King Edward's Bay: The Hidden Beach
A guide to King Edward's Bay — Tynemouth's sheltered hidden cove below the Priory, with steep steps, golden sand, rock pools, and far fewer crowds than Longsands.
Tucked beneath the cliffs below Tynemouth Priory and Castle, King Edward's Bay is the village's hidden gem — a small, sheltered cove that feels a world away from the busier Longsands Beach just around the headland. Despite being only a short walk from Front Street, many visitors miss it entirely.
Here is everything you need to know about King Edward's Bay.
Best for: King Edward's Bay is a Blue Flag beach with lifeguards in summer, sheltered by cliffs on three sides.
Getting There
King Edward's Bay is accessed via a steep flight of steps leading down from the cliff top near the Priory. The main access point is from Pier Road, just off Front Street — look for the signposted path between the buildings.
The steps are the only way down, which means the beach is not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The steep descent also means it stays quieter than Longsands, as casual passers-by tend to stick to the easier-access main beach.
The Beach
The bay is a small sandy cove enclosed by cliffs and grassy banks on three sides, creating a naturally sheltered spot that is protected from the wind on all but the strongest easterly days. The sand is golden and clean, and at low tide there is a surprisingly generous stretch of beach for such a compact bay.
The cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop — the ruins of Tynemouth Priory are visible directly above, and the atmosphere feels genuinely secluded despite being in the middle of the village.
Swimming and Water Safety
King Edward's Bay holds a Blue Flag award for water quality and is one of the best spots for swimming in the area. The sheltered aspect means the water is often calmer than at Longsands, making it a better choice for less confident swimmers and families with younger children.
RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer months (typically May to September). Dogs are banned from the beach between 1st May and 30th September to maintain the bathing water quality.
The water temperature follows typical North Sea patterns — coldest in February and March (around 5-6 degrees Celsius), warmest in August and September (around 14-15 degrees). A wetsuit is advisable for most of the year.
Rock Pooling
At low tide, excellent rock pools are exposed at the base of the cliffs on both sides of the bay. You will find crabs, anemones, small fish, starfish, and various seaweeds. It is one of the best rock pooling spots in Tynemouth and a brilliant free activity for children.
Check tide times before your visit and arrive as the tide is falling for the best pools.
Riley's Fish Shack
One of King Edward's Bay's greatest assets is Riley's Fish Shack — a semi-portable kitchen on the sand that serves fresh, locally caught seafood grilled over an open fire. Think whole mackerel, crab, lobster, and fish of the day, eaten on wooden benches with the cliffs behind you and the sea in front.
Riley's is weather-dependent and seasonal, so check their social media for opening times before making the trip specifically for food. On a warm summer evening, there are few better places to eat in the whole of the North East.
Facilities
King Edward's Bay has fewer facilities than Longsands, but the essentials are covered:
- Toilets — available at the top of the steps near the cliff top
- Parking — free on-street parking is available on Pier Road and surrounding streets, though it fills up quickly in summer
- Lifeguards — RNLI beach lifeguards during summer
- Food — Riley's Fish Shack on the beach (seasonal)
- Shops — Front Street is a two-minute walk from the top of the steps
There are no formal changing facilities on the beach itself, so most swimmers change using a towel or a dry robe.
When to Visit
King Edward's Bay works in every season. In summer it is a sheltered sunbathing spot and swimming beach. In autumn and winter the dramatic cliffs and crashing waves make it a spectacular spot for a walk — though take care on the steps in wet weather.
The beach is at its quietest on weekday mornings and outside of school holidays. On sunny summer weekends it does get busy, but never reaches the density of Longsands due to the limited access.
Have a tip about King Edward's Bay? Get in touch.