Dunston Staiths
Often purported to be the largest wooden structure in Europe, Dunston Staiths was opened in 1893 by the North East Railway Company to load coal directly onto waiting colliers (coal ships) ready for the onward journey to customers in London and abroad. At the coal industry's peak around 5.5 million tons of coal was moved this way each year.
Open season 2025
The Staiths is open on Saturdays from 10am to 2 pm on 3 May, 7 June, 5 July, 2 August and 6 September. It is also open on Saturday 17 May from 6 to 9pm for the Late Shows.
We are also opening for the Heritage Open Day on Saturday 13 September.
Historic structures have a variety of hazards, changeable day to day and with the weather. Please take care and watch where you walk when visiting. Opening during these hours relies on volunteer stewards, so is not guaranteed.
From this open season we will be charging a small amount for access to the Staiths. All proceeds go towards the upkeep and enable access to the Staiths. These costs are:
- £3 adults
- under 18s free
- local residents living in NE8/ NE11 Postcode: free entry on production of an official letter/driving licence
Donations are always welcome! We take cash and card on the structure themselves, no need to book in advance.
Find out more about Dunston Staiths
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