Notable for its iron and glass roof, it was built to accommodate large crowds in 1882 and is now part of the Tyne & Wear Metro network. The old station has benefitted form a substantial restoration and now hosts a market.
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The first station at Tynemouth opened as a terminus in 1847. It once brought holidaymakers from all over Scotland and the North of England to enjoy the sea air.
In sandstone ashlar it has a Tudor flavour with large gable containing a first floor oriel window above a triple arch entrance porch. It is now part of an apartment complex.
When the second station was opened in 1882 the first station became a goods station. The replacement was necessary as the railway line was extended northward and something larger was needed to cope with large crowds of visitors. It was designed by William Bell. Its broad platforms, elegant curved footbridge and large area of glazed ironwork give it tremendous style. The buildings on either side are single storey in brick but attractively detailed. The station is now part of the Tyneside Metro.
It served as the terminus for the first section of the Metro network from Tynemouth to Haymarket (in Newcastle City Centre) via Benton and Jesmond, which opened on 11 August 1980. It became a through station once more on 14 November 1982 when the section to St James via North Shields, Wallsend and Monument came into operation.
Only the small portion of this once vast station now used by the Metro has been refurbished. A regular flea market is held in the station buildings every weekend, with an occasional farmers' market too. The Friends of Tynemouth Station have also arranged book fairs and displays of artwork at the station.
In 2007, English Heritage placed this Grade II* Listed Building station on its "at-risk" register of notable buildings in need of restoration.
A significant restoration project was started in 2009 with £2M governemnet funding support and substantial local fund raising support.. Completed in 2012, the restored station building now hosts a regular market.
Credit for the images used: Interbeat, Yellow Book, Jimmypereiravd, Lola's Big Adventure
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By road: Off A193 in the centre of Tynemouth.
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