Heritage day 1- on the coast!

This Thursday-Sunday its the annual heritage open days, where all over the uk buildings are opened up to the public to explore or for a tour free of charge.

Today, my mam & I went to Tynemouth and along the north pier. Usually the end of the pier is closed to the public but today we were able to go down the steps and enter the lighthouse. Inside are the original tiled lighthouse keepers quarters from when it used to be manned. We climbed up to the top to see the light that is still used today and went out onto the balcony to take in the fantastic views north towards Blyth, south to souter lighthouse and across the mouth of tyne to south shields. It was beautiful and sunny and I took many photos of the view!
We then had a look inside the tunnel that runs within the pier, that not many people know about! Although we didn't linger long as it is dark inside and we were scared of meeting some rats down there.
We then walked back along the pier and had an ice-cream at this little spot. I thought I'd take a photo as I like all the colourful little boats on the sand and both north and south lighthouses visible.

We then went to South Shields grand and beautiful town hall for a guided tour and were surprised to be taken by the Mayor herself! Although the Mayor is called "Mr" she is actually a lady, and very friendly and chatty. We had a fascinating tour of the building which was built in 1910 & then she presented us each with a book about the history of south shields town hall to keep. We sat around drinking tea and coffee with her and the mayoress and got to look through the guest books which have been signed by lots of important people such as the Queen & the rest of the royal family. It was a fantastic tour!

After all this site seeing, my husband came and we walked down to the famous Colmans fish and chip shop on ocean road. Afterwards we visited my grandparents so I could tell them about the places that Id visited.

Lots more planned over the next 3 days! The only problem is choosing which photo to blip. I was tempted to use something from up the lighthouse or within the town hall as I couldn't usually go those places but in the end I liked the colourful beach shot as it felt summery.