The coast for two
A romantic day out to Tynemouth from Newcastle
Tynemouth and Whitley Bay sit on the North Tyneside coast, about half an hour from Newcastle city centre by Metro. They make a lovely break from the city for two, with sandy beaches, a ruined priory and a lighthouse, and you can be back for dinner or stay the night by the sea.
- About half an hour by Metro
- Beaches, priory and lighthouse
- Day out or night away
Area overview
What is Tynemouth like for a couple?
Tynemouth is a handsome seaside village at the mouth of the Tyne, with a long sandy beach, a ruined priory on the headland and a main street full of cafés and pubs. A romantic day out to Tynemouth from Newcastle swaps city streets for sea air, and it is surprisingly easy to arrange. You can be walking on the sand within an hour of leaving your hotel.
The pace is slower here, and the wide views give you room to breathe and talk properly. It suits long-standing couples who want to remember what it feels like to wander with no agenda. New couples love it as well, because a windswept beach walk followed by a warm pub is a very easy way to get closer.
The coast at a glance
- Tynemouth has Longsands beach, the priory and a pretty main street.
- Cullercoats and Whitley Bay lie a gentle walk north along the coast.
- St Mary's Lighthouse sits on a tidal island beyond Whitley Bay.
- The Metro runs from the city centre to the coast in about half an hour.
By day
Things to do in Tynemouth for two
Tynemouth's best bits are close together, so you can wander between them at your own pace.
Longsands
Longsands is a wide sweep of golden sand just north of the village, popular with walkers and surfers. A stroll along the waterline with your coats zipped up and hands getting cold is a very British kind of romance.
Tynemouth Priory and Castle
The ruined priory and castle stand on the headland above the river mouth, with views out to sea and back up the Tyne. It is a dramatic, windswept spot that looks especially good in the late afternoon light.
The village and the market
Tynemouth's main street is lined with cafés, pubs and restaurants, ideal for a long lunch or fish and chips by the sea. At weekends a market fills the old Victorian Metro station, which is a lovely place to browse together.
Further up the coast
Cullercoats, Whitley Bay and St Mary's Lighthouse
Walk north from Tynemouth and you soon reach Cullercoats, a small, sheltered bay with a pretty harbour where you can sit on the wall with an ice cream. Further along the seafront is Whitley Bay, with its long promenade and the white dome of Spanish City, the restored seaside landmark that now holds places to eat and drink.
At the northern end of the bay, St Mary's Lighthouse stands on a small island joined to the mainland by a causeway. The causeway floods at high tide, so check the tide times before you set off. Watching the evening come in from the shore, with the lighthouse bright white against the sky, is a very good way to end a coast day.
Tips for a coast day
- Check the tide times if you want to cross to the lighthouse.
- Bring a warm layer, because the sea breeze can be sharp.
- Note the time of the last Metro back to Newcastle.
Where to stay
Should you make it a day out or a night by the sea?
For most couples, the coast works best as a day out from a Newcastle base. The city has the widest choice of hotels, restaurants and evening plans, and the Metro brings you back in good time to change for dinner. It makes a perfect middle day for a two-night dirty weekend, with sea air in the afternoon and a big bed waiting at night.
A seaside night away is a lovely alternative if you would rather fall asleep to the sound of the waves. There are hotels and guest houses in Tynemouth and Whitley Bay, and some rooms look out over the water. Tell us which you prefer and we will compare the options, or browse our romantic hotels in Newcastle to see what the city offers. We request sea views and late check-out where the hotel offers them.
Getting there
How do you get to Tynemouth from Newcastle?
The Tyne and Wear Metro runs from the city centre to Tynemouth in about half an hour, with frequent trains through the day. Tynemouth station is a short walk from the village and the priory, and Cullercoats and Whitley Bay have their own stops on the same line.
Walking the coast is part of the pleasure, and Tynemouth to Whitley Bay is a gentle seafront stroll of around an hour. For other ways to fill the weekend, see our dirty weekend ideas for Newcastle.
Sample plan
A sample coast day for two
Here is one way to spend a day by the sea during a Newcastle weekend.
- Saturday, 10.30am
A slow start
Take your time over breakfast, then wander to the Metro for the ride to the coast.
- Saturday, 11.30am
Tynemouth
Browse the village and the market, then walk up to the priory on the headland.
- Saturday, 1pm
Lunch by the sea
Share fish and chips or settle into a long lunch on the main street.
- Saturday, 2.30pm
Longsands and Cullercoats
Walk the beach and follow the coast north to the little harbour at Cullercoats.
- Saturday, 4pm
Whitley Bay
Carry on to Spanish City and the promenade, and check the tide if you fancy the lighthouse.
- Saturday, 6pm
Back to the city
Take the Metro back to Newcastle in time to change for a romantic dinner.
Coast questions
Common questions about a romantic day out to Tynemouth from Newcastle
How long should we spend on the coast?
A full day lets you see Tynemouth, Cullercoats and Whitley Bay without rushing. If you only have an afternoon, Tynemouth alone is plenty for a beach walk, a look at the priory and a long lunch.
Is the coast worth visiting in winter?
It has real charm out of season, with quiet beaches and dramatic skies. Wrap up warmly and plan a cosy lunch, because the wind off the North Sea can be bracing.
Can we stay the night in Tynemouth or Whitley Bay?
You can, and a seaside night away suits couples who want a complete change of scene. We compare coast and city options for you and request sea views and late check-out where the hotel offers them.
Can a coast day be part of a surprise weekend?
It slots easily into a surprise weekend away, and we keep the plan private until you reveal it. The only clue you need to give is a gentle hint to pack a warm jumper and comfortable shoes.
Start planning
Ready to plan your dirty weekend?
Send us your dates and a few wishes using the quote form. We will reply with a tailored plan for the two of you, a clear price and honest advice on where to stay and eat in Newcastle.