The Real view on UK Days Out & Minibreaks
Tynemouth
Secluded beach, priory & castle and the street
We've been told Tynemouth is the second most popular seaside place in the UK.
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Tynemouth is an idyllic town to visit. We like Tynemouth for it's history, quirkiness and its famous for its beaches. In all, it's a lovely place. It has three car parks. Two you pay for and one is free.
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Must see beach
There is a lovely beach which you definitely want to see. It's called, The Haven. It's nestled just below the Priory and Castle in a little cove. We've never seen it crowded so you can get away from the crowds. It's part sandy and part shingle. So maybe not for bare feet. But it's a lovely place to be.
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You can get there if you follow the road to the right of the priory down a slight incline. If you turn right at the bottom, there is a large free car park. You'll find the beach opposite the car park.
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The large bicycle
Just up from the beach, there is a now famous sculpture of a large bicycle, by Ray Lonsdale. It's only been there since 2025 so not many have seen it yet.
We wouldn't recommend climbing on the bike as there is a danger you could fall off and get hurt Plus, it's not good to climb on a work of art. However, next to the bike, there is a metal bench. You can sit on this. Again, be careful, as the seat is quite high off the ground.
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Priory and Castle
It was owned in the past by the Delaval family. Later, it was passed on to the monks. Of course, there are no monks there today as it is a ruin. These days, it's managed by English Heritage.
You may find it interesting. You can explore the ruins and also see gun emplacements which were there through the first and second world wars. These are now non-operational. Another benefit is you get lovely views right across the bay.
There is a cost for entry. However, if you are an English Heritage member, you get in for free.
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Bars/cafes'/restaurants
Along the main street, there are many bars, cafes' and restaurants if you are hungry or would like a relaxing drink. We love all the quirky bars and restaurants. You can either sit in or outside, depending on the weather, of course. One cafe' that's been there for years is called, Mr Woods. They do nice hot chocolate and good food.
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If you like fish and chips, there are two good fish and chip restaurants. One is called, Marshalls and has been there since the year dot. A few doors down there is another one called, Longsands Fish Kitchen.
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One bar we went into recently is really lovely. It's called, Barca and it is dog friendly. (With a name like that I would be surprised if it wasn't.)
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It was busy when we went in, but not too busy. It has a nice friendly atmosphere and is quite quirky inside, which we liked. The toilets don't have the usual signs (men, women), it has a picture on each door. When you see the pictures, I'm sure you will easily work out which one is which. (When you've stopped laughing.)
There is a really nice shop on front street called, Raspberry Bazaar. When you walk in, it makes you think of Aladdin's cave. It has three rooms briming with items. Their items frequently change so if you want something, get it while it's there.
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