The 10 Best History Museums in Tyne and Wear, England

This Volunteer Life Brigade maritime museum details the history of the first Volunteer Life Brigade to be formed in the United Kingdom and her colonies on December 5th 1864 after the loss of 32 souls within sight of the shore when the schooner "Friendship" and the steamer "Stanley" came to grief on the Black Midden rocks at the mouth of the river Tyne during a South Easterly gale on the afternoon and early evening of the 24th November 1864. The museum contains many unique artefacts salvaged or donated from vessels wrecked along our shore and historic photographs and paintings showing the role of the brigade since it was formed. The brigade is still fully active providing search and rescue services along the coast from the Tyne to Seaton Sluice and upriver to the Tyne bridges and further if required. The brigade are the eyes and ears for the coastguard and are a declared search and rescue facility to HM Coastguard.

The Museum of the North of England is a stimulating and vibrant and prestigious museum right in the heart of the North of England. You are invited to enter the wonderful and educational and frightening world of the North. You can look at things, read things, if you can't read you can look at more things. Old things and new things. The past come to life. Enjoy your visit and thank you.

Steeped in history this imposing Norman fortress, in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, is a rugged reminder of northern England's turbulent history. This was no baron's stately home. Newcastle Castle is a grim reminder of royal authority where armies gathered and criminals were imprisoned and executed. It is where the story of Newcastle began, the reason the city got its name and has the most commanding views over the city and the River Tyne. Open for the public to explore and enjoy our rich and varied history Newcastle Castle takes the safety of public and staff very seriously. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic we have introduced a number of measures to keep you safe whilst you explore, discover and enjoy.

Whilst we are closed you can enjoy exhibition and collections content and activities on our website and social media or by joining our mailing list at mustseemuseums.org.uk.

It’s free to get in to Discovery Museum, which is a massive space showcasing the best of Newcastle’s heritage over three floors and extensive galleries crammed with inventions, world-firsts, model ships and interactive activities for curious kids – and adults! Telling the story of Newcastle and its people from Roman times through to the present day Discovery Museum champions the spirit of the north east area. With events on all year.

In response to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, Jarrow Hall is temporarily closed to the public from Thursday 5th November 2020. Discover the world of Anglo-Saxon Northumbria at a historic and environmental oasis in the heart of South Tyneside. Set across 11 acres, Jarrow Hall features a museum dedicated to exploring the life and legacy of Bede, alongside reconstructed Anglo-Saxon dwellings and an extensive Anglo-Saxon farm home to rare-breed and rescued animals. Suitable for visitors of all ages, Jarrow Hall also boasts a stunning coffee shop on the ground floor of a renovated Georgian manor house serving delicious food and drinks all week long. Alongside good public transport links, bike racks and ample free car parking, Jarrow Hall is companion animal-friendly too, and is available for private hires, events and weddings, alongside school and academic visits.

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery will remain closed until further notice, following the announcement that our region remains in Coronavirus Tier 3. Whilst we're closed you can enjoy exhibition and collections content and fun family activities on our website and social media or by joining our mailing list at mustseemuseums.org.uk.

NELSAM (formerly NEAM), features not only military aircraft and vehicles but also many civil examples. There is a Mk1 Trident being restored back to its original glory, ex-Blackpool trams in their own specialised building and a great collection of military vehicles from the former Military Vehicle Museum in Newcastle are now on display here. The museum holds special events during the year and there are "Ghost Walks" held at weekends (but you MUST book there in advance as they sell out quite quickly). The museum is well worth a visit, but please plan your visit for around 2-3 hours so that you can see everything on offer. Nelsam is run by volunteers so access to the Vulcan, Trident and some other displays is subject to the availability of our members to ensure your safety. We have a small shop selling confectionery, cold drinks, a hot drinks machine, a large selection of plastic model kits, some Die-cast Collectors items and Museum specific souvenirs all at reasonable prices(very useful if you are looking for a gift for Birthdays or Christmas). We look forward to seeing you.