Stay Safe on 'Staycation' this Summer in South Tyneside

One of the North East's top coastal areas is calling on visitors looking to enjoy a 'staycation' this summer to support South Tyneside's tourism sector on the road to recovery as part of English Tourism Week.

English Tourism Week (22-31 May) is an annual national celebration of the tourism industry.

To mark the celebration, South Tyneside Council is highlighting the many reasons to visit the Borough as the tourism sector gets ready for better times ahead after a turbulent year.

Councillor Joan Atkinson, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: "South Tyneside is a very special place to live and visit.

"We are fortunate to have some beautiful parks and open spaces, great towns and picturesque villages, a stunning riverside and coastline with glorious beaches, and these have all played an important role in the wellbeing of our residents over this past year.

"However, we also have a fabulous tourism sector, made up of fantastic cultural attractions and a variety of places to stay, eat and drink. They are only just reopening in line with the Government's easing of restrictions and have worked incredibly hard to ensure people's safety. We are delighted to see them welcoming back visitors once again.

"English Tourism Week not only gives us an opportunity to showcase South Tyneside as a traditional UK break and promote our friendly hospitality, rich heritage and natural beauty, but encourages local people to take advantage of, and support, all of the wonderful tourism and hospitality businesses right here on their doorstep."

Café, eateries, pubs and restaurants recently reopened for indoor service under Step 3 of the Government's roadmap out of lockdown. To support this sector, the Council launched the 'Going out, out in South Tyneside' campaign, encouraging people to support local businesses while still following the rules in place to keep themselves and others safe.

With restrictions also lifted on staying over and indoor cultural attractions, the Council also continues to help promote the Borough's accommodation businesses, entertainment venues, museums and heritage sites.

Attractions include Souter Lighthouse, the Customs House theatre and art gallery, Jarrow Hall, The Dunes, Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, South Shields Museum and Art Gallery and Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort - to name just a view.

Geoff Woodward, Museum Manager North & South Tyneside, Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, said: "We are delighted to be back open and welcoming visitors once again.

"We have such a unique site here at Arbeia exploring our Roman heritage in addition to our museum giving a fascinating insight into the history of the area. We are very proud to be among the fantastic range of visitor attractions for families to explore across South Tyneside.

"As with many businesses it has been a challenging few months, but we have been really appreciative of all the support we have received from everyone. We are very much looking forward to seeing families back soon to enjoy good times ahead."

Residents and visitors are reminded that restrictions remain in place in line with the current Government rules and guidance around Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air.

With many venues operating with limited capacity and on a booking-only basis, visitors are advised to check arrangements and details of Covid-19 safety measures with individual businesses and venues.

Councillor Atkinson added: "There are so many great things for families to do in South Tyneside across our towns and villages.

"While our wonderful cultural venues and hospitality businesses are a huge attraction for visitors, we cannot underestimate the value of simple activities. Whether people like building sandcastles, exploring rock pools, enjoy a picnic in the park or a discovery trail through our villages, countryside, coastline and urban areas, residents and visitors alike are sure to have a wonderful time and make some great memories along the way.

"Whatever people choose to do and wherever they choose to go, we would urge them to follow the rules to keep themselves and others safe."

For further information about visiting South Tyneside, including places to stay and where to go, go to www.visitsouthtyneside.co.uk