Visit the Coast near Newcastle and Gateshead

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View down the Northumberland coastline from Holy Island.

The North East coastline is famed for its beauty and is a great draw for people wanting a day out of NewcastleGateshead.

From bustling seaside towns like Tynemouth to the rugged and isolated stretches of Northumberland coast north of NewcastleGateshead, the North East coast boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK and charming towns and villages ready to be explored.

Seaside towns like Tynemouth, Whitley Bay and Cullercoats are linked by a number of metro stations, bus routes and even a ferry which explains their popularity for weekend visitors and holiday makers. Whether you want to enjoy the views with a tasty portion of fish and chips or get out into the water and experience the thrill of surfing, paddle-boarding or kayaking - the North East coast is waiting for you to explore.

Spanish City, Whitley Bay

The up-and-coming town of Whitley Bay has a reputation for quaint cafes, quirky micro-pubs and independent shops as well as the spectacular Spanish City where visitors can find award-winning fish and chip restaurant Trenchers, as well as a champagne bar and dining hall beneath its splendid white domed roof. The 19th century St Mary's Lighthouse and Island off the Whitley Bay coast provides spectacular views over the rocky coast in the summer, allowing bird-spotters to indulge in some coastal twitching.

Drive up the coast into Northumberland and you'll find a stretch of quaint coastal towns and increasingly dramatic coastline at Cresswell, Alnmouth, Craster – home of the region’s famous smoked kipper – and Bamburgh where visitors can enjoy a visit to its historic castle.

Head south of the River Tyne to popular seaside resort South Shields - famously the finishing point for the Great North Run - and you will be impressed by the stunning sandy beaches which meet soaring cliffs and beautiful bays. Take a walk along the prom and through the beautiful seafront parks, have fun at Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, enjoy award-winning fish and chips and take in one of the many events that take place.