Discovering the Best Beaches in North East England: Long Sands, Whitley Bay, and Tynemouth Beach
Are you looking for a fun and relaxing day out with your family? Look no further than North East England's beautiful beaches! With miles of golden sand, crystal clear water, and stunning scenery, Long Sands, Whitley Bay, and Tynemouth Beach offer the perfect backdrop for a memorable day by the sea. In this blog, we'll dive into each beach's unique features and top activities, so pack your swimsuits, sunscreen, and a picnic basket, and let's go!
Long Sands Beach
Located in Tynemouth, Long Sands Beach is a two-mile stretch of soft sand and dunes backed by dramatic cliffs. It's a popular destination for families, surfers, and walkers, and it's easy to see why. The beach offers plenty of space to play games, build sandcastles, and soak up the sun. And when the tide is out, the beach reveals rock pools teeming with marine life, making it a perfect spot for young explorers.
Top Activities:
Surfing: With consistent waves and a thriving surf scene, Long Sands Beach is a haven for surfers of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, you can rent a board and wetsuit at one of the surf shops near the beach and catch some waves.
Walking: Long Sands Beach is part of the Northumberland Coast Path, a long-distance trail that stretches from Cresswell in the south to Berwick-upon-Tweed in the north. You can walk along the beach to neighbouring beaches, or if you're feeling adventurous, hike the entire trail and enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline.
Rockpooling: The rock pools at Long Sands Beach are full of fascinating creatures like crabs, starfish, and anemones. Bring a bucket, a net, and a guidebook and spend an afternoon exploring the pools with your kids.
Whitley Bay Beach
Just a stone's throw away from Long Sands Beach, Whitley Bay Beach is another favourite destination for families, sunbathers, and water sports enthusiasts. The beach is a long stretch of sand and pebbles, dotted with colourful beach huts and overlooked by the iconic Spanish City Dome. The seaside town of Whitley Bay is just a short walk away and offers a wide range of shops, cafes, and attractions.
Top Activities:
Swimming: Whitley Bay Beach is a safe and supervised swimming area with designated areas for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. The beach has lifeguards on duty during the summer months, and the water quality is regularly monitored to ensure it's safe to swim.
Beach Volleyball: The beach has two beach volleyball courts that are free to use. Bring your ball and challenge your family to a game, or join one of the local volleyball clubs and make new friends.
Exploring the Spanish City: The Spanish City is a Grade II listed building that was built in 1910 as a pleasure palace. It has recently undergone extensive renovation and is now home to a range of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Take a stroll around the historic building, sample some local cuisine, and enjoy the stunning views of the coastline.
Tynemouth Beach
Located at the mouth of the River Tyne, Tynemouth Beach is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The beach is a mix of sand and rocks and offers stunning views of Tynemouth Priory and Castle, a historic site that dates back to the 7th century. The beach is also home to a range of cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it the perfect spot for a day out with the family.
Top Activities:
Coasteering: Coasteering is a thrilling activity that involves climbing, jumping, and swimming along the rocky coastline. Tynemouth Beach is one of the best places in the UK for coasteering, with its rugged cliffs and crystal clear water. There are several companies that offer coasteering tours, and all equipment is provided.
Crabbing: Tynemouth Beach is a popular spot for crabbing, especially near the pier. All you need is a bucket, a line, and some bait, and you can spend hours catching crabs with your kids. Don't forget to release them back into the sea afterwards!
Exploring Tynemouth Priory and Castle: Tynemouth Priory and Castle is a historic site that offers a glimpse into the region's rich history. The priory was founded in the 7th century and played an important role in the region's religious and political life. The castle was built in the 13th century and was used as a military stronghold until the 19th century. Take a guided tour or explore the ruins on your own and learn about the fascinating history of the area.
Conclusion
North East England's beaches offer a perfect day out for families, couples and solo travelers. From surfing at Long Sands Beach to exploring Tynemouth Priory and Castle, there is something for everyone. So next time you're planning a day out, pack your bags and head to one of these stunning beaches. Don't forget to snap some photos, make some memories and enjoy the fresh sea air.