Enjoy the Breathtaking Beaches and Independent Shops in These Three Coastal Towns
This long stretch of the North East coast is full of great restaurants and bars, plenty of independent shops and breathtaking beaches
Eat...
Fuel yourself for a day at the coast at Whitley Bay’s popular all-day brunch café, Kith and Kin. And when the lunchtime cravings kick in, head to Spanish City and stop by Trencher’s for award-winning fish and chips, Sushi Me Rollin’ for succulent sushi, tapas at Fox and Finch, or head to Hinnie’s for classic British dishes with Geordie Influences. If you’re starting your day in Cullercoats, make sure to take a seat inside Chloe Mae’s, but if you’re wanting to grab-and-go, call into Toast in Tynemouth for freshly-baked pastries, and Regular Jo’s will sort you out with a hot cup of coffee. Riley’s Fish Shack in King Edward’s Bay is where to head for food with a view (they have a new outpost in the village too), and Crusoes on Longsands beach is where to go for a coffee or cooling pint and to watch the tide come in.
Sleep...
In the heart of Whitley Bay, Stay Coastal boutique retreat offers seven luxurious self-contained suites just steps away from the seafront. The Grand Hotel is Tynemouth’s landmark hotel overlooking the magnificent North Sea coast and there are 46 rooms, many with sea views. For those wanting home-from-home comforts, Cowrie Cottage in Cullercoats is a former fisherman’s cottage in the perfect location to explore everything along this beautiful stretch of the coast, plus it’s dog-friendly.
Browse...
There are plenty of independent shops and retailers in these three coastal towns. Start your shopping spree in Whitley Bay with a look inside Bellwoods Lifestyle Store on Park View and find everything from dried flowers and greetings cards to wall art and home ceramics, before heading to For The Love of The North for locally-inspired gifts. In Cullercoats, Joanne Wishart Gallery welcomes visitors to browse the beautiful artwork, whilst at The Leather Mob in Tynemouth you’ll find beautiful Italian leather bags and accessories. Raspberry Bazaar is crammed with quirky finds and The Land of Green Ginger Arcade is also worth a visit to stop by the range of unique independent shops and eateries.
DON’T MISS
In Whitley Bay, visit Spanish City where dining options include everything from steak and Champagne to award-winning fish and chips, as well as French fancies from Valerie’s Tearoom. A trip to this seaside town is not complete without a visit to St. Mary’s Lighthouse, and check out the independent Jam Jar Cinema. In Tynemouth, marvel at the Priory ruins before hitting the waves with Tynemouth Surf Co – and don’t miss a trip to Tynemouth Market in the station if you’re visiting at the weekend, where you’ll find everything from vintage furniture and plants to local art and delicious street food.
Read more: Two Coastal Towns a River Apart That Are Great For Days Out With the Family
Around the corner
One of architect Vanbrugh’s smallest country houses, Seaton Delaval Hall was home to the larger than life Delaval family. Known as the ‘Gay Delavals’ thanks to their high spirited and extravagant lifestyle, they were the most notorious of all Georgian partygoers and pranksters. Although almost devastated by fire 200 years ago, a major ongoing restoration project both inside the house and in the grounds means this fascinating National Trust property is well worth a visit.
