynemouth Castle and Priory

Nearest Hotels

The Grand Hotel - 0.2 miles from Tynemouth Castle and Priory Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear Stay from: £69.00

Park Hotel Tynemouth - 0.4 miles from Tynemouth Castle and Priory North Shields, Tyne and Wear Stay from: £29.00

Best Western Sea Hotel - 1.1 miles from Tynemouth Castle and Priory South Shields, Tyne and Wear Stay from: £64.00

More Hotels near Tynemouth Castle and Priory

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Martineau Guest House - 0.1 miles from Tynemouth Castle and Priory Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear From: £60.00

Ocean Breeze Guest House - 1.1 miles from Tynemouth Castle and Priory South Shields, Tyne and Wear From: £28.00

Forest Guest House - 1.2 miles from Tynemouth Castle and Priory South Shields, Tyne and Wear From: £26.00

More bed and breakfasts near Tynemouth Castle and Priory

South Shields (Ampitheatre)
Tourist Information Centre
Sea Road
South Shields
Tyne and Wear
England
NE33 2LD
Tel: 0191 455 7411
Fax: 0191 455 7411
Email: foreshore.tic@s-tyneside-mbc.gov.uk
Seasonal opening
Map