I’ve visited Tynemouth Priory and Castle a number of times over the years but probably failed to appreciate the layers of history which makes up the site. Visiting during English Tourism Week gave me a chance to get updated on plans for the historic site but also appreciate the importance of tourism to our local and national economies.
I met English Heritage CEO Geoff Parkin and his team who reintroduced me to the castle and to the priory where three kings were buried, but also to the impressive battery protecting the mouth of the river and even the former coastguard building which is taking on a status of its own.
The site gets more than 30K visitors a year swelling to more than 50K when events are held like Mouth of the Tyne Festival. North Tyneside Council do a great job to promote local attractions; the spin-off is support for local hospitality and shops highlighting the importance of heritage and culture to the wider economy. Tourism and hospitality have faced a tough time since Covid – Tynemouth Castle and Priory have yet to recover to pre-Covid levels but there are plans including making better use of local volunteers to attract more visitors.
Later officers had to police the sea front as dozens and dozens of young people arrived at the end of one of the few days the sun has shone. But with effective policing and preparations for more people to visit, spend their money and enjoy our regenerated coast we don’t just celebrate our past but look forward to a better future.