The Best Way to Spend The Weekend in Whitley Bay, Tynemouth and North Shields
Three iconic seaside towns with bucketloads of character, beaches and popular bars and bistros
Connected by stretches of sand, small bays and rugged cliffs, there are miles of sandy shore to explore on this part of the North East coast. Whitley Bay is the quintessential seaside resort for a family day out; from colourful arcades to fairground rides, and the famous Playhouse which hosts music and theatre performances, there’s a whole host of activities to enjoy. The pretty village of Tynemouth is only a short two-mile stroll down the coast, where the impressive ruins of Tynemouth Priory stand tall over King Edward’s Bay and there are plenty of independent delis and gift shops to browse before sitting down for a rest and refuel at one of the many bistros, cafés or bars. A little further south you’ll soon come to North Shields Fish Quay where you can buy freshly-caught fish and seafood, or sample it firsthand in one of the growing number of restaurants dotted along the waterfront.
Base Camp
You’re spoiled for choice on where to rest your head here. In Whitley Bay, The Metropolitan Guest House is a stylish option only a stone’s throw away from the centre of town (and the seafront) which values simplicity and relaxation. For a boutique retreat hideaway for two, The Basement in Tynemouth (an open-plan ground floor basement) is a great base and just a few minutes’ walk from the beautiful King Edward’s Bay. The award-winning Grand Hotel Tynemouth is an obvious choice and has been welcoming visitors to the coast since 1872.
Perfect Weekend
A Whitley Bay favourite, the only way to get your day started is with a trip to Kith & Kin. Here they offer all-day brunch and lunch including filled bagels, breakfast butties and deliciously sweet French toast. In Whitley Bay you’re surrounded by award-winning fish and chip shops and ice cream parlours. There are two miles of golden sands to wander along and be sure to stop off along the Northern Promenade at The Links Art Gallery, where they stock a wide range of quality art and craft work by North East artists. Park View is a great street for independent shops and bookworms will love The Bound, full of the latest book releases as well as a great local interest section, and Keel Row Books is also well worth a visit, stocking antiquarian and rare books. Bellwoods Lifestyle Store is a friendly little shop specialising in design-led home and lifestyle pieces. Don’t miss a visit to the iconic Spanish City where you’ll find the glass-fronted seafood and steak restaurant 1910 with incredible views along Whitley Bay Beach, whilst downstairs Valerie’s Tearoom offers traditional afternoon tea, and Trenchers (under the famous dome) serves classic seaside staples cooked well.
A weekend trip to Tynemouth Market inside the Metro station is a must. Spread over the two platforms, you’ll find stalls selling everything from antiques and collectables to art and clothing, as well as plants, food and drinks. Razzberry Bazaar on Front Street offers an eclectic mix of colourful clothing and homeware, Buy The Kilo is where to stock up plastic-free, and don’t miss award-winning Artichoke on Percy Park Road where you can find great gifts, children’s toys, cosmetics and cards. For sun, sand and sea, choose between Longsands, the larger of the two beaches, which is popular with families and home to Tynemouth Surf Co. where you can rent everything you need for your water sports fix, or King Edward’s Bay. This is a smaller beach overlooked by the Priory that’s home to the popular Riley’s Fish Shack – book a deckchair on the sand, enjoy their delicious food, sip a cold beer and watch the sun go down warmed by their many fire pits. You can also find Riley’s Fish Shop, a chef-led fishmonger, deli and eatery, in the village. A great spot for your caffeine fix is Woods Coffee (with outposts on Front Street and Broadway). They also serve breakfast as well as ice cream and you’ll love their sweet treats!
Most famous for its Fish Quay, North Shields is a thriving area with plenty of cafés and pubs. Try The Ship’s Cat for stone-baked pizzas and giant burgers alongside creative cocktails and a strong range of beers and ales. In the iconic Irvin’s Building you’ll find Lobo Rojo, an independent Mexican restaurant and bar inspired by California-style dining – the fish tacos here are our favourite. Whatever you opt for, walk it all off along the promenade that stretches from the quay to the mouth of the Tyne and get a glimpse of the impressive Collingwood Monument. Visit the Old Low Light to explore more of the area’s history. This heritage centre also has a café and regular exhibitions highlighting the area’s historic importance. A visit to Baristocracy coffee roastery is a must for any coffee lover. Their coffee can be bought by the cup and bag, or why not book onto one of their speciality coffee courses and master the art of the perfect coffee? Whatever you go for, the team here are friendly and extremely knowledgeable, so you’re in good hands.
