Whether you’re looking to escape city life, catch a dreamy sunset or enjoy a morning paddle – you’ll find a stretch of coastline made just for you in this list of the 15 best beaches in the North East, all within a 90-minute drive of Newcastle.
Beadnell
Beadnell boasts a wide sandy beach and natural harbour set within the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – and its sunsets truly are a beautiful sight. Be sure to pair your visit with a trip to The Landing for a luxurious hot chocolate – one of my personal favourites in the region!
Embleton Bay
This long stretch of beach is overlooked by the majestic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle in the distance. The breathtaking backdrop always makes me feel like I’m a character in my very own period drama! The Ship Inn at Low Newton will also bring those cosy, country pub vibes after your wind-swept stroll.
Sugar Sands
This hidden gem is a serene spot that I especially love during the magic of golden hour. Park your car in Longhoughton and enjoy the pleasant 2-mile walk down to Sugar Sands through the peaceful countryside and rolling fields.
Longhoughton
This remote beach, also known as Howdiemont Sands, is ideal for a secluded walk or photographing the most mesmerising skies and rock pools. And don’t forget to treat yourself at The Running Fox, an artisan bakery and coffee shop in Longhoughton village that serves THE best selection of cakes and pies!
Bamburgh
A stunning sandy beach with Bamburgh Castle towering in the background. The village of Bamburgh – voted the UK’s best seaside destination for four years in a row by Which? – is also worth a mooch. And if you’re a foodie, don’t miss out on lunch at The Potted Lobster.
Holy Island
The captivating Holy Island, which you can reach via a causeway road at low tide, boasts four main beaches. The Harbour Beach is the most easily accessible, and from here you can appreciate breathtaking views of Lindisfarne Castle and the medieval Priory. Undoubtedly one of my favourite views!
Druridge
Druridge Bay is a beautiful 7-mile stretch of pristine sand and grassy dunes that attracts beach walkers, bird watchers, and horse riders. You’ll also find the perfect picnic spot nearby, amidst the scenic lake, meadows and woods of Druridge Bay Country Park.
Cresswell
With its golden, unspoilt sands towards the southern tip of Druridge Bay, this quiet beach is characterised by large concrete blocks designed to impede enemy forces from landing on our shores during World War II.
Alnmouth
A pretty beach at the mouth of the River Aln and my go-to for a dreamy sunset. Explore the village of Alnmouth nestled beyond the rugged dunes, filled with quaint gift shops, cafes and traditional pubs, and discover the eye-catching coloured houses on Lovaine Terrace (whenever I travel north, I try to photograph them from the train!).
Tynemouth Longsands
Half a mile of golden sand, and a popular destination with families, surfers and day trippers. Whatever the weather, Longsands always has a real buzz about it, with cool cafes, brunch places, and bars all within easy reach.
Whitley Bay
A 2-mile stretch of sand with views of St Mary’s Lighthouse in the distance. This is where I saw the Northern Lights a few years ago, so keep checking those aurora forecasts in the evening! After a meander along the seafront, indulge in an ice cream from the award-winning Di Meo’s.
King Edward's Bay
A small, enclosed beach overlooked by the magnificent Tynemouth Priory and Castle. It’s also home to Riley’s Fish Shack, a critically-acclaimed fish bar and grill dishing up top-notch dishes you can eat while sunken into a deck chair.
Cullercoats
A sheltered, sandy beach enclosed by small piers at either end, which divides into two beaches at high tide. Appease your hunger pangs by venturing up to The Boatyard on John Street for one of the tastiest brunches around.
Blyth
A wide stretch of sand and dunes, and part of a designated area of Special Nature Conservation. Capture a photo of Blyth’s rainbow-bright beach huts along the promenade and tuck into a portion of fish and chips from local favourite, Coastline.
Newbiggin-by-the-Sea
A curved bay that’s situated by this former mining town in Northumberland. Enjoy views of the Couple (a public art sculpture facing towards the horizon) and look out for seals and dolphins, regularly spotted here alongside other marine wildlife. My top tip is to head to beachfront restaurant Cafe Needles Eye, which always gives me proper holiday vibes.
Liked this post? You may also want to check out my articles on five unmissable day trips from Newcastle by car and the best places to eat along the North East coast.
For more inspiration on days out and places to visit locally, follow @nclsparkles on Instagram and sign up to my free newsletter.
