1. Walk along Whitley Bay beach to St Mary's Lighthouse
St Mary’s Island is reached between the tides via a short causeway.
Climb all 137 steps to the top of the lighthouse, on a clear day you will be rewarded with amazing views of the coastline. If steps aren't for you a video facility gives you the ability to experience the same views, live and in colour, at ground level. There is also an exhibition explaining the history of the lighthouse.
For more information on getting to the lighthouse visit:
St Mary's Lighthouse
2. Visit Delaval Hall
Now owned by The National Trust, Delaval Hall was designed in 1718 by Sir John Vanbrugh (who also designed Castle Howard and Blenheim Palace). It has a colourful past and has undergone vast restoration and conservation over the years. Outside of the Hall you can stroll through the many gardens, its manicured lawns, wildflower-laden woodlands and the wider estate.
For more information on visiting check out:
Delaval Hall
3. Eat Fish and Chips on the Beach or Outside on the Fish Quay
If you are going to eat fish and chips anywhere, by the sea is certainly the best place to do so. North Tyneside has a fantastic selection of great fish and chip shops. Many offer the ability to sit indoors but if the weather is nice there is nothing better than taking your fish and chips to eat whilst looking out to sea.
I have tried these Fish and Chips shops and I recommend them:
• Fisherman's Bay
• Laura's
• Pantrini's
• The Harbour View
• Longsands Fish Kitchen
Alternatively on King Eddie's Bay in Tynemouth is Riley's Fish Shack who serve up fish caught that very morning. Once it is gone, it is gone.
4. Visit Spanish City
‘The Dome’ was originally completed in 1910 and restored back to its former glory in 2018. It now houses Trenchers fish restaurant and fish and chip shop, 1910 a steak and seafood restaurant, Valerie's tea room with lots of outdoor seating for a sunny day and The Champagne Bar.
For more information on Spanish City visit:
Spanish City
Check out these independent businesses right below Spanish City:
For the Love of the North, Hazy Daze Bottle Shop and The Split Chimp Ale House.
5. Dip your toes (or body) in the Sea.
If you are going to visit the beach you may as well also brave the sea. More than ever people are swimming in our North sea. Obviously don't swim in the sea without caution and if you are up for surfing, paddle boarding or kayaking we have numerous choices to learn these things with skilled professionals.
Check out these professional schools for kayaking, surfing and paddle boarding:
• Swell
• CBK Adventures
• Seaton Sluice Surf School
• Tynemouth Surf Co. Surf School
• Longsands Surf School
• Yonder Womens and Girls Surf School
For a more thorough collection of all the brilliant things there are to do in North Tyneside check out my North Tyneside Pocket Guide.