Underrated UK coastal town has huge stretch of golden beach and historic castle
A once-maligned UK coastal town is filled with elegant architecture, great eateries and beautiful coastline.
Tynemouth is - as the name suggests - at the mouth of the River Tyne. Its location just down the river from Newcastle and not far from the upmarket Jesmond and Gosforth means it has been overlooked for those who don't know the town.
However, in recent years its reputation has grown significantly as more and more people discover what an excellent place it is to visit for a daytrip. If you're heading into Newcastle via train Tynemouth is just a 30 minute metro ride from the city centre, meaning it's easy to reach for those close to the London to Edinburgh line.
The Times recently sung its praises, claiming it "feels more Jane Austen than Geordie Shore", in part due to the impressive architecture.
Up on the cliffs above the beach are the remains of a medieval priory, which were protected like a castle by walls, towers and a gatehouse. After the monastery was suppressed in the reign of Henry VIII, Tynemouth headland became a coastal fortress and remained so until 1956, because of its strategic position at the mouth of the river Tyne.
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Sunrise over the entrance to Tynemouth Harbour (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Its use until the last century means it has remained in good condition and continues to tower above sun worshippers and dog walkers on the beach below to this day.
When in town it is well worth visiting the Volunteer Life Brigade Maritime Museum, which details the history of the first volunteer lifeboat force in the UK. It was set up in 1864 after 32 people died when the schooner Friendship and the steamer Stanley smashed into rocks at the mouth of the Tyne.
While the beach can be a challenging place to be when the weather is so stormy, come the milder months it is a lovely 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.
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