The Big List Of Things To Do In Tynemouth
Tynemouth is one of the most popular towns on the North Tyneside coast, attracting people from all across the North East and beyond to visit. Famous for fish and chips, beautiful sandy beaches, and a central village front street packed with pubs, bars and eateries serving up fabulous food. If you’re not familiar with it and are planning a visit, here’s all you need to know and a list that covers all of the things to do in Tynemouth, from someone who’s lived 5 minutes down the road for all my life!
There’s something for everyone, whether you’re coming for a change of scenery to walk the dog along a new route, are looking for a different night out, or want to experience some of the history there is to offer through the Priory, the Victorian influence and of course the maritime links.
It’s a beautiful part of the North East coast, and is worth a visit whether you’re staying in Newcastle and want to come to Tynemouth as a day trip, as a stopping point on a journey elsewhere, or you could even make a full staycation of it. There are enough things to do in Tynemouth and the local area that would fill a long term stay.
Parking in Tynemouth
There are a lot of parking options in Tynemouth, and the best thing to do is download the Ringo app as that’s how you can pay for pretty much all of them. I will mention the nearest parking in each of the following sections, but in general there are big parking areas both right along the sea front and in the village itself.
Pay attention to the signs for the timings and restrictions, as some of the side residential streets are permit only, but the car parks are all controlled by the Ringo app.
Visit Tynemouth Beaches – Longsands & King Edward’s Bay
The biggest draw and one of the most popular things to do in Tynemouth is of course to visit the beaches, Tynemouth Longsands and King Edwards Bay. The mile long stretch of golden sands, and the sheltered bay of King Eddie’s are prime spots for surfers, dog walkers, and family fun. Longsands is hugely popular for swimmers, including swim groups, surfers and paddle boarders, and you can hire boards from the beach hut.
There are seasonal lifeguards on duty, and there are also public toilets and two cafes – one at either end. Crusoe’s on the southern end closest to the village, and the View at the other. On King Edward’s Bay you’ll find Riley’s Fish Shack, selling fresh, beautiful seafood.
Many come to the beaches of Tynemouth and make a fire pit on the beach, and bring BBQ’s, or picnics to enjoy with friends. Due to the popularity it can get very busy in the summer, so make sure you use the plenty of bins that are provided.
Dogs are welcome on Tynemouth Longsands year round, but only on the Northern end from May – September. King Edwards Bay doesn’t allow dogs at all in summer but they are welcome in winter.
While Longsands is accessible, King Edwards Bay requires walking down a lot of steps to get to it, so consider this if you’re planning a trip. There is a fabulous run of shops and cafes along the top of the beach too, including Tynemouth Surf cafe and Brack Burger. Stop by for some refreshments.
Nearest parking: Tynemouth Longsands has parking on the slopes at either end which is pay and display or through the Ringo app. There is also plenty of parking along the top of Grand Parade, again payable through Ringo. The closest parking to King Edward’s Bay is probably Front Street, or the parking along the sea front.
Enjoy Grand Parade Boating Lake
The boating lake in Tynemouth dates back to Victorian times, and in the summer months and school holidays there are rowing boats and pedalos for hire. There are ducks and swans about, as well as picnic benches to sit and enjoy the view out to sea.
Right next to the lake there is a play park, and there’s also attractions next door such as the Lost World Adventure golf, the Dino Park, a Pirate Quest and the Jungle Wipeout. This provides a great day out for families as there’s so much to keep everyone entertained.
The Greenhouse cafe serves food and drinks year round, is dog friendly and has both inside and outside seating area. The patio is heated too.
For more information on all of these activities, including pricing and opening hours visit the Tynemouth Park website here.
Nearest parking: The seafront parking spaces payable via Ringo.
Have An Underwater Adventure At The Sealife Centre
Tynemouth Sealife Centre is right on the seafront, in prime position. Open daily from 10am-6pm, they welcome visitors all day to enjoy the various displays, interactive exhibits and marine wildlife that lives here. Some of the interactive experiences include the Rockpool Encounter, the Seal Show and the Ocean Talk and Feed.
It’s quite a big aquarium so it’s one of the best things to do in Tynemouth for families especially on a rainy day, and they have an on-site cafe and gift shop that you can visit as well. You do have to pay, but you can get annual passes and discounts. Parking is the North Tyneside street parking in Tynemouth.
For more information and to plan your visit to Tynemouth Sealife Centre, visit their website here.
Tynemouth Priory & Castle
Tynemouth Priory and Castle is the most obvious landmark of the town, sitting right on the headland overlooking the river Tyne to one side and the North Sea. It was previously a monastery, a Royal Castle and a defence point. Managed by English Heritage, anyone can visit the grounds of which there are big green grass areas, picnic tables and you can get right up to the Priory itself.
If you want to go inside there is a fee unless you are an English Heritage member, with the most expensive price for an adult being just £7.50. Inside you can wander the ruins, as well as the gift shop and see the small exhibition. There are toilets and a vending machine but there are so many food places just across the road in the town including takeaway fish and chips, or you could take a picnic with you to enjoy.
The Priory is often home to food festivals with local street food vans turning up, and the Mouth of the Tyne festival is held here every July too.
To plan your visit and see all pricing, visit the English Heritage webpage for Tynemouth Priory here.
Nearest parking: is either Tynemouth Front Street or the Spanish Battery. There are disabled bays on site.
Visit Lord Collingwood Monument
If you’ve never been up to it before, Lord Collingwood Monument sits on the grass bank of the Spanish Battery, and is a Grade II listed monument. You might recognise it from a murder scene in Vera! It was designed by local architect John Dobson who is responsible for many buildings in Newcastle, to commemorate the naval hero Lord Collingwood.
You can walk right up to it as part of a walk around the Tynemouth coast, and between Tynemouth and North Shields. It has a great view of the river to enjoy, and the big grass field is ideal for a summer picnic or to walk and play with the dog.
Nearest parking is the car park right past the Priory and down towards Tynemouth pier, in front of the Spanish Battery. There’s often an ice cream van here, and many people get fish and chips then drive down here to enjoy them with the view of the mouth of the Tyne.
Front Street
The main street in Tynemouth is Front Street, a busy one way street with parking in the central reservation, and lined on either side with independent bars, restaurants, old pubs, cafes and boutique shops. There’s a bit of everything.
If you’re after an early morning coffee or breakfast, you’re spoiled for choice, and likewise if you want a nice lunch, some drinks or to spend the afternoon watching the sport in the pub. There’s a place in Tynemouth for you whatever your preference.
Tynemouth Cafes
For coffee and breakfast or brunch cafes visit places like Dil & the Bear, Allards, Toast, Woods on the corner, Rene’s or Regular Jo’s. Find my full guide and recommendations for cafes with sit in or takeaway coffee options here.
Tynemouth Pubs
If you’re wanting a traditional pubs for no frills drinks, to watch the sport, and enjoy some proper pub food then there’s plenty of choice for those too. The Turks Head, the Salutation, the Priory and the Cumberland are all on Front Street. See my guide for all dog friendly pubs in Tynemouth here.
Tynemouth Bars
For more upscale bars where you can enjoy a cocktail or two, a bottle of wine to music, or over some nice food then head to Allards, Buddha Lounge, Ora, Lola Jeans, Pleased to Meet You or Gulshan. These can all be found on Front Street too. Being a seaside town you can’t visit and not have fish n chips, in my opinion Marshalls are the best and most traditional, but Longsands Fish Kitchen are popular too.
If you’re visiting in the summer and want to be outside, here’s my guide to the bars, restaurants and cafes in Tynemouth with outside seating.
Explore the Land of Green Ginger
Possibly the most unique shopping and leisure spots in the North East, the Land of Green Ginger is inside the big church on Tynemouth Front Street. There are many shops and little bars or food spots inside, more than you might think and these include a tattoo parlour, a coffee spot, a couple of wine and gin/spirit bars, a cycle shop and a dog accessory shop.
It’s a great little place you should definitely take the time to go in and have a look around.
Tynemouth Market – a must visit at weekends!
One of the biggest Northern markets, Tynemouth market is held every weekend on both Saturday and Sunday from 9am – 3:30pm. It spans the full length of Tynemouth Metro station, on both platforms. It’s a beautiful old Victorian style station, and it gets busy due to how good the market is.
Traders include a bit of literally everything, from plenty of local food stalls, to photography and painters – you can pick up some beautiful North East pieces, have a look at Sophie Henderson Photography in particular, homeware, flower stalls (Feel Pretty dried flowers are beautiful), and all sorts of antiques and random bits too.
The same traders will often be there every weekend, but there are some one off additions some weeks, and it’s always a special place to visit at Christmas with all the themed stalls, gifts, decorations and food on offer.
The whole thing is undercover so it’s a day out whatever the weather, and dogs are welcome too.
On the platform there is also Davantis Italian restaurant, and popular micro pub Platform 2 if you wanted to take your visit into the evening.
Follow Tynemouth Markets on Instagram for up to date information.
Tynemouth Sailing Club
Tynemouth Sailing Club can be found on the small beach next to Tynemouth Pier, and they have a full program of events in the summer, as well as the opportunity to learn how to sail.
For full details on the sailing club, including how to join and what events they have visit their website.
Tynemouth Golf Club
Golfers can enjoy Tynemouth Golf Club on King Edward Road, they welcome visitors as well as members and often host charity days. Full details of the course can be found online.
Coastal Walks
Being part of this beautiful stretch of North Tyneside coastline, Tynemouth is part of many coastal walks, either as a start or finish point, or a stop along the way. To the south direction you can walk along the coastal path to North Shields and the North Shields Fish Quay, or in the north direction you can head to Cullercoats, Whitley Bay and on to Blyth.
If the pier is open this is a lovely walk to do on a nice day, but they often shut it if the weather is bad or the sea is rough and coming over the top. It’s a great place to see the dolphins if they’re about, or to wave off the ferry to Amsterdam.
Tynemouth Beach provides perhaps the most beautiful walk of all, especially at sunrise and sunset, with views out to see and over Tynemouth Priory. It really is stunning.
If you’re visiting the coast to enjoy any of the things to do in Tynemouth, make sure you allow yourself at least the full day. There is so much on offer you’re unlikely to be able to do it all, and it’s somewhere you won’t get bored of visiting. Parking can get very busy especially in the holidays and weekends, so consider the metro as an alternative. And enjoy all that Tynemouth has to offer!
Other posts you might like:
Dog friendly pubs in Tynemouth
A North Tyneside Metro Pub Crawl
Where to go for Breakfast in Whitley Bay, Cullercoats and Tynemouth
Restaurants, Cafes & Bars with outside seating in Tynemouth
Coffee Shops in Tynemouth to sit in or takeaway