Top 10 things to do in Washington
If you live in Washington in Tyne & Wear or are considering making the move to Washington, then we have the list of Top 10 activities to do in the area.
1. WWT Washington – managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, this centre is a wetland reserve which has been running since 1975. It has an extensive array of beautiful wildlife ranging from swans to flamingos and everything in between. The trust has a passion for conserving the wetlands while running a breeding program to help protect the globally endangered wildfowl. You can visit the centre, see the animals and even feed them.
2. National Trust Washington Old Hall – for those of you that are history fans, this one is a special treat which hides in the heart of Washington. A manor house from the 12th Century, this was the ancestral home of the town’s namesake – George Washington who was named the first President of the United States. Throughout the year, they hold various events dependent on the season but the one thing they can always guarantee is a fun day out for all ages.
3. Angel of the North – another landmark of local history, the Angel of the North is a relatively modern sculpture which was created by Antony Gormley. It is just outside of Washington in Gateshead but it is worth the drive – the grand structure of an angel spreading its wings which are supposed to be a symbol of an ‘embrace’.
4. Penshaw Monument – this monument is officially called ‘the Earl of Durham’s Monument’ and was built in 1844 on a hill which sits between Washington and Houghton-le Spring. It was created as a dedication to John George Lambton or ‘Radical Jack’. He helped with the Durham report to help Britain with strategies to manage its colonies globally.
5. Beamish, the Living Museum of the North – another gem just outside of Washington, this museum isn’t of the regular type. It is an open-air museum which presents its visitors with a glimpse into how day-to-day life would have been for those who lived in the early 20th century. This was at the peak of industrialisation. It has plenty of things to visit, a full town, a tramway to help you travel around, a bakery with working ovens that you can buy food from, a motor garage, a department store which is the 20th century Co-op, some houses, a pub and for the children, there is a sweet shop for you to visit alongside many other attractions.
6. Emirates Riverside – this is officially known as the ‘Riverside Ground’ but due to sponsorships, it has been changed to the current name. It is the place Durham County Cricket Club call home. There have also been some international matches held at the Riverside.
7. Herrington Country Park – another home for the wildlife of this area which has up to 100 species of different birds. They also have various events across the year such as music events – their previous events are Let’s Rock and BBC Radio One’s Big Weekend.
8. North East Land, Sea and Air Museums – this is a museum that is entirely volunteer-run and has the largest aviation collection from Yorkshire to Scotland. It has over 30 different aircraft for their guests to see and other items such as weapons, vehicles and other historical items relating to aviation. Even though this may seem somewhat niche, it is the perfect place for the family to spend the day and do some fun learning about the topic.
9. Tanfield Railway – from planes to steam trains, this railway is a 4ft 8/12 inches standard gauge heritage railway that runs preserved steam trains. It has a passenger service that runs every Sunday and claims to be the ‘world’s oldest railway’. The full length of the railway is 3 miles and a perfect little day out for all ages.
10. Lambton Castle – last but certainly not least, we have another stately home which is the ancestral home of the Lambton family otherwise known as the Earls of Dunham. Weddings and other events are held there but it is also available for general visits.
If you’re thinking that Washington could be somewhere that you stay long term rather than just visiting, then we can help. Pay Less for Storage will supply secure storage with a free van collection. There is also a handy guide on our website which will aid you when choosing which storage size you need for when you’re making the move from your old home to your new property. For more information give our friendly team a call.
