If you’re looking to swap your holiday abroad for a stay in the UK this year, there’s one North East coastal town that ought to go to the top of your travel bucket list.
Tynemouth has officially been named as one of the best places for a ‘staycation’ by travel experts at Simply Sea Views, coming in at number three on the list as the top destination for a seaside getaway in the region. And this is just a latest in a long line of national recognition for the North Tyneside town, which was previously branded the “coolest” in the UK by Time Out magazine as well as being named as one of the best places to live by The Times.
One trip to Tynemouth is enough to make it obvious why it always ranks on such lists, with its perfect blend of relaxing seaside escape appeal on the edge of Northumberland and lively buzz from shops, bars and attractions that mean tourists will never be short of something to do. If you’re planning a visit to Tynemouth, here’s your complete guide to the top places to visit, eat, drink, and stay in the coastal town.
(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
What to do in Tynemouth
The beaches of Tynemouth are without question its star attractions, with both the open golden stretch of Longsands and the neighbouring cove of King Edward’s Bay enclosed by cliffs having been given the prestigious Blue Flag award, officially marking them among the best beaches in the UK. A day in Tynemouth can easily spent solely enjoying its stunning beaches, particularly in the warmer months ahead.
The town is also home to the English Heritage site of Tynemouth Priory and Castle, with its 2,000-year-old history sure to fascinate all ages from its beginnings as an Iron Age settlement to its crucial role in the World Wars. Away from the beach, one of Tynemouth’s most popular destinations is Tynemouth Market which comes to the Metro station every weekend, offering up mouth-watering street food, locally made arts and crafts, antiques, books, toys and loads more.
And there’s plenty to do for families with kids besides beach days too, from Tynemouth Aquarium which gives visitors the chance to get up close with the likes of sharks, seals and even marmosets from the forests of Brazil, to the Lost World Adventure miniature golf course where you’ll play amongst dinosaurs.
There’s also lots to see and do around Tynemouth to extend your trip – take a short walk along the coast or hop on the Metro to visit its neighbours of North Shields, Cullercoats and Whitley Bay, each of which are home to their own stunning beaches as well as an array of independent shops, restaurants and cafes.
(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
Where to eat and drink in Tynemouth
Whether you’re after some cocktails, a quick snack, a hearty meal or some good old fish and chips, there are plenty of places to go for food and drink in Tynemouth.
Front Street is home to an array of restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars, including several venues that make the Top 10 Tripadvisor list of the best places to eat in Tynemouth based on reviews from visitors. Among these favourites is Longsands Fish Kitchen, renowned for its award-winning fish and chips, as well as Mediterranean restaurant Iztuzu, stylish tapas and wine bar Allard’s, Asian cuisine and cocktail specialists Buddha Lounge, and burger connoisseurs Lola Jeans.
The number one top rated restaurant in Tynemouth according to Tripadvisor reviews is The View on Longsands beach, with breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea served with a side of unspoilt views out to sea. And of course there’s the famous Riley’s Fish Shack on King Edward’s Bay, which featured in the Channel 4 series Hidden Restaurants fronted by Michel Roux Jr.
(Image: Sykes Cottages)
Where to stay in and around Tynemouth
If you’re travelling from further afield to explore Tynemouth, you may want to book a stay to explore all that it and the wider North East coast has to offer. And there’s plenty of accommodation to choose from, whether you want the full coastal retreat experience with a cosy cottage escape or to plump for a plush hotel.
If you’re looking for that charming cottage stay, a favourite in the area available to book via Sykes Cottages is Cowrie Cottage over in Cullercoats, a charming bright blue terraced cottage with one bedroom perfect for couples, which is priced from £408 for a three-night stay. And on the very same street there’s also Bay Cottage, a two-bedroom option ideal for families with a cheerful yellow exterior, priced from £401 for three nights.
For those seeking a unique stay, a top choice is The Observatory over in North Shields, available to book on HolidayCottages, which boasts floor-to-ceiling views of the sea all around with its quirky facade that resembles a glass boat.
In Tynemouth itself, stays you can book through Sykes Cottages include The Tynemouth Cottage, a stone building located on the Spanish Battery headland, Grand Sea View, a ground floor apartment in a Georgian terrace just steps away from the beach.
If it’s a hotel stay you’re after, meanwhile, there’s the Tynemouth Castle Inn, which last year was named one of the best revamped seaside hotels in the UK following a major refurbishment. There’s also the iconic Grand Hotel dating back to 1872, originally built as a seaside house for the Duchess of Northumberland with views overlooking Longsands.
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View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/travel-tourism/north-east-best-staycation-seaside-31350811
