Tynemouth in North Tyneside is a coastal town that is often overshadowed by the likes of Newcastle, Jesmond and Gosforth – but it has plenty to offer for a day trip
A once-snubbed UK seaside gem is now sparkling with its elegant buildings, top food spots and stunning coastal views.
Tynemouth, true to its name, sits at the River Tyne’s mouth. Its proximity to Newcastle and the posh neighbourhoods of Jesmond and Gosforth has meant it’s been somewhat overshadowed – until recently.
The town’s star has been on the rise as more people realise it’s a nice spot for a day out. If you’re travelling into Newcastle by train, Tynemouth is a mere 30-minute metro hop from the city centre, making it easy to get to for anyone near the London to Edinburgh line.
The Times has been singing its praises, saying it “feels more Jane Austen than Geordie Shore”, thanks in part to the grand architecture. Perched on the cliffs above the beach are the remnants of a medieval priory, fortified like a castle with walls, towers and a gatehouse.
After Henry VIII called time on the monastery, Tynemouth headland stood as a coastal bastion until 1956, owing to its tactical spot at the river’s entrance. Its duty up until the previous century means it’s stayed in good shape, still looming over beachgoers and dog walkers below even today.
Take a trip to the Volunteer Life Brigade Maritime Museum when you’re in town to uncover the roots of the UK’s first volunteer lifeboat squad, established in 1864 after the tragic loss of 32 lives when the schooner Friendship and the steamer Stanley wrecked on the rocks at the Tyne’s mouth. Although tempestuous weather can make the shorelines a bit of a trial, the fairer months transform it into an idyllic spot.
“The scenery is blissful: sweeping beaches, craggy cliffs, a ruined priory and a lighthouse. It’s certainly not grim in this part of the north: cafe tables dot the pavements and superstar DJs hit the decks at Barca ArtBar; the promenade is alive with walkers; surfers fill the beach; and a £5m campaign to restore the 1920s lido is gathering pace,” writes the Times.
When down on the beach you can treat yourself to seafood from Riley’s Fish Shack – which is located on a shipping container on sand – or upmarket fish and chips from Longsands Fish Kitchen.
There is plenty to see in the broader local area. Back in 2022 the nearby Sandhaven was named as one of the UK’s best 50 beaches and it is easy to see why. The beach is a stretch of golden sands and blue sea which runs to the horizon, set against the dramatic natural backdrop of Trow Rocks and the Leas to the south. The historic architecture of Tynemouth to the North gives the beach a cinematic feel.
Earlier in the same year, Sandhaven was handed a Blue Flag award, in recognition of how well looked after and clean it is, as well as the presence of excellent facilities.