Gardens North East

Outdoors and days out

The best North East beaches for families, and what to check before you go

Few regions have so much open sand so close to a city. From the Tyne to Bamburgh there are beaches for rock pools, sandcastles, surf lessons and long blowy walks. Here are our favourites for a family day, with the practical checks that save a wasted trip.

By the Gardens North East teamPublished , 3 min read

Rock pools at low tide with a child's bucket and net

Tynemouth: Longsands and King Edward's Bay

Longsands is the big one: a wide stretch of sand that suits everything from toddlers digging to teenagers trying to surf. It gets busy on sunny weekends, so arrive early for parking.

Round the headland, King Edward's Bay is small and sheltered beneath the priory ruins, a good choice on a breezy day or with very young children who like a beach with edges.

Cullercoats and Whitley Bay

Cullercoats Bay is a little harbour beach between Tynemouth and Whitley Bay, with calm water on still days and rock pools at either side. Walk north and the long beach at Whitley Bay leads towards St Mary's Lighthouse, which sits on an island reached by a causeway at low tide. Check the tide times before setting out across it.

South Shields: Sandhaven

On the south side of the river, Sandhaven beach runs along the South Shields seafront. With the town close by, it works well for a shorter outing where you want cafés and toilets within easy reach.

Seaton Sluice and Druridge Bay

North of Whitley Bay, Seaton Sluice has a small harbour and dunes, and makes a quieter alternative to the busier beaches. Further up the coast, Druridge Bay Country Park combines a long beach with a country park and visitor centre behind the dunes, which helps when the wind gets up.

Bamburgh and Beadnell

For a full day out, the Northumberland coast is hard to beat. The beach below Bamburgh Castle has dunes to run down, wide sand at low tide and the castle on its crag above you all day. Beadnell Bay curves for a long way to the south of Beadnell village and suits families who want space to spread out.

Combine either with a garden visit: Howick Hall Gardens is close to this stretch of coast, and our guide to heritage gardens through the seasons has more.

Before you go

  • Dogs: some beaches restrict dogs on parts of the sand, usually in the summer months. Rules differ by beach and change, so check the council's beach page and the signs at the entrance.
  • Tides: look up tide times for causeways, rock pools and headlands where you could be cut off.
  • Lifeguards: some beaches have RNLI lifeguards in the summer season. Where they patrol, swim between the red and yellow flags.
  • Weather: the North Sea is cold all year and the wind can turn a warm morning chilly. Pack layers even in August.
  • Parking: popular beaches fill early on sunny weekends and holidays.

Bringing the coast home

Coastal gardens face the same salt wind you feel on the beach. If you live near the sea and are planning a deck or terrace, our guide to timber or composite decking on the coast explains how sea air changes the choice.

Questions readers ask

Which North East beach is best for small children?

Smaller, sheltered bays such as King Edward's Bay and Cullercoats Bay feel more contained. Longsands and Druridge Bay have more space and facilities nearby.

Can I take my dog to the beach?

Often yes, but some beaches restrict dogs on parts of the sand in summer. Check the council's page for the beach you plan to visit.

Is the sea warm enough to swim?

The North Sea is cold all year. Many people swim or surf in wetsuits; if you go in, choose a lifeguarded beach in season and stay between the flags.

More for your garden

Places mentioned