Kate Atkin
19 April 2018
Situated just minutes from the breath-taking North Tyneside and Northumberland coastlines, Newcastle upon Tyne is the ideal spot for a trip to the seaside. With some of the UK’s finest beaches and most dramatic coastal scenery, the North East’s coastline offers something for everyone. From walking and surfing, to building sandcastles and exploring the real thing at the abundance of ruins dotted along its shores, here is a selection of the city’s nearby coastal highlights.
Tynemouth
Perched on the north bank of the River Tyne, where it meets the rolling waves of the North Sea, the charming and aptly named seaside town of Tynemouth is a major visitor attraction in Northumberland. With a bustling high street of colourful independent boutiques, restaurants, pubs and cafés, it’s the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or enjoy a spot of lunch.
History buffs will love exploring the ruins of Tynemouth Priory and Castle. Take a journey through the site’s 2000-year history from its Anglo-Saxon origins to its strategic positioning in the Second World War. The magnificent castle, priory and grounds make for a fun and educational family day out.
No visit to Tynemouth is complete without a trip to the stunning beach. With King Edward’s Bay and Longsands beach just a short stroll from the town centre, visitors can walk, swim and even surf on these golden sands. If it starts raining, that’s no problem, either - Blue Reef Aquarium, Tynemouth’s very own sea life centre, provides plenty of shelter and entertainment. You’ll never run out of things to do in Tynemouth, whatever the weather!
Getting from Newcastle to Tynemouth couldn’t be easier - simply hop on the Metro direct to Tynemouth’s very own Metro station or follow the A1058 Coast Road out of the city centre.
Whitley Bay
Just north of Tynemouth sits Whitley Bay, one of the city’s largest beaches - stretching between Cullercoats and St. Mary’s Lighthouse.
Away from the hustle and bustle of Tynemouth, this quieter stretch of sand is popular with walkers looking to stretch their legs while enjoying the serene views over the North Sea. There are, however, still plenty of things to do in Whitley Bay.
St. Mary’s Lighthouse offers a great vantage point to start your day. Accessible via a short footpath at low tide, visitors can climb the lighthouse's steps to enjoy views over the bay or pick up a souvenir in the gift shop. After a morning spent on the sand and splashing in the surf, why not head to the promenade to cool down with an ice-cream or warm up with a nice hot brew? From St. Mary’s Island, you’ll also be able to catch a glimpse of the local seal colony splashing around in the sea and basking in the sunshine – keep an eye out for any little grey heads poking out above the waves.
With its own Metro stops and plenty of seafront parking, travelling from Newcastle to Whitley Bay is just a short ride on public transport or a few miles by car.
Newbiggin-by-the-Sea
Northumberland’s Newbiggin-by-the-Sea lies just 30 minutes’ drive north of Newcastle’s city centre, offering the quintessential British seaside town experience. Newbiggin’s sweeping bay is blessed with a fantastic sandy beach, making it a popular spot with locals and visitors alike when the sun is shining.
Step back from the promenade and you’ll find a charming village high street, with fish and chips and ice-cream aplenty - completing the authentic seaside experience. For those interested in finding out more about Newbiggin’s fishing history, the beachfront Maritime Centre is home to a traditional fishing coble and a number of interesting finds and artefacts documenting the town’s heritage.
Silhouetted against the North Sea, the outdoor installation known as The Couple can be located 300m out to sea. Created as part of a £10m refurbishment project in this coastal town, visitors from far and wide make their pilgrimage to Newbiggin each year to see this piece of unique public art.
City and coastal accommodation
With our wide range of self-catering apartments and holiday cottages in and around Newcastle upon Tyne, from budget-friendly to luxury, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect home from home to relax and unwind after a day spent exploring Newcastle’s coastline and neighbouring seaside towns.
Offering stylish weekend apartments in Newcastle’s city centre to charming cottages with roaring fires in Backworth Village, just a stone’s throw from Whitley Bay, you’ll find plenty to choose from.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.