King Edward's Bay

Located in Tynemouth, just a short Metro ride or drive from Newcastle city centre, King Edwards Bay offers visitors a delightful mix of natural beauty and historical charm.

Things to do at King Edward’s Bay

Renowned for its picturesque setting, the bay boasts a beautiful sandy beach framed by rugged cliffs and sparkling blue waters. This idyllic coastal spot is perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, or simply taking a leisurely stroll along the shoreline. The bay’s sheltered nature makes it an ideal choice for families and those seeking a peaceful escape.

One of the highlights of King Edwards Bay is the iconic Tynemouth Priory and Castle. Standing majestically on the headland overlooking the bay, this medieval fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s rich history. Explore the ruins, soak in the panoramic views, and let your imagination transport you to a bygone era.

The bay is also a hotspot for water sports enthusiasts, with activities like surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking available for those seeking a more adventurous experience. You can rent equipment from local providers (such as CBK Adventures) or take lessons to brush up on your skills. These days it’s a known meet-up spot for ‘cold dippers’ to go run in the water – they even do this on Boxing Day for the infamous local ‘Boxing Day Dip’.

When it’s time to refuel, head to the charming cafés and restaurants dotted along the bay, where you can indulge in delicious seaside treats while enjoying the breathtaking views.

On the beach itself is the infamous Riley’s Fishshack which was featured in the Channel 4 series Hidden Restaurants fronted by Michel Roux Jr. Its locally caught fresh seafood has deserved glowing reviews. Reservations are usually essential as it’s a very popular location. The food is incredible but be warned, it does come with a price tag to match.

It’s worth doing once though as the food is so good and the views can not be matched. We tend to book once a year in the summer and sit and have amazing seafood whilst our children play on the beach – it feels like we are on holiday abroad if we hit the weather right. If the weather is typically British you can hire fire pits and blankets.

Top tips – if travelling by Metro, the Tyneside Market is on at the station every Sunday and is fantastic for anything from vintage clothes, and second-hand toys to artisanal foods. Parking can be tricky and involve driving around so leave plenty of time. Getting to the beach is a lot of steps up and down which would be a challenge for those with mobility issues. There are free public portaloos right next to the beach.

Guest post with thanks to Nomipalony