A town has been named the most charming seaside destination in the UK by Lonely Planet magazine. Situated approximately nine miles from Newcastle, Tynemouth offers a blend of history, beaches, and local culture.
What to see and do
For an ideal day out in Tynemouth, begin at Tynemouth Priory and Castle, where you'll discover ruins stretching back to the 7th century, dramatically positioned on a headland overlooking the North Sea. Visitors can stroll through the old gun batteries, explore a 15th-century chapel known as the Percy Chantry, and more.
From there, go down the Priory's steps to reach King Edward's Bay, a wonderfully sheltered cove that makes for a superb beach retreat. Those wishing to relax are advised to arrive early, as it becomes particularly busy throughout the summer months.
For those seeking swimming and surfing, Longsands Beach offers a mile of broad, pristine sand, described by TripAdvisor reviewers as "clean, wide and quiet with lovely sand."
Food and shopping
Feeling peckish? Locals and visitors alike recommend nearby establishments Riley's Fish Shack for a casual bite and Longsands Fish Kitchen for a more leisurely sit-down meal.
At weekends, be sure to visit Tynemouth Market, nestled within the former Victorian metro station beneath a stunning glass canopy. Visitors can discover "anything from clothes, books, bric-a-brac, records, antiques", and much more, according to one reviewer.
Shopping enthusiasts should explore Front Street, home to independent boutiques, coffee houses and traditional pubs, while allowing sufficient time to browse the Green Ginger Arcade, an eccentric destination for presents with a diner offering authentic 1950s atmosphere.
Festivals and activities
Each July sees Tynemouth become livelier during the Mouth of the Tyne Festival, a free event featuring an open-air concert at the town's most picturesque location beside the 7th-century Priory ruins.
For those seeking more active attractions, there's Hadrian's Cycleway, a 174-mile coast-to-coast route beginning in Tynemouth, as well as Tynemouth Park's 18-hole dinosaur-themed crazy golf course.
Cultural significance
Beyond visitor feedback, Tynemouth has enjoyed prominence for decades across literature, television and more. Children's writer Robert Westall situated multiple prize-winning novels here, the cult 1980s programme Supergran was predominantly shot on its streets, Hayao Miyazaki once created a brief manga entitled A Trip to Tynemouth, while the BBC utilised the town as a principal location for Home Front.
Getting there
You can get to Tynemouth from London in 3 hours and 20 minutes by train and 5 to 6 hours by car. From Manchester, both trains and car rides take less than three hours, while from Edinburgh, both take around two hours.
