Our Guide to the Perfect Day in Whitley Bay, Tynemouth and North Shields
This seaside trio is not to be overlooked
This part of the North East coast is one of our favourites – a blend of sandy stretches, small bays and rugged bluffs. Whitley Bay is the quintessential seaside town for family holidays. From colourful arcades and fairground rides to taking in a show at Whitley Bay’s Playhouse, there’s so much to enjoy. The village of Tynemouth is only a scenic two-mile stroll south along the coast, past Cullercoats, to where the impressive ruins of Tynemouth Priory stand tall over King Edward’s Bay. A little further south, watch the day’s catch land at North Shields Fish Quay.
Base Camp
There are so many great places to call home while you’re here. Our top choice in Whitley Bay is The Metropolitan Guest House – a beautiful Victorian home on a quiet residential street where simplicity and relaxation is king. Further south, a base in Tynemouth puts you squarely in the centre of all three towns, and The Basement is a cosy self-catered retreat for two we love.
Perfect Weekend
Whitley Bay has no shortage of brunch spots and coffee houses to get your day started. The ever-popular Kith & Kin is loved for its eclectic menu, and for quality coffee head to Rustic Cup. Ice cream parlours and cafés are dotted throughout the town so you won’t run out of options, but for something more substantial we love Trenchers, under the magnificent dome of Spanish City, serving classic seafood staples in generous portions. Hinnies is a great seafront dining spot, and Lobo Rojo is another popular spot for foodies, now with two smaller Little Lobos in Whitley Bay and Tynemouth and a large restaurant in North Shields all serving Mexican street food with a Californian twist.
There are two miles of golden sands to wander along but we love to stop off on the Northern Promenade at The Links Art Gallery where they stock a wide range of quality art and crafts by local makers. St Mary’s Lighthouse is synonymous with Whitley Bay and shouldn’t be missed. Take time to examine the rockpools at low tide and say hello to the seals resting on the rocks below. Park View is a great street for independent shops. Bookworms will love The Bound, full of the latest book releases as well as a great local interest section, and Keel Row Books is also well worth a visit, stocking antiquarian and rare books.
A weekend trip to Tynemouth Market inside the Metro station is a must. Spread over the two platforms, you’ll find stalls selling everything from antiques and collectables to art and clothing, as well as plants, food and drink. In the centre of the village, Razzberry Bazaar is a bright pop of colour offering an eclectic mix of clothing and homeware. To the Moon and Back is the place to go for adorable and unique gifts, and for a midday break, choose between Priory Press and its healthy açai bowls, or the newly opened specialist coffee shop Laneway. For sun, sand and sea, choose between Longsands, the larger of the two beaches, popular with families and a great place for water sports, or King Edward’s Bay. This is a smaller beach overlooked by the priory that’s home to the understandably popular Riley’s Fish Shack – book a deckchair on the sand, enjoy their delicious food, sip a cold beer and watch the sun go down warmed by their fire pits. For an insight into the fascinating history of Tynemouth, a stop at Tynemouth Priory and Castle is in order, which has led a chequered life covering centuries. When they’ve had enough of the sand and surf, kids will love Tynemouth Aquarium.
Most famous for its Fish Quay, North Shields is a thriving spot with cafés, pubs, and plenty of local history. Our favourite spot for coffee has to be Baristocracy, where expertly-roasted coffee can be bought by the cup or bag from dynamite duo Alex Forsyth and Kate Hudson. Take in the history of the area with a stroll around Clifford’s Fort, an impressive defensive battery established during the Anglo-Dutch Wars in the 17th century. Visit the Old Low Light to explore even more of the area’s history, the origins of the Fish Quay and how North Shields has changed over the decades. This heritage centre also has a café and regular exhibitions highlighting the area’s historic importance.
