Looking for somewhere to go with the kids on a weekend or during the holidays? We have so many great walks and historic sites here in the North East you can visit that will burn off some energy and also won’t cost a fortune.
Penshaw Monument in Washington is somewhere I have regularly taken the kids. Built in 1844, the landmark is visible from the A19 for miles. When I was young, in the days before The Angel of the North, it used to be my guide when travelling for how close I was to home. It was modelled on the Temple of Theseus in Hephaestus and its Grecian style is clear to see.
With a couple of hours to kill we went along at the weekend for a wander and discovered the top of the monument was open to visitors. I’m no good with heights so sent someone with a better head for them up to take photos! It costs £5 each (free for National Trust members) and the views are quite something. We were told that on a clear day you can see 90 miles in either direction from the top of the 30 metre high vantage point.
As you can see, there’s no guard railings and there are height restrictions on who can go up. Because of how blustery it can get at the top of the hill I’d say this endeavour is definitely one for older children. The stairs to the top were quite narrow and you are given a head torch because of how dark it is inside.
The tours are available Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays between 10-16:45, weather permitting. You can pre-book, although we just turned up on the day. Of course, to visit the monument is free if you aren’t keen on heights, and there are a few trails around the hill for those who want to stretch their legs. There’s also Herrington County Park opposite. You can find out more about the Penshaw Monument here.
Thanks for reading,
Pip x
Interested in local history? Check out the photos we took from Grey’s Monument in Newcastle here.
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