Summer sees the successful return of an open top sightseeing bus in South Shields, with this year’s route including a stop at the Town Hall to mark the building’s 100th anniversary.
Nexus and South Tyneside Council were keen to alter the route this year to include the historic Town Hall, given its centenary celebrations.
The sightseeing bus will also be stopping at the South Shields Ferry landing and passengers can use their tickets to get a discounted ticket for the Tyne Tours.
The bus is an hourly service which is running throughout the summer. The circular route takes in beaches, dramatic coastal scenery, plus a host of other local landmarks and visitor attractions.
Places to visit on the route include The Customs House, Arbeia Roman Fort, South Shields seafront, Souter Lighthouse, Temple Park Leisure, the Shields Ferry landing, Bede’s World and St Paul’s Church and Monastic site.
Head of Transport Integration for Nexus, John Usher, said: “We’re thrilled to be running the sightseeing tours again this year and it was important to have South Shields Town Hall on the new route to mark its 100th anniversary.
“The circular route makes this service ideal for sightseeing. All the major sites in the area on the route and it fits in well with other local public transport, including the Metro system and the Shields Ferry service.”
Cllr Tracey Dixon, Lead Member for Culture and Wellbeing at South Tyneside Council said: “The city sightseeing tour is a really great day out for all the family. The open top bus is a fun way to travel between attractions and the onboard commentary gives a fascinating insight into our history and heritage. Being able to stop off at some of the region’s top attractions and then hop back on the tour is a bonus.”
Fares offer passengers great flexibility. A Day Ticket costs £4 and it allows passengers to hop on and off as many times as they like. An adult single fare costs £2 and a child and concessionary single fare costs £1. A family ticket is available for £9 and is valid for two adults and up to three children. Valid Network Traveltickets are accepted on the bus.
For further information contact South Shields Tourism Information Centre on 0191 454 6612 or go to www.visitsouthtyneside.co.uk. The buses are being operated by Stagecoach.