Best Beaches Near Newcastle
Newcastle upon Tyne truly is a city that has it all, from shopping and restaurants to nightlife and culture, but perhaps its greatest asset is the impressive North East coastline. All beaches mentioned below are award-winning and definitely worth visiting whilst living in the Toon.
You’re unlikely to ever go to a northern beach for a tan, however, if you’re looking for stunning scenery, picturesque walks or delicious fish and chips, these beaches near Newcastle have got you covered.
- Longsands Beach, Tynemouth
Just a 15 minute drive from the city centre, and easily accessible via the Tyne and Wear metro or bus, is Tynemouth. This large town in North Tyneside is home to the Blue Flag award-winning, Longsands, a mile long stretch of sand, offering insta-worthy backdrops of cliffs, dunes and rocks. Longsands is popular all-year round, particularly with surfers. Don’t know how to surf? No problem, at Tynemouth Longsands surf lessons and board hire is available with seasonal lifeguards around in the summer. The vast space Tynemouth Longsands has to offer means you can easily play beach games, sunbathe (if you dare) or enjoy a picnic, and not to mention Tynemouth was used as a location in the Hollywood film, ‘Goal!’.
2. King Edward’s Bay, Tynemouth
A 10 minute walk from Longsands, is Tynemouth’s smaller beach, King Edward’s Bay. This enclosed haven was awarded 5th place in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2019 ranking of ‘The UK’s Most Beautiful Blue Flag Beaches’ and is a must-visit location for the fish and chips alone. The popular Riley’s Fish Shack is known for their delicious seafood and we can’t think of anything better than sitting down on a deckchair with some food, surrounded by the stunning King Edward’s Bay.
3. Seaburn Beach, Sunderland
Seaburn is a classic British seaside town, with a promenade running along the beach, two amusement arcades and the shopping street, Sea Road. This Blue Flag beach is a half an hour drive from Newcastle city centre or less than an hour via the Tyne and Wear metro. Take a stroll across the promenade, take part in some water sports and grab yourself some fish and chips, because Seaburn Beach has it all. One of the longest running seaside airshows: the Sunderland International Airshow is held on the Seaburn and Roker coast. This free weekend-long event is very popular amongst locals and tourists alike.
4. Sandhaven Beach, South Shields
On a particularly hot day you’d be forgiven for thinking you were abroad when at Sandhaven Beach, the golden sand and blue sea on a summer’s day can be truly breathtaking. You can also take part in a range of activities including kayaking, sailing, surfing and of course, swimming. Just behind Sandhaven Beach is Ocean Beach Pleasure Park with plenty of rides, activities and even a roller coaster! Entry is free, you simply pay per ride and once you’ve finished at the amusement park with your friends, you can head over to the string of seaside restaurants and pubs - a perfect day out.
5. Whitley Bay Beach, Tyne and Wear
Last but by no means least, is Whitley Bay Beach - just 10 miles east from Newcastle. This sandy beach is a popular holiday resort thanks to the incredible surroundings, host of activities such as mini golf and St Mary’s Lighthouse, which you can walk all the way up to if the tide is out - and you don’t mind climbing 137 steps! Hosting a range of bars, clubs and pubs, Whitley Bay is known for its exciting nightlife. The Tyne and Wear metro line runs straight to the town centre, making this seaside town easy to get to and more importantly, easy to get home from after a night out!