You’re unlikely to get a tan on the beaches up here. However, if stunning scenery, picturesque walks and delicious fish and chips sound good to you, the award-winning beaches here are well worth a visit. The North East coastline boasts golden sandy beaches that stretch for miles, making it an ideal place to blow away the cobwebs on a brisk seaside walk, and with plenty of space for the kids to run around, it’s a prime spot for families too.
Long Beach, South Shields
Located right where the River Tyne meets the North Sea is one of the sandy beaches of South Tyneside. Long Sands, the northernmost beach in the town, runs for miles down the coast with golden sand and crashing clear waves. The shore boasts a range of activities on the sand, including swimming, surfing and paddling. There are also a number of activities available to do just off of the beach, including Lost World Adventure Park and Tynemouth Aquarium, both are just minutes away from the beach itself. There are also plenty of excellent amenities, such as accessible reach down to the beach, toilets and a shop selling beachside refreshments.
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Marsden Beach, South Shields
Visit the second most popular beach running along the coast of the River Tyne, more suited for those of you who might prefer a beachside for its history or scientific significance. Admire views of both the bay and the Marsden Rock, famously home to one of the most important seabird colonies in the UK with thousands of birds of all different varieties. Located just above this shingle beach is The Leas, a grassy plain that is a designated site of scientific interest, perfect for flying kites and cycling. Why not venture along the bay into some of the dips and coves in the rock pools to catch some of the creatures lurking. The beach also has fabulous entertainment, with Te Marsden Grotto pub being located right on the shoreline, reported to be Europe’s only ‘cave pub’.
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Sandhaven Beach, South Shields
Known as the most popular of the three beaches in South Shields and the winner of Keep Britain Tidy’s Seaside Award, Sandhaven is perfect for all kinds of activities. With miles of silky white sand and sand dunes running along the promenade, this much-loved beach is perfect for sandcastles, picnics, and relaxing by the shore. There are car parks both at the north and south ends of the beach, making it easily accessible right from the promenade. If you’re looking for a bit more excitement in your visit, why not visit Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, an amusement park packed with family rides, a dry slope, laser tag games and arcade machines. Or if you’re interested in the local area, why not take a walk down the South Shields pier and get a gorgeous view of the Mouth of the Tyne, where the river meets the North Sea.
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Seaburn Beach
This sandy beach lies between Sunderland and the coast of South Shields, connecting with Roker Beach on the southern end. The sand runs for miles and is backed by grassland, and occasional sea deposit pockets at a high tide or during storms. The beachside is popular among many, with visitors coming to swim, sail, and surf among many different watersports. The beach is also bordered by a promenade, making for an excellent place for a stroll along the coast, or perhaps visiting the nearby amenities such as the children’s play area. There are plenty of nearby retail shops and eateries nearby, as well as plenty of places to stop for a snack or an ice cream.
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Tynemouth Longsands Beach
Tynemouth Longsands is a beautiful North East beach and one of the most photographed and painted. With miles of breathtaking golden sand, rocks, dunes, and cliffs, this stunning coastline attracts people from all over the country and beyond. The Blue Flag award-winning beach, with its pristine waters, is popular all year round, even in the winter! With delightful walks and views, it’s the perfect place to blow away the cobwebs. When the sun is out in the summer, it is an ideal spot to catch some rays, play beach games, and splash about in the sea. Longsands is also a world-renowned surf destination and hosts national championships. But don’t worry if you’re not a pro yet. It is also a great place to learn to surf, with classes held here. The beach has even been used for Premier League football training by Newcastle United and has featured in the Hollywood movie “Goal”. And if all that isn’t enough excitement for you, adjacent to the beach is a family park with a boating lake, crazy golf and play areas. The Blue Reef Aquarium, nearby, has various sea life – ideal for a rainy day! Whatever time of year you come here, there’ll be lots to keep you, and the kids entertained!
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