Treasured historic gem 12 minutes from newcastle with an open day this weekend

VISITORS ARE INVITED TO EXPLORE LOCAL LANDMARK - BELIEVED TO BE THE LARGEST OF ITS KIND IN EUROPE - AND SOME RESIDENTS CAN HAVE FREE ENTRY ON SATURDAY 15:46, 05 Jun 2025 It's both

weathered the storms and risen from the ashes - quite literally - and now one of Tyneside's historic treasures will be open this weekend to visitors who are being invited to step back

in time to the Tyne's heyday. Dunston Staiths is a blast from the past, capturing the days of hard slog on the riverside as coal supplies were loaded onto ships there for export. The

wooden structure in Gateshead, believed to be the largest in Europe, dates from 1893 and by the 1920s it was said to be loading a whopping 140,000 tons of coal a week, the fruits from north

Durham coalfields first being transported there by rail lines long since gone. But the giant wooden frame, which is a protected structure, still stands its ground on the banks of the Tyne, a

12-minute drive over the river from Newcastle, despite being part-dismantled in the eighties before its restoration and opening to the public as part of the Gateshead Garden Festival scheme

in 1990. It's had a hard time of it over the years since, however, having been repeatedly targeted by vandals and arsonists, as previously reported, and suffering decay and natural

damage, all resulting in lengthy closures followed by occasional re-openings for public access. But those who value what is the last coal staith remaining on the Tyne - the one at Blyth that

famously featured in 1971 crime classic Get Carter is among those now lost - know its importance to local history. And this weekend offers a chance to remind ourselves of Dunston

Staiths' place in our proud past as it is to have an opening day this Saturday, June 7 with entry costing £3, or free to locals with an NE8 or NE11 postcode. Visitors are invited to

"stand on the historic structure on the Tyne and feel the heritage of coal come to life around you". Organiser Tyne Derwent Way, the Gateshead non-profit organisation. adds:

"This old timber structure has uneven surfaces and we ask everyone to wear sensible shoes for their visit and be aware of trip hazards." But it is considered suitable for all and

similar Saturday open days are set to follow on July 5; August 2; September 6 and also September 13, when there will be additional opening to mark Heritage Open Days. Those who go along are

in for a treat. A visit to see Dunston Staiths is like stepping back in time and, as previously reported, there's The Staiths Café nearby where a coffee stop-off can be combined to make

the trip even more enjoyable. Article continues below Reviewers on Tripdvisor have called the staiths "unique in the world and treasured by our community as an amazing historical

feature of our industrial past"; an "iconic piece of Geordie heritage" and "an incredible structure, well worth a visit". The latter review added it had been a joy

to watch the staiths being restored in recent years and opened to the public after a long period of decline and it praised the location for its "great views towards Newcastle Quayside

and the various bridges over the Tyne" and as an area to observe wildlife around the neighbouring saltmarsh. It highlighted the staiths' special late opening during The Late Shows

"when you can take in the sunset over the river". Another previous review called the location " surprisingly green for an old industrial area" while one thought the

staiths "isn't pretty" but that it was a feat of construction. One said: "You will not see anything like the Staiths anywhere else in the world. Make sure you take your

camera. Good place to walk or ride your bike and information boards to give you the history of the site." The adjacent café has come in for plenty praise on TripAdvisor too, for being

"relaxing" and "a lovely place for cake and coffee". One person wrote: "I love the Staiths, this café and the glorious views of the Tyne". This Saturday's

open day will run from 10am until 2pm - as long as the weather does not turn severe that is - and there is no need to book. Those interested can just turn up. Access will be a bit restricted

due to repair works being needed at certain points along the walkway and one section requires marshals to lead small groups for safety reasons. But it is accessible for all and, while steps

exist between the bottom and top decks, there is wheelchair-accessible entry to the decks from Saltmarsh Gardens. Proceeds from the £3 general entry charge will go towards making the

staiths more accessible and help pay for essential maintenance work. Those able to claim free admission are asked to take along an official letter or bill as proof of address to confirm that

they live in the NE8 or NE11 postcode area. Article continues below Anyone who might be interested in being a volunteer and becoming involved in helping to open the staiths to the public

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