Tynemouth

Large walk-through aquarium, with sharks, stingrays, seals and, er... monkeys?

The priory came first, founded in the 7th century. It was fortified in the 9th century against Danish attack, but repeatedly wrecked; monastic life was only re-established in the Norman period by the Benedictines. The castle was also re-built circa 1300, and re-fortified in later periods, including 20th century coastal artillery. The priory was suppressed at the Reformation but the church remained in use until 1668 - this doubled as the lighthouse. Three kings were buried here: Oswin of Deira in 651, Osred II of Northumbria in 792, and Malcolm III of Scotland (the fellow in Shakespeare's Macbeth) in 1093 though he was later re-interred in Scotland.

The Volunteer Life Brigades were founded in the mid 19th century, and at their peak there were 40 around England. Today only three remain: this one (the first, founded 1864), South Shields (founded 1866) and Sunderland (founded 1877). They don't have lifeboats, but assist the Coastguard with shore-based rescue. Their Watch House has a local history museum, with a working model of Breeches Buoy rescue equipment.

This houses a collection of locomotives from the early days of the railways (the 1826 Billy) to some early electric locomotives. The museum is on part of the old Metro test track, and so the museum often has trains running to Percy Main Metro station.