Tynemouth Beach And Longsands

Longsands is a beautiful sandy beach stretching for two miles from Tynemouth to Cullercoats, popular with surfers and families alike. The beach offers excellent facilities, beach huts, and handsome views of the priory ruins perched on the clifftop above. It sits in Newcastle upon Tyne's City Centre, close to the other main sights. It sits below the headline sights but earns its place on a longer visit to Newcastle upon Tyne, especially paired with nearby Tynemouth Priory And Castle. Tickets cost Free beach access, paid parking and 2-4 hours is enough to see everything without rushing.

Priority: Medium - include with 2+ days Time needed: 2-4 hours Best for: one of the north east's best beaches with Skip if: You're not interested in beach activities or coastal walks Cost: Free beach access, paid parking

You'll walk on golden sand with waves rolling in from the North Sea while the medieval priory creates a dramatic backdrop. The long stretch of beach is perfect for surfing, swimming, or peaceful walks.

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible via ramps to the beach, accessible facilities available in the metro station area

One of the North East's best beaches with excellent facilities and dramatic backdrop. It is not the first thing you should see in Newcastle upon Tyne, but with two or more days it fills a gap the major sights leave. It pairs naturally with Tynemouth Priory And Castle and Segedunum Roman Fort - together they fill a solid half-day. Afternoon tends to work best here.

Skip if: You're not interested in beach activities or coastal walks

• Check tide times and lifeguard schedules.
• Parking fills up quickly in summer.
• Bring windbreaker as it can be breezy.

Insider tip: The colourful beach huts along the promenade can be rented by the day during summer

Great for sunrise shots, the priory ruins provide an excellent backdrop for beach photography