When I think of a favourite spot in Newcastle, Tynemouth comes to mind. Yes, you heard that right, Newcastle does have a beach nearby – 30 minutes by Metro (or tube for the southerners), complete with a fish shack, sand, surfing waves and cute little tea houses.
I’ve been spending a lot of time there lately to soak up its sea air and atmospheric streets, and today I’m sharing with you what Tynemouth is all about.
Tynemouth Market
It’s not everywhere I’m greeted by a seagull when my metro arrives at Tynemouth station. But given I’m near the beach, it seems rather obvious.
Start your meanderings at Tynemouth Station. Visit here on Saturday and Sunday morning and this area is converted into one of the busiest markets in the North East. You can find numerous market stalls selling antiques, art, knick knacks, jewelry and refurbished furniture. Sometimes, I feel like I’m on the show ‘Bargain Hunter’.
Tynemouth’s Streets and Pretty Houses
London has Notting Hill for pretty ice cream coloured houses, and here we have them in Tynemouth. Click away!
Green Ginger
Just as you pass the houses, you reach the beginning of the main street (Front Street). On the corner, the unmissable Green Ginger Shopping Arcade. I thought it was a church at first but do pop inside, and you will find the cutest stores and a traditional English sweet shop!
Tynemouth Front Street
Wander along the main road leading up to the priory and the beach. It is filled with tea houses for that perfect scone and tea afternoons or ice creams. Independent stores and bars also lined the streets.
Barca Art Bar is an interesting restaurant, bar and art gallery (You can purchase the artwork by local artists here). They serve a contemporary menu including vegetarian dishes.
Can you spot the dragon?
Tynemouth Priory
Explore the Priory and discover the history of Tynemouth from its beginnings as an Angle-Saxon settlement to an Anglican monastery, a royal castle, artillery fort and a coastal defense. It is also a lovely viewing spot overlooking the river Tyne and the North Sea.
King Edwards Bay
A small sandy bay enclosed by cliffs and grassy banks complete with a hidden restaurant. It is at the foot of Tynemouth Priory and a lovely spot for a barbeque or a swim – don’t worry, there is a lifeguard post on guard.
Rileys Fish Shack
The infamous hidden fish shack nestled at the corner of King Edwards Bay boasting fresh seafood and gorgeous views.
Blue Reef Aquarium
Located on the seafront on the Grand Parade lies the Bue Reef Aquarium, host to a variety of sea creatures including seals, otters, and stingrays. They host daily seal shows and feeding displays. Oh and a new Amazonian attraction featuring a variety of monkeys and reptiles!
Grand Hotel
One of the grandest hotel in the North East, initially owned by the Duke of Northumberland as a summer home, it was converted into a hotel that hosts weddings and has 2 beautiful restaurants with views of the seaside around the restaurant.
Don’t be afraid to pop in and request to wander around, or better yet, have tea at the Brasserie and enjoy the view.
Can’t help but feel glamorous on this staircase.
Longsands Beach
Longsands beach is notorious for its golden sands as well as dunes and cliffs and has been awarded a blue flag. Imagine one sunny day, walking along the beach, your feet in the cool sand, dogs running around and having a barbeque whilst watching people frolic in the water or surf!
Speaking of surfing, there is a surfing beach club here and you can learn how to surf! If you are a pro then this is a great place for it with big waves so I have been told!
This is the Tynemouth Outdoor Swimming Pool which was opened in 1925, and has been a popular destination till a couple of decades ago which sadly left it in a state of disrepair. However, there are currently plans to revive it so watch this space!
On your left is the Tynemouth Pier Lighthouse. It is accessible though best not during high tide with big waves but do venture down the pier, it makes a great photo.
I couldn’t resist myself!
Don’t forget to take a selfie with Queen Victoria on your way back to Tynemouth Metro Station!
Courtney xx
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PIN IT – QUICK GUIDE TO VISITING TYNEMOUTH
Well done Courtney I like your montage, I have a gift shop in Durham I made a little website too of Durham and around we should link to each other have a look see if you like mine..
Ps how do you get found I found you via old photographs of Durham on google images
https://www.durhamcityguide.co.uk/
Interesting perspective, been there lots, great pictures.
I have photographed weddings at the GrNd Hotel, it’s fantastic.
The swimming pool I want to use as a location for fashion work, still trying to convince a designer
Thank you so much for your compliment! Especially coming from an incredible photographer like yourself!
Hopefully, you get to convince the designer, cause that will be one heck of a photo shoot. I can imagine if it’s high tide with the waves coming in as a backdrop!
Wow looks amazing. It has some really nice views, especially the one on top of Riley’s fish shack.
You convinced me as well to try surfin there! Really nice guide, keep up the good work :D!
Hehe thank you! Hope you do get to some surfing there! and good luck!