Longsands Beach

Longsands Beach sand is golden and the swimming is good, with lifeguard cover from May to September.

It's now a popular surfing spot with locals and has hosted the British Cup, the national surfing championships. Canoeing, scuba diving and snorkelling also go on here.

Immediate facilities include toilets with disabled facilities, first aid post, lost child centre, restaurants and shops.

There's also the Blue Reef Aquarium on Grand Parade, see our separate listing on that.

If Longsands gets too busy, walk south to King Edward's Bay which is overlooked by the ruins of the 11th century Tynemouth Priory and Castle (see listing) which are English Heritage and open to visitors. The bay, sheltered between rock formations, is pleasingly sandy and the swimming safe if the weather is not too rough. The watch house nearby has relics of shipwrecks, and the cliff top walk views are really very good.