Swimming in Tynemouth
From the 25-metre lane pool at Tynemouth Pool to the wave machine at Waves and open-water dips at Longsands and King Edward's Bay, here is your guide to swimming in Tynemouth and North Tyneside.
Tynemouth and the surrounding coast offer some of the best swimming in the North East -- whether you prefer measured lengths in a heated pool or a bracing dip in the North Sea. Here is our guide to every option, from council-run leisure centres to the open-water beaches that have made this stretch of coastline a magnet for wild swimmers.
Tynemouth Pool
Tynemouth Pool on Preston Road North, North Shields, NE29 9PX, is the closest indoor pool to Tynemouth village. The main pool is 25 metres with marked lanes for fitness swimming, and there is a separate learner pool for children and beginners. A diving board adds something different for confident swimmers.
The pool runs a full programme of Swim England group lessons for children and adults, and there are lane swimming sessions throughout the week. A health suite with sauna and steam room is available for warming up after your swim. Tynemouth Pool is part of the North Tyneside Contours membership network, so a single membership gives you access here and at all other council leisure centres. You can contact them on 0191 643 2900.
Best for: Tynemouth Pool has a 25-metre lane pool, learner pool, and diving board. A Contours membership covers all five North Tyneside Council leisure centres.
Waves -- Whitley Bay
Waves at The Links, Whitley Bay, NE26 1TQ, is a leisure pool rather than a lane pool, and it is brilliant for families. The wave machine runs at set times throughout the day, the water slides are popular with older children, and a dedicated aquatic play area with a pirate ship keeps younger ones entertained.
Waves also offers lane swimming sessions and a full programme of aqua fitness classes and group swimming lessons for all ages. There is no need to book to swim -- you can just turn up. A Contours gym, exercise class studios, and spa are on site, making it easy to combine a swim with other activities. Accessibility is good, with low-level access, automatic doors, a hearing loop at reception, and a lift to poolside. You can contact them on 0191 643 2600.
Best for: Waves is the best option for families, with a wave machine, slides, aquatic play area, and soft play all under one roof.
The Parks Sports Centre -- North Shields
The Parks Sports Centre on Howdon Road, North Shields, NE29 6TL, does not have a swimming pool, but it is worth mentioning for swimmers who want to complement their training with gym work. As the council's flagship leisure centre, it has the widest range of gym equipment and exercise classes in North Tyneside, and your Contours membership covers both The Parks and the pools at Tynemouth Pool and Waves. You can contact them on 0191 643 2700.
Sea Swimming at Longsands
Longsands is Tynemouth's main beach, stretching roughly 1.3 kilometres from Cullercoats Bay in the north to King Edward's Bay in the south. It is one of England's finest bathing beaches, holding a Blue Flag award for clean water and good facilities.
In summer, RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach and set up red and yellow flags marking the safest area to swim. The water is shallow for a good distance out, making it accessible for paddlers and less confident swimmers. Changing facilities and showers are available at the southern end near the car park.
Water temperatures range from around 6 to 8 degrees in winter to 14 to 16 degrees at the height of summer. Most regular sea swimmers wear a wetsuit from October through to June. Even in summer, the North Sea here is brisk, so acclimatising gradually is sensible.
Best for: Always swim between the red and yellow flags when lifeguards are on duty. Check the RNLI website or the Tynemouth Surf Co webcam for conditions before heading out.
Sea Swimming at King Edward's Bay
King Edward's Bay is the smaller, sheltered cove tucked beneath the Priory headland. Reached by a steep flight of steps from the road above, it is quieter than Longsands and feels more secluded. The water is pleasantly shallow and the bay is partly sheltered from northerly winds, making it a popular spot for sea dipping groups.
The Dip Club holds regular sea dips at King Edward's Bay throughout the month, and several informal groups meet here at weekends. It is an excellent spot for a first open-water swim because the enclosed feel of the bay is less intimidating than an open beach.
The beach has no lifeguard cover, so you should never swim alone. Local advice is to swim with a group, wear a brightly coloured swim cap, and carry a tow float so you remain visible.
Open-Water Swimming Groups
The wild swimming community on the North Tyne coast is welcoming and well organised. Several groups meet regularly at Longsands and King Edward's Bay:
- The Dip Club runs scheduled sea dips at King Edward's Bay, welcoming swimmers of all levels. Check their social media for dates and times.
- Informal dawn and weekend groups meet at the south end of Longsands and at King Edward's Bay year-round. Asking at the Surf Cafe or checking local Facebook groups is the easiest way to find a session.
- Cold-water swimming events take place along the coast throughout the year, often raising money for charity.
Joining a group is the safest way to get started with sea swimming. Experienced members can advise on conditions, offer buddy support, and help you judge when conditions are not suitable.
Tynemouth Outdoor Pool -- One to Watch
The Tynemouth Outdoor Pool site sits on the seafront near the mouth of the Tyne. The original open-air lido closed decades ago and has been derelict for years, but the Friends of Tynemouth Outdoor Pool have been campaigning to restore it as a modern, heated 25-metre outdoor pool with changing facilities and a cafe. The project is still in its planning and funding phase. If it comes to fruition, it would be a significant addition to swimming on the coast. You can follow updates at tynemouthoutdoorpool.com.
Choosing the Right Option
- Serious lane swimming -- Tynemouth Pool is your best bet, with a 25-metre pool and regular lane sessions.
- Family fun -- Waves in Whitley Bay, with its wave machine, slides, and play area, is hard to beat.
- Open-water experience -- Longsands for a longer swim with lifeguard cover in summer; King Edward's Bay for a sheltered dip.
- Budget -- A single Contours membership covers both Tynemouth Pool and Waves, plus all council gyms.
Know a swimming spot or group we have missed? Get in touch.