The famous Dunston Staiths—believed to be the largest wooden structure in Europe—is open to the public this August and September.

In its heyday, Dunston Staiths was the noisy heart of the industrial hustle and bustle of Gateshead’s riverside. Now it’s a proud symbol of the town and community’s industrial heritage and one of the River Tyne’s most striking landmarks. On Saturdays 1 August, and 5 and 12 September, between 10am and 2pm, you can step onto the Staiths,  enjoy commanding views of the river and estuary, and imagine what it was like at the coal industry’s peak, when around 5.5 million tons of coal a year were delivered by train and loaded onto ships. (Note: The opening on 12 September is part of Heritage Open Days, when there’s free entry to heritage attractions around the country. This date also marks another big occasion on the local calendar – the much-loved Dunston Staiths Dog Show.)

Entry to the Staiths is £3, or free if you live in the NE8 and NE11 postcodes and bring proof of your address. Find out more at tynederwentway.co.uk/article/27462/Dunston-Staiths-Open-Day