History
Wardley is now largely a residential area of Gateshead, however it was once home to a cluster of collieries which employed thousands in the area. It was officially opened in 1855. In 1911, the original Wardley Colliery closed and was replaced by Follingsby Colliery. Following almost half a century of dereliction and inactivity, Wardley Colliery resumed activity in 1959, merging with Follingsby. Wardley used to operate under the auspices of the National Coal Board before it was closed permanently in August 1974. Around 2007 it reopened as a paintball arena however closing down soon after due to being unsuccessful.
The Explore
We parked about ten minutes away, leaving us a nice walk along the path next to the railway lines. Entry was very easy into the place and there was no one walking by. In short, the area was a decent size, empty and crumbling. The positives about this place were that there was some decent graffiti on show, as is the case with most places like this, and it’s a good place for a bit of a climb. The first set of buildings we walked into had bits of brick and debris everywhere. The rooms were empty whilst one room had seemed to have taken some fire damage.
The big building was the more interesting one there, even if it was empty like the other ones. There were some ladders that took you up the next level. Again, like everywhere else the top floor was empty apart from some graffiti on the walls. I always wonder how people are so good at graffiti. The views from the top floor were very decent, giving us a view of the whole complex. We stayed for a good half an hour just messing around, taking photos and trying to find obscure things. To be honest there wasn’t much there that was obscure since half of the place was falling apart! On our way out we noticed a rope swing, which kept us entertained for a good ten minutes or so.
Photos
Thanks for reading!
Wardley is now largely a residential area of Gateshead, however it was once home to a cluster of collieries which employed thousands in the area. It was officially opened in 1855. In 1911, the original Wardley Colliery closed and was replaced by Follingsby Colliery. Following almost half a century of dereliction and inactivity, Wardley Colliery resumed activity in 1959, merging with Follingsby. Wardley used to operate under the auspices of the National Coal Board before it was closed permanently in August 1974. Around 2007 it reopened as a paintball arena however closing down soon after due to being unsuccessful.
The Explore
We parked about ten minutes away, leaving us a nice walk along the path next to the railway lines. Entry was very easy into the place and there was no one walking by. In short, the area was a decent size, empty and crumbling. The positives about this place were that there was some decent graffiti on show, as is the case with most places like this, and it’s a good place for a bit of a climb. The first set of buildings we walked into had bits of brick and debris everywhere. The rooms were empty whilst one room had seemed to have taken some fire damage.
The big building was the more interesting one there, even if it was empty like the other ones. There were some ladders that took you up the next level. Again, like everywhere else the top floor was empty apart from some graffiti on the walls. I always wonder how people are so good at graffiti. The views from the top floor were very decent, giving us a view of the whole complex. We stayed for a good half an hour just messing around, taking photos and trying to find obscure things. To be honest there wasn’t much there that was obscure since half of the place was falling apart! On our way out we noticed a rope swing, which kept us entertained for a good ten minutes or so.
Photos
Thanks for reading!
