Summary of Attractions in Whitley Bay
For most of the 19th century, Whitley Bay functioned as a mining and fishing settlement along a rugged stretch of the North Sea Coast. However, the town underwent a significant transformation and emerged as a prominent holiday destination, attracting tourists from nearby Newcastle via the newly constructed railway.
Whitley Bay boasts a splendid two-mile Blue Flag beach, which is flanked by the charming old fishing harbor of Cullercoats and the iconic St Mary’s Lighthouse, now a captivating visitor attraction. The beach is surrounded by the Links, an expansive area of greenery, and offers a hint of Edwardian seaside elegance at Spanish City (1910), a noteworthy entertainment venue that has been refurbished into a dining destination.
Furthermore, Whitley Bay enjoys convenient access via the Tyne and Wear Metro, placing all attractions in Tynemouth effortlessly within reach.
Let’s explore the best attractions in Whitley Bay:
1. Whitley Bay Beach
Two miles in length, Whitley Bay Beach features fine golden sand intermixed with small rocky outcrops. A raised promenade is situated behind the beach, bordered by the verdant Links on the foreshore. Visitors are encouraged to take a stroll at any time of year for picturesque views over the bay towards St Mary’s Lighthouse. During the summer months, the Blue Flag beach becomes lively, hosting events such as the annual sandcastle competition at the end of July.
After a relaxing time on the beach, consider a meal at the Rendezvous Cafe or a round of mini-golf, as well as a variant called “footgolf” on the Links.
2. St Mary’s Lighthouse
During low tides, visitors can cross the causeway to St Mary’s Island, home to the Victorian lighthouse decommissioned in 1984. This lighthouse, a symbol of Whitley Bay, was constructed in 1898 using 750,000 bricks and 645 stone blocks. A notable highlight of your visit will be the climb up 137 steps, rewarded with breathtaking views across Whitley Bay and Tyneside. At the base of the lighthouse, a small visitor center provides insights into the lighthouse’s history, including the original Fresnel lens and information on local wildlife inhabiting the nature reserve that now occupies most of St Mary’s Island. For those unable to make the ascent, there is a live feed available from the top of the lighthouse.
3. Seaton Delaval Hall
Located in the hinterlands of Whitley Bay, Seaton Delaval Hall is an impressive English Baroque country house designed by John Vanbrugh for Admiral George Delaval. Now managed by the National Trust, the hall, a decade-long project, was finally completed in 1729, following the demise of both Vanbrugh and Delaval. For over a century, the house was occupied only sporadically, and tragedy struck in 1822 when a fire devastated the central block. Despite restoration efforts in the 1860s, remnants of the fire remain visible, particularly in the Central Hall, which features charred walls and sculpture-like statues. Visitors can explore this area, along with the stables and dimly lit basement, where staff once lived and worked. The outdoor landscape, designed by Vanbrugh, is particularly beautiful in the spring when the daffodils are in bloom.
4. Spanish City
As essential to Whitley Bay as the lighthouse, Spanish City, constructed in 1910 in a Renaissance style, is prominently situated along the seafront. Distinguished by its white dome and statues adorning its towers, Spanish City served as Whitley Bay’s equivalent of Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach. Originally featuring a concert hall, restaurant, tearooms, and a rooftop garden, it later added a ballroom and funfair. However, by the 1990s, the venue fell into disrepair and was closed at the beginning of the 2000s. Following a comprehensive seven-year restoration, Spanish City reopened in 2018, now serving as an events and dining center. The interior accommodates a fish and chip restaurant, traditional tearoom, an upscale eatery named 1910, a waffle and pancake house, and a champagne bar.
5. Longsands Beach
A short trip on the Tyne and Wear Metro leads to the northern end of another Blue Flag beach, Tynemouth’s Longsands Beach. This inviting sandy bay spans approximately one mile and is overlooked by the striking spire of St George’s Church. The primary difference between Longsands and Whitley Bay lies in the surf conditions, which here tend to be more vigorous. The enjoyable and reliable beachbreak at Longsands is recognized as one of the finest in the North East, providing surf lessons for beginners. Additionally, some of the UK’s elite professional surfers utilize Longsands for training, and the British National Surfing Championships have been hosted here. There is ample space for families to enjoy the beach during summer, engaging in sand play or wading in the shallows during low tides.
6. Tynemouth Priory and Castle
Two stops on the Metro will lead to a historic Medieval site, once one of England’s largest fortified complexes. Positioned on a rugged headland and encircled by a moat are the castle’s towers, keep, and gatehouse, which sit beside the ruins of a Benedictine priory where early Medieval Kings of Northumbria were interred. It is essential to visit this site to fully comprehend its remarkable scale, survey the ruins, and survey the River Tyne and the North Sea from this elevated vantage point. Following the dissolution of the priory during the Reformation, the church briefly functioned as a parish church, with the 13th-century chapel preserved, exhibiting an exquisite painted ceiling, rose window, and abundant stained glass. During the Second World War, a gun battery was positioned into the cliff below the site, and these restored installations are now accessible to the public.
7. Tynemouth Park
Tynemouth Park, situated above the beach, offers a leisure space packed with activities for children during the summer months. Catering exclusively for individuals under 14 years, Jungle Wipeout features inflatable slides and various fun-filled challenges. The Lost World adventure golf course is situated within a tropical setting populated by dinosaurs, providing a prize for those who complete the final hole. Additional attractions include an adventure playground, scavenger hunts, and a maze at Pirate Quest, while the park’s Victorian-designed Boating Lake facilitates rowing and pedal-boating amidst ducks and other wildlife. Lastly, the Greenhouse, a family-friendly restaurant during the day, transforms into a venue for adults in the evening, serving beer on tap and offering live music.
8. Playhouse
This 630-seat theatre underwent a complete renovation in the early 2010s as part of a £64 million regeneration initiative in Whitley Bay. Originally established in the 1930s, the dilapidated structure has since been transformed into a modern performing arts venue. The theatre boasts an active community program for those interested in local talent, alongside a busy schedule featuring touring companies, musicals, tribute acts, comedians, children’s events, and talks by various cultural figures. Additionally, the Whitley Bay Film Festival occurs in August, showcasing a well-curated selection of classic films.
9. Cullercoats Beach
Nestled between Whitley Bay and Longsands Beach lies the horseshoe-shaped Cullercoats Bay, bordered by cliffs and rocks and shielded by sturdy stone piers to the north and south. On serene days, the waters at Cullercoats Beach can resemble a tranquil swimming pool, while during high tide, visitors can explore two distinct beaches on either side. Historically utilized by fishermen for centuries, the beach still witnesses their boats being launched from its southern edge. Perched atop the northern cliff is the Cullercoats Watch House, established in 1879 for the Volunteer Life Brigade to oversee the coastline. Notably, in the 1880s, American landscape painter Winslow Homer was among those who visited Cullercoats as part of a vibrant community of artists known as the Cullercoats Colony during the early 20th century.
10. Water Activities
In addition to surfing, Whitley Bay offers numerous other recreational opportunities for those seeking adventure. Cullercoats Bike & Kayak provides rentals for paddleboards and kayaks, allowing guests to discover the jagged coastal beauty of Whitley Bay and Cullercoats from the water. For those in need of instruction or guidance, the company organizes paddleboard and kayak tours. Beyond this, adventurers can partake in a coasteering experience in Cullercoats Bay, where participants don a wetsuit, life vest, and helmet to navigate caves, scales reefs, and closely observe the formidable power of the North Sea. Alternatively, land-based exploration is available through bike rentals to traverse sections of National Cycle Network’s Route 1.
11. Stephenson Railway Museum
The revolutionary contributions of father and son engineers George and Robert Stephenson were made in North Shields, where they spent 20 years developing steam engines for various industries. Located just ten minutes from Whitley Bay, the Stephenson Railway Museum commemorates their legacy with an array of railway technology, including a remarkable collection of locomotives. A highlight of the museum is George Stephenson’s “Billy,” built in 1816 for coal hauling. The remainder of the collection consists of steam and diesel engines dating back to the 1880s, alongside various mid-century rolling stock and a Siemens electric locomotive constructed in 1909 for a colliery line. Visitors are encouraged to come on Sundays for an opportunity to ride on a train pulled by the “Jackie Milburn,” a Peckett 0-6-OT Ashington No. 5 steam locomotive dating from 1938.
12. Rising Sun Country Park
After visiting the Stephenson Museum, the Rising Sun Country Park offers a peaceful retreat encompassing 400 acres of rural scenery within North Tyneside. This Green Flag designated park features ponds, grasslands, woodlands, wetlands, and a farm with an intricate path network of footpaths and cycleways for exploration. The park’s lake area is recognized as a nature reserve, complete with a bird hide that overlooks the largest body of water, Swallow Pond. The Countryside Centre, situated at the park’s highest point, provides restorative views of Swallow Pond and houses a cafe serving healthy, made-from-scratch meals along with a few outdoor picnic tables.
13. Tynemouth Market
A compelling reason to venture south to Tynemouth is the market operating on Saturdays and Sundays beneath the Victorian iron and glass canopies of Tynemouth station. This Grade II* listed building was established in 1882 for the North Eastern Railway and has served as a stop on the Tyne and Wear Metro since the 1980s. Initially restored in 2012, the station’s splendid canopy provides a nostalgic backdrop for the market. Here, over 150 stalls primarily offer collectibles, arts and crafts, and antiques, alongside satisfying hot food such as Geordie sausages. For fresh local produce, be sure to visit the farmers’ market on the third Saturday of each month, while book fairs and a Christmas market also feature throughout the year.
14. Blue Reef Aquarium
The Blue Reef Aquarium, located on the seafront at Grand Parade in Tynemouth, houses more than 40 living exhibits appealing to a diverse range of visitors. Expect to see an assortment of species, including lionfish, clownfish, stonefish, cownose rays, and various tropical fish alongside mammals such as Asian short-clawed otters, cotton-top tamarins, and harbor seals. The seals inhabit a 500,000-litre pool featuring underwater caves and rocky haul-out areas reminiscent of their natural surroundings. Throughout the day, visitors can participate in scheduled talks and feeding sessions, providing opportunities to observe turtles, seals in action, and learn about monkeys, seahorses, otters, and rock pool inhabitants.
15. Golf
Whitley Bay, along with the adjacent towns of Blyth and Tynemouth, offers several highly regarded golf courses. Hence, visitors can enjoy an extensive golfing holiday. Whitley Bay’s course has occupied its present location behind the resort since 1906, featuring expansive fairways bordered by challenging gorse and woodlands. Green fees average £40 during the summer, with a £10 discount available for weekday afternoon play when booked in advance. The Blyth course is slightly more economical and is known for its pristine greens, while Tynemouth Golf Club features an exquisite par 70 parkland course, designed by eminent architect Willie Park in 1913. Green fees start at £30 on weekdays, making it suitable for older golfers with its gentle terrain.
