Our Guide to the Perfect Day in Whitley Bay, Tynemouth and North Shields
This seaside trio is not to be overlooked
What to See and Do
This may only be a small section of the coast, but it’s one of our favourites with the perfect balance of sandy beaches, little bays and bustling town centres, and no end of new openings. For young families, Whitley Bay is the perfect seaside destination, with everything from watersports and retro arcades to family shows at Playhouse Whitley Bay. Tynemouth is a scenic stroll south and is loved for its independent shops, eateries and breathtaking landmarks. A little further south again you’ll come to North Shields, a bustling harbour town enjoying a renaissance in recent years, with plenty of new foodies outlets to tempt visitors.
Park View should be your first port of call in Whitley Bay. Bookworms won’t want to miss The Bound, and Keel Row Books has a great array of secondhand and antique options. Bellwoods and Meander Gifts are both great places for thoughtful presents, and For the Love of the North at Spanish City is where to find locally-inspired homeware and gifts. St Mary’s Lighthouse is only a short stroll south along the sand and is worth seeking out for its rockpools and seals. Check the tide times before you go to make sure you make it over the causeway.
On the road to Tynemouth, you’ll pass CBK Adventures, offering experiences from kayaking and paddle boarding to coasteering. Fans of the water should also stop in at Tynemouth Surf Co to peruse their selection of boards, surf clothing and accessories. Tynemouth Priory and Castle is a must with the breathtaking ruins of a medieval monastic church on the peninsula jutting into the sea. King Edward’s Bay below is a great spot for a beach day or a dip, or if you prefer to have room to roam, Tynemouth Longsands is a popular surfers’ beach, and once out of the water pop into Steam and Salt, the beachside saunas, to warm up. Each weekend Tynemouth Market takes over both platforms in the town’s metro station, with lots of independent makers and artisan foodies. On Front Street, visit Razzberry Bazaar for an eclectic mix of colourful clothes, Wild at Heart for homeware, cards and jewellery, Gareth James Chocolatier for delicious artisan treats, and Bird & Fox for a curated selection of vintage finds.
Most famous for its Fish Quay, North Shields is a thriving spot with cafés, pubs, and plenty of local history. The Old Low Light is a fantastic heritage centre that’s worth visiting, and often hosts events and exhibitions including the current North Shields – 800 Years in the Making celebrating the long history of the town. The building itself is the oldest surviving occupied building on the Fish Quay. Harbour House on Little Bedford Street is a more recent addition to the town and inside you’ll find fresh flowers, jewellery from TUTTI, and coffee from Northern Rye.
Where To Eat
This area of the coast is particularly abundant in coffee shops and bakeries (not that we’re complaining). Kith & Kin in Whitley Bay remains a popular choice for something light, and Rustic Cup takes its coffee seriously. Flock is a recent opening families will love, offering coffee, bakes from Northern Rye and a selection of small plates and natural wine. For something more substantial in the evening, try Omni for Vietnamese-inspired dishes, the classic seaside options at Trenchers under Spanish City’s iconic dome, or head upstairs to 1910 for an evening of fine dining.
As you head from Whitley Bay to Tynemouth, stop in at Adam’s Bakehouse for a treat. Laneway & Co recently celebrated their first anniversary on Tynemouth’s Front Street, and it’s become the go-to spot for coffee and brunch. Just off Front Street, Priory Press is a good option for fresh juice, açai bowls and sandwiches, and for dinner we love The Cove. Choose from an à la carte menu of vibrant dishes, or opt for a selection of tapas and cocktails. If you’re on Longsands beach, pop into Crusoe’s for a coffee or hot chocolate and drink with your toes in the sand. Riley’s Fish Shack, tucked under the cliff on St Edward’s Bay, is a nationally-renowned beach restaurant under the guidance of Adam Riley. Serving local, seasonal and innovative fish and seafood dishes, on an ever-changing menu, perch up on a stool on the terrace or grab a deck chair on the sand below.
Harbour House is home to The Uncommon, a vibey small plates restaurant with a great range of drinks that’s a great choice for dinner. Lobo Rojo is another popular spot for Californian-inspired Mexican dishes (you’ll find a Little Lobo in both Tynemouth and Whitley Bay). For markets, events and foodie stands under one roof, Salt Market Social is worth checking out. Our absolute favourite place for coffee in the area has to be Baristocracy, who serve up premium Australian-style coffee from their roastery and shop in Larch Court. You can also buy their bags of beans to take away, and they offer bookable coffee-making courses too. Away from the Quay, Uncle’s is a new, Italian-inspired sandwich shop where everything is baked in-house daily, and it’s already a huge hit with locals.
Where To Stay
North East Escapes has a great array of luxurious properties to book in both Whitley Bay and Tynemouth. The Beach Retreat lies slightly outside the busting centre of Whitley Bay for convenience without the crowds, but still has great views of the sea. Longsands Cottage in Tynemouth is a cosier option, sleeping up to four across to bedrooms only a short distance from the sand. Tynemouth 61 Guest House & Tea Room is a charmingly quaint option offering excellent service and easy access to the surrounding area, and The Grand Hotel, overlooking Longsands, is something of an institution here.
