Top Things to do in Washington
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What to do and see in Washington, United Kingdom (UK): The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Washington, United Kingdom (UK) including WWT Washington Wetland Centre, Penshaw Monument, Beamish Museum, Gateshead Millenium Bridge, Victoria Tunnel, Riverside Park, Thought Foundation, Washington Old Hall, Herrington Country Park, The Literary & Philosophical Society.
Restaurants in Washington
1. WWT Washington Wetland Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 319 reviews
Whatever the season, come rain or shine, WWT Washington Wetland Centre is the perfect place to connect with nature.Open 364 days a year, our award-winning, family-friendly site offers visitors of all ages a host of unforgettable wildlife encounters and beautiful scenery all year round.Explore an exciting mix of wetland, woodland, nature reserve and meadows; home to rare wildfowl, flocks of waders, Chilean flamingos, Asian short-clawed otters, Eurasian cranes and more.Enjoy daily animal feeds; regular walks, talks and activities and other special events.Excellent access (free electric scooter hire), café with views of spectacular wildlife, gift shop and play area. WWT members go Free.
Reviewed By Antony B - London, United Kingdom
We visited on New Year's Day, when most other attractions are closed, and found the wetland centre busy but not crowded. The café served a good lunch that fortified us for walking around in the cold, and we then spent a couple of happy hours exploring the site. It's larger than it looks, stretching right down to the banks of the River Wear, with lots of interesting things to see. We enjoyed spotting a kingfisher in the reed beds, and the family of otters playing. The cranes were an especial highlight, particularly when they danced, and our children really enjoyed feeding the red-breasted geese and nenes.
2. Penshaw Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 309 reviews
Reviewed By gingerjudith - Saltburn-by-the-Sea, United Kingdom
We'd always driven down the A19 and talked about visiting the Penshaw Monument; today was the day we actually did it.
A short, sharp walk up the hill, with some new-looking steps, which were a great help. Fantastic views all around from the top, but we didn't stay long as it was very cold and very windy - but worth the walk. Apparently you can go up a spiral staircase in one of the pillars during the summer to the roof- we'll have to go again to find out.
Well worth a visit.
3. Beamish Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Experience amazing sights, sounds, smells and delicious tastes as the past comes to life. Beamish is unique - our objects aren't locked away in glass cases, this is hands-on history! Step into the past and explore our 350 acre site, as Beamish tells the story of the people of North East England in the 1820s, 1900s and 1940s. Taste traditional food from a coal-fired range, hop on board a tram or steam train, play schoolyard games together and pop into the Co-op shops. Come back time and time again with your Beamish Unlimited Pass, which allows 12 months free entry to the museum from your visit - including all day time special events!
Reviewed By Philip H - Wylam, United Kingdom
Many months since last visit & able to see evidence of the continued investment & development with quilters cottage construction & the start of the 1950's town. This will be really good to see when finished. Although seen before, it is still really good to see how seamlessly the chemist & photographers have integrated into what was already there. Think we've had recent visits for last two or three years. Always something to see,a nice day out, very handy being relatively local approx 15 miles. Definitely recommended, even if you're on holiday & can only visit for a single day. Very interesting & would be very surprised if anyone would not find something of interest.
4. Gateshead Millenium Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Naeve S - Scotland, United Kingdom
The structure itself is really impressive. And definitely worth a visit if your into taking photos or just want to see the bride. On the other side of the bridge there’s the Baltic Centre For Modern Art Which Is Cool! Overall would visit if in Newcastle
5. Victoria Tunnel
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Guided tours of the fully preserved 19th century coal waggonway and WW2 air-raid shelter. Pre-booking is essential and tickets can be booked online through our website or by telephone during office hours. Tours every week on most days, check the website for details.
Reviewed By Dnaray - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
So we arrived at the little office/shop and lady was nice and helpful. There are maps and pics on the table to look at while you wait. The guides arrived and 1 seemed more chipper than the other. It was cold and wet but they did take us the external walk and point out a few things but most likely unnecessary. Got to the tunnels and again bit of a delay before we were taken in. The history of both coal use and air raid shelter were interesting but the walk up to the half formed entrance was dangerous in the wet and added little and overall cutting down the time would have helped. Our 2 hour tour in fact took closer to 2 1/2 hours and generally a shorter more focused presentation would be better. Overall the site is a must visit but if you can book in for the one hour tour - we struggled for availability.
6. Riverside Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By Sandie M - Durham, United Kingdom
We go to this park all the time as its on our doorstep ,we enjoy a nice walk along the river,feed the ducks and have a coffee and snack at the little cafe with Seating outside,very enjoyable .really good set up for children nice play area ,and water Fountains for them to have fun with.we sometimes walk along the river towards the rowing club and carry on that path ,it's a nice quiet walk.the park can get very busy on a hot day,it's very well used especially school holidays,but it's quite a big park so plenty space for everyone to enjoy.
7. Thought Foundation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Thought Foundation is now a reality. A place where creative thought and play are nurtured. Where new skills are learned, and where you can eat, drink or buy things that enrich the experience and hopefully make your life better. Thought Foundation is a thoughtful arts and cultural space, to inspire, promote and support; a community interest company based in Birtley, Gateshead.
Reviewed By hutchiemo - Gateshead, United Kingdom
Where to start... fantastic food, coffee & facilities. Catering to dietary requirements from all walks of life, with the most delicious menu items, sweet treats or healthy snacks.
I go with my baby boy and enjoying a relaxed, supportive atmosphere.
The Thought Foundation is the perfect place to come on your own for friendly company, or with friends & family offering a truly unique environment.
Support this new locally owned business and take a look, you will be back for more in a hurry!
8. Washington Old Hall
Overall Ratings
4 based on 208 reviews
Reviewed By Nigel B - Wakefield, United Kingdom
The old Hall is really interesting with its links to the family of George Washington. It is beautifully restored and full of old furniture of the kind it would have had, but not originally from here. The staff are very helpful and there are useful information sheets. It is quite a small hall but Worth a visit. The grounds are not large but well tended and there is a nice cafe selling home made scones.
9. Herrington Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 537 reviews
Reviewed By mukhasben - sunny south shields
This was our first visit to this park but our granddaughter had been before and kept us on the paths. Our dog, who has a love hate relationship with swans was glad to see that there were two in a small pond to tease however he wasn’t so keen when he got to the boating lake where he was extremely outnumbered. We used the car park at the entrance to the park where there is disabled parking, open toilets and a small cafe selling tea, coffee, pies, juice etc. There is also a playground next to it for warmer days. We didn’t realise you could drive into the park and use more of the car parks that are dotted around the huge site. Penshaw monument is over the road if your feeling fit and fancy a steep climb.
Yes, some of the paths were muddy, but it’s unsurprising with the winter weather. In spring or summer it will no doubt get very popular and parking would be at a premium. Outdoor Concerts are advertised here and there is lots of wildlife to see and paths for walkers with or without dogs and cyclists. We will go back in the Summer and I expect the rating to go to a 5.
10. The Literary & Philosophical Society
Overall Ratings
5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By Annette J - United Kingdom
I visited for a talk on the WW poet Francis Ledwidge, and afterwards strolled upstairs to peruse the library.
This is a genteel haven of good manners, reassuring calm and otherworldly peace.
Yet, despite the tranquillity my heart was set racing as I browsed the intriguingly eclectic collections. So much to discover!
I felt blissfully at home here, and really did not want to leave.
Thanks to the team for the superb talk, and for giving me a reason to enter this very special place.
I shall be back soon, and often.
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