Happy TravellerWallsend, located in North Tyneside, Tyne and Wear, England, is a town with a rich history dating back to Roman times. The town is situated at the eastern end of Hadrian’s Wall and was the site of the fort of Segedunum, which protected the eastern end of the wall. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the fort at the Segedunum Roman Fort Museum, which also features reconstructions of a bath house and a section of the Roman Wall that once stood on the site.
Wallsend also has a strong shipbuilding history and was home to the Wigham Richardson shipyard, which later amalgamated to form Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson. The shipyard was responsible for building many famous ships, including the RMS Mauretania, which held the Blue Riband for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic for 22 years. Other notable ships built at the shipyard include the RMS Carpathia, which rescued survivors from the Titanic in 1912, and the icebreaker Krasin, which rescued the Umberto Nobile expedition on Spitzbergen in 1928.
Visitors to Wallsend can learn more about the town’s shipbuilding history at the Wallsend Slipway & Engineering Company Shipyard, which continues to operate today, constructing offshore oil rigs and serving as a TV studio. Productions from the studio include the hit ITV drama Vera, starring Brenda Blethyn, and Inspector George Gently, starring Martin Shaw.
In addition to its historical attractions, Wallsend also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Wallsend Park is a traditional British municipal park that features a skate and BMX park, better pathways, and a rebuilding of the Duffy Memorial Fountain. Centurion Park Golf Club, previously named Wallsend Golf Club, offers 18 holes and a driving range.
Wallsend is also home to Wallsend Boys Club, which has produced many famous football players, including Alan Shearer, Lee Clark, Steve Watson, Peter Beardsley, Robbie Elliott, Mick Tait, and Michael Carrick. The town is also the birthplace of internationally successful musician Sting, whose song All This Time refers to the Roman wall and fort.
Wallsend Town Centre, including the main shopping area known as the Wallsend Forum, is located to the west of the town. To the north of the town centre lies the older estate of High Farm and the new estate of Hadrian Lodge. The town centre is separated from the eastern areas of the town by the Wallsend Burn, a stream running through a small glacial valley from northwest to southeast and through the Willington Gut into the River Tyne.
Wallsend is a town with a rich history and plenty of attractions for visitors to explore. Whether you’re interested in Roman history, shipbuilding, outdoor recreation, or football, Wallsend has something for everyone. Come and discover this hidden gem in Tyne and Wear, England.
