See Inside; TVLB Museum
Could this be the best kept secret at the coast? The Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade Watch House Museum (or TVLB for short!), overlooks the mouth of the Tyne and boasts some of the most spectacular views that the coastline has to offer. We took the camera in to give you a flavour of what to expect.
You may have admired this charming building from afar, but never quite realised what it was, or what lay behind the exterior. Well, it’s about time you found out! The museum is well signposted from the top of Pier Road at the end of Tynemouth’s Front Street. The free car park (2 hours max stay) on the right hand side, at the bottom of Pier Road, is the best and cheapest place to to park if you’re not on foot. From there, just continue up the road.
The entrance to the museum lies at the rear of the building. Assuming the door is locked, you can ring the doorbell which will notify a local volunteer or resident, who will then let you in. It could be argued that it’s worth a visit for the views alone, but the museum is also a treasure trove of local history. The main room as you enter, is clear evidence of that.
The quaint Watch House is stacked with artefacts, ornaments, paintings and relics from old shipwrecks - some of which date all the way back to the Brigade’s inception in 1864. You’ll probably need to visit more than once, just to take it all in! Two towers stand at each end - one slightly taller than the other. The second floor inside the taller of the two towers is accessible by a steep ladder-like staircase. After a sure footed ascent, you are rewarded with stunning panoramic views across the mouth of the Tyne.
With such spectacular scenery and wall to wall history, the Watch House feels stacked with warmth and character. If you want to learn more about what’s on your doorstep then there are probably few better places to visit. A very worthwhile trip, even if you just fancy popping in on your next visit to Tynemouth.
The museum is open every day except Monday. You can find information on opening times and lots more over at the website, including the Brigade’s vast history and modern day functionality. As the museum is free admission and ran by volunteers, donations are encouraged, so please leave some spare change if you can.
All images © acitybythesea.co.uk