Why You Need To Take a Trip To These Two South Tyneside Villages
There are lots of hidden gems in this part of South Tyneside
Eat
Former Toy Dolls’ frontman Pete ‘Zulu’ Robson’s pub restaurant in West Boldon, The Black Horse, is always worth a visit, not least for the punk memorabilia (and great food). Or try The Red Lion for a great atmosphere, and great steak. In East Boldon you’ll find the award-winning Blacks Corner – a speciality delicatessen, wine bar and concept eatery serving British cheeses and charcuterie. No 4 Bar & Bistro is a great family-run affair well worth trying, as is Volare, a cracking neighbourhood Italian. In Cleadon, Bistro Romano is the go-to for locals looking for reliably good, authentic Italian cooking while The Stables micro bar and brewery is really popular, and not just for its regular live music nights.
Sleep
On the coast a little further north the iconic Marsden Grotto is a beach bar and restaurant with just 11 rooms. The much larger Clarion Hotel Boldon has a swimming pool and leisure facilities, while in neighbouring Whitburn, Hill Head Farm self-catering accommodation is a home from home with idyllic scenery to boot.
Browse
Master Debonair is the place to visit for formal menswear and accessories, while The Wardrobe Boutique has great everyday wear and accessories for women, and find beautiful cut flowers at Blossom and Bows. If it’s unique home furnishings you’re after, Breeze is a great place to start, or head to O’Brien Architectural Salvage for unusual antiques and reclaimed pieces. In Cleadon Jan Watters is where to go for flowers and award-winning De Giorgio is where to find your supper.
Don't Miss
Swing, splash and stride yourself into action in this part of South Tyneside. If you fancy yourself the next Rory McIlroy then you won’t want to miss Boldon Golf Club – which was designed by six-time Open champ Harry Vardon – or Whitburn Golf Club with 18 challenging holes overlooking the coastline. The Diving Centre is where to learn the art of – well – diving, with courses for everyone from beginners to experts. Newton Garths and Tilesheds Nature Reserve is a must-see too with its wildflower meadows, willow coppices and hordes of local wildlife, and don’t miss the historic windmill on Cleadon Hills at sunset.
Around the corner
Temple Memorial Park is great for kids with its orienteering course, play area, skate park and football pitches, or take a short drive to the iconic Souter Lighthouse (the first lighthouse in the world purpose-built to use electricity), walk The Leas and Whitburn Coastal Park or head up to Marsden Bay and the inimitable Marsden Rock – an awe-inspiring limestone stack standing in the sea, formed over 250 million years ago.
