The Word, National Centre for the Written Word

About

The Word, National Centre for the Written Word is South Tyneside's new state-of-the-art cultural venue which has a lot to offer! The spectacular building opened in October 2016.

The building is brimming with exciting new experiences, activities and facilities for people of all ages to engage and enjoy. From the Digital Media Wall, with 6 large tablets with 11 different colouring and drawing activities for children, to the FabLab, where you can 3D-print and laser cut. There is also an impressive, immersive storytelling experience in StoryWorld which hosts regular events over school holidays as well as interactive touch-tables, telescopes, Kids' Activity Area, Creative Play Area and a Gaming Zone. There is also a Shop/Visitor Information Centre and a Café.

You can also check out the latest family-fun exhibition - Shiver Me Timbers: Pirate on Page, Stage & Screen which is anchored at the building until early 2018.

The building is also home to 70,000 books as well as OpenZone, who provide digital learning and ICT to schools during term time and offer exciting workshops for kids during school holidays.

At its core The Word celebrates the written word in all its forms through a rolling programme of events, exhibitions and workshops and it also aims to become a home for north-east writers.

The Word is located within the heart of South Shields Town Centre adjacent to the Market Place. You can park for free for up to 3 hours (you must still get a ticket from the machine) and it is only a short walk from many other local attractions, including the seafront (which boasts Haven Point, The Dunes, Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, North & South Marine Park as well as an award-winning beach), South Shields Museum, Arbeia Roman Fort and The Customs House.