Between Newcastle Upon Tyne And Long Sands Beach Is A River Town With Local Cafes And Medieval Ruins

The River Tyne flows for 73 miles and is known for its cleanliness, dense salmon population, and impressive array of bridges. It also serves as the background for some of North East England's most notable hubs, including Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead. What remains lesser known to the travel masses is a 30,000-resident town not too far away that offers a laid-back experience complete with mom-and-pop businesses and historical attractions. Jarrow is located on the River Tyne's south bank, which means that water lovers can fish or take in the scenic views from one of the riverside trails, while those eager to experience small-town English charm can wind down in one of the local cafes.

The history is another facet worth exploring around here. While the town center isn't particularly old, the area's roots go all the way back to the 5th century, with one of the most important landmarks you can explore today being St. Paul's Monastery. Once one of the most important cultural hubs on the continent, today its remains can be explored free of charge. Those who'd like an even more in-depth experience learning about the local history can stop by the Jarrow Hall Anglo-Saxon Farm, Village, and Bede Museum next.

Coming here shouldn't be too difficult, especially considering the town is located between Newcastle upon Tyne and Long Sands Beach (under 9 miles away from both). The closest of the U.K. capital cities is Edinburgh, which takes less than two hours to reach via public transport, but fliers have an even closer major entryway to consider: Newcastle International Airport (NCL). From here, you can either choose a 25-minute drive or a 45-minute metro ride to town, but because Jarrow itself is so walkable, it might be worth taking advantage of the public transportation system.

Jarrow sits where the River Tyne and (the smaller) River Don meet, allowing visitors to explore some of the local fishing spots, like the walkway next to the oil jetty, with common species including flounder, codlin, and coalfish. The waterfront allure can also be experienced by walking one of the several riverside trails in town, starting with Bede's Way. Following the River Don banks, this moderate-difficulty pathway stretches over 12 miles and takes you through beautiful seascape, streams, and rolling hills. Just be wary of walking it after heavy rainfall, because that, combined with the water proximity, can make the trail feel flooded. If you're eager to explore more of England's coastal allure, check out this list of its eight best piers for ocean views and seaside fun.

Another way to take in the Jarrow's charm is to explore the cafes scattered around it. Hive Coffee Company, for example, is an independent coffee shop worth checking out, especially for those who appreciate freshly brewed coffee and dishes made with herbs grown on-site. They also offer vegan and gluten-free options, plus customers appreciate the abundant outdoor seating. Visitors bringing their dog along can get their pup a snack, as well. Rosie's Cafe is another local spot that prides itself on its home-style, made-to-order meals. Patrons compliment the friendly, warm atmosphere and recommend trying the sausages. If your Jarrow getaway pushes you to explore other overlooked gems, Alnmouth, under an hour from Newcastle upon Tyne, is a quaint English village with ocean views, a beach, and tasty eats.

Jarrow's riverfront charm isn't the only facet worth exploring here. The town is located in Northeast England, a scenic corner of the country where Rick Steve says you'll see "some of England's best historical sights." Those looking to explore the area's centuries-old past can start their tour at St. Paul's Monastery. Built alongside a sister building in Wearmouth, Sunderland, its roots as an influential cultural center date back to the 7th century, though most of what you'll see here today belongs to the 11th century. While most of the site has been demolished over the years, travelers can still explore its ruins and even enter the chancel of St. Paul's Church. Visitors compliment the well-preserved remains and calm atmosphere. You'll also have the opportunity to see exhibits of unique features that take you through the landmark's history, including a 600s dedication stone. 

Another historical attraction worth adding to the itinerary is the Jarrow Hall Anglo-Saxon Farm, Village, and Bede Museum. Named one of the town's top sights by Tripadvisor, this is an 11-acre site whose highlights include an open-air museum in the form of an animal farm, a reconstructed, interactive village, a museum dedicated to the legacy of Bede (nicknamed the "father of English history"), and a herb garden, as well as a Grade II listed house and an on-site cafe. Jarrow Hall also hosts a wide range of events you can check out here, but even if you're not interested in those, it's recommended to set aside at least half a day for your visit, especially if you're combining it with a trip to St. Paul's Monastery next door. Following that, consider a day trip to Warkworth, a historic village with a scenic castle and pristine beach, about 40 minutes away by car.