The waterfront town of Tynemouth is full of great things to do on a day trip during summer. From breathtaking walks and stunning beaches to fun-filled family activities, come rain or shine, this corner of the country is certainly worth a visit.
Read on to discover our ultimate family day-out guide to this fantastic coastal city.
10 Activities to do in Tynemouth
Looking for the best activities to do around Tynemouth? We’ve rounded up a list of ten favourites to add to your itinerary, perfect for a day trip or a longer staycation in the North East region.
Take a trip to the beach
The UK has some of the most naturally beautiful coastlines, and Tynemouth’s beaches are no exception. Longsands is one of the North-East’s most stunning seaside destinations. As the name suggests, the beautiful sandy beaches stretch for over a mile, full of rocks, dunes and cliffs to explore. Go on a long, relaxing walk or blow up the beach ball and get ready for some summer fun. There are lifeguards in the summer for extra safety, and if you fancy riding the waves, you can even take surfing lessons at this popular surfing hotspot.
Just under a mile down the coast is King Edward’s Bay, and while this is a smaller stretch of beach, it’s often much quieter than Longsands. This makes it the perfect place for a peaceful stroll at any time of day, even on a hot summer’s day.
When visiting the beaches, it’s important to take care of these habitats and be mindful of the marine life on the shores. Conservation is one of the best ways to preserve these areas for our future, so be sure to take any rubbish with you and keep your distance from any ocean creatures you spot.
Walk along the pier
Tynemouth Pier is a Grade II listed building with a history dating all the way back to the Victorian era. But besides being an engineering wonder of its time, it’s a great place for visitors to walk and gain a new perspective with views back to Tynemouth Priory and Tynemouth Castle. At the end of the pier is the iconic lighthouse, which is a major feature in local artwork by famous artists like Alfred William Hunt.
The pier is open to the public during the daytime, unless the weather conditions are too dangerous.
Spend the day at Tynemouth Aquarium!
Tynemouth Aquarium is a great day out, filled with fascinating exhibits and shows for all ages. You can get up close to a huge variety of marine life from all over the world, coming in all sizes, shapes and colours, from the axolotl to the common clownfish made famous by Finding Nemo. You’ll also get to meet other creatures such as seals and monkeys.
We recommend planning your day around the schedule of events and checking our opening hours for the day you’ll be visiting. We also recommend checking the timings of our shows and talks to fit as much in as possible.
You can even grab a bite to eat at Bay & Laurel – our on-site restaurant. With cosy booths, stunning views and even a dog-friendly area, it’s the perfect place to relax after a day out at Tynemouth Aquarium or a dog walk at Long Sands Beach!
Visit Tynemouth Priory and Castle
Tynemouth Priory has 2000 years of history and beautiful views over the North Sea and the River Tyne. For the perfect family day out, have a picnic while you breathe in the sea air before visiting the peaceful 15th-century chapel. You can even marvel at the restored gun battery, which was designed to defend the Tyne in the First and Second World Wars.
The Priory and Castle are also near the pier, so you can squeeze in more activities without needing to travel too far. Or, if you’re pressed for time, the view of the coastline is just as good from the top of the hill.
Visit St Mary’s Island
Named after the distinctive white lighthouse on the island, you can find this landmark between Seaton Sluice and Whitley Bay. But this isn’t just any island – St Mary’s is a part-time island depending on the tides, which means it isn’t always accessible from the mainland. Not only that, but it’s also filled with unique habitats, including wetlands, rockpools, clifftops and beaches.
So, how do you get there? You’ll need to wait for low tide to access the path from Curry Point.
While the lighthouse is no longer operational, you can still pop into the small museum, a café and a visitor’s centre. But if you’d just like to admire the local wildlife, you’re free to explore the island at your leisure.
Spend time at Tynemouth Market
If shopping is more your thing, this indoor market has everything you could possibly need. The aisles are packed with stalls selling a fantastic array of arts and crafts products, vintage clothes, one-off gifts and enough food and drink options to satisfy even the fussiest diner.
Enjoy South and North Marine Park
These beautiful parks are two of the most delightful places to visit in the North-East. South Marine Park is ideal for children, thanks to two soft play areas and a miniature steam train that circles the park, a boating lake, plus plenty of green space to enjoy a picnic or just watch the world go by.
Meanwhile, North Marine Park is a more peaceful spot, full of great views and fascinating walking trails that lead upwards to a spot where you can gaze for miles along the coastline from Littlehaven beach.
Get your steps in and take in the scenery
Searching for adventure? Tynemouth has many walking trails suitable for all ages, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just out for a family stroll. With peaceful coastal walks and heritage walks open to the public further inland, this is a great way to see the beauty of the local landscape and even try to spot some of the wildlife!
One of the most famous trails in the area is Hadrian’s Wall Path, which you can follow from nearby Wallsend, Newcastle. The 84-mile trail stretches from east to west, but even just walking a few miles of this historic site can make for a wonderful day out.
There are plenty of trails closer to the area if you can’t travel as far, including routes at Holywell Dene, Bedlington Country Park and Plessey Woods Country Park.
Relax at Jam Jar Cinema
At the heart of Whitley Bay, you’ll find one of the UK’s most charming cinemas. This intimate movie theatre has just 50 seats and a single screen showing the best new and classic films, including everything from Hollywood blockbusters to independent UK releases. It’s the perfect place to sit back, relax and get away from it all with the magic of cinema for a few hours.
Sit back in a local restaurant
Tynemouth is full of pubs and restaurants where you can enjoy great food and drink, whether you’re visiting as a couple or as a family.
Looking for some hearty pub grub? Put the award-winning Spread Eagle at the top of your list. It’s been around for over 250 years and is a firm favourite with both locals and tourists. The food is well-priced and filling, based around traditional fare, such as fish and chips or a classic British pie, from the ever-changing menu. It’s even dog-friendly, so man’s best friend can come along too.
You’ll also no doubt want to end your day out in Tynemouth with a well-earned pint. The Dog & Rabbit Micro Brew Pub is a friendly little pub with a great range of craft ales and beers that change regularly. Finally, there’s a no mobile phone rule – don’t worry, it’s done with a smile – so your friends and family will have to put away those screens and live in the moment. Don’t forget to pick up one of their legendary pies for the journey home.
We might be slightly biased, but we think everything on our list is worth a visit. Ready to plan your visit to Tynemouth Aquarium? Get your tickets here and save when you buy online!