Things to Do in Tynemouth
From the dramatic ruins of Tynemouth Priory to surfing at Longsands and browsing the famous weekend market, here is your guide to the best things to do in Tynemouth.
Perched on a headland at the mouth of the River Tyne, Tynemouth is one of the North East's most rewarding destinations. A dramatic coastline, centuries of history, a thriving food scene, and some of the best surfing in England all sit within a few minutes' walk of each other.
Whether you are planning a day trip, a weekend break, or you have just moved to the area, here is your guide to the best things to do in Tynemouth.
Best for: This guide covers year-round attractions and activities. For free options, see our guide to free things to do in Tynemouth.
Tynemouth Priory and Castle
The ruins of Tynemouth Priory and Castle dominate the headland and are visible from miles along the coast. Managed by English Heritage, the site spans over 1,400 years of history -- from a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon monastery and the burial place of Northumbrian kings to a medieval Benedictine priory, a Tudor artillery fort, and Second World War coastal gun batteries.
Interactive displays bring the site to life, including the voice of a WWII gunner describing air raids over the Tyne. Even if you do not pay the admission fee, the headland paths and clifftop views are worth the walk alone. For the full story, read our complete visitor guide.
Longsands Beach
Tynemouth's main beach is a mile-long sweep of golden sand, backed by grassy dunes and a Victorian promenade. It is one of England's best-known surf beaches, but it is equally good for swimming, sunbathing, and long walks whatever the season. RNLI lifeguards patrol during the summer months, and there are cafes and changing facilities at the central steps.
For the full picture, see our Longsands Beach guide.
Surfing and Watersports
Longsands is a nationally recognised watersports hub. The beach break works on most swells and is ideal for beginners, with several surf schools offering lessons and board hire right on the sand. Beyond surfing, you can try stand-up paddleboarding, sea kayaking around the caves at Cullercoats, and dinghy sailing from Priors Haven.
Read our guides to surfing at Longsands and watersports in Tynemouth for full details on schools, hire, and conditions.
Tynemouth Station Market
Every Saturday and Sunday, the beautifully restored Victorian metro station fills with over 150 stalls selling vintage clothing, handmade jewellery, antiques, local art, and street food. Tynemouth Market has been running for more than 30 years and draws visitors from across the region. The ornate iron and glass canopy makes it a pleasure to browse even on a rainy day.
For opening times and tips, see our Tynemouth Market guide.
King Edward's Bay
Tucked beneath the Priory headland, King Edward's Bay is Tynemouth's hidden cove. Reached by a steep set of steps, it is a sheltered pocket of golden sand with far fewer crowds than Longsands. At low tide the rocks reveal pools full of crabs, anemones, and small fish -- perfect for families. Our rock pooling guide has everything you need to know.
North Shields Fish Quay
A short walk south from Tynemouth village, the Fish Quay is one of the North East's best dining destinations. The working quayside is home to Bib Gourmand gastropubs, waterfront cocktail bars, and some of the freshest seafood in the region. It is also the departure point for the Shields Ferry across to South Shields, which is an attraction in its own right.
Tynemouth Aquarium
Situated right on Longsands Beach, Tynemouth Aquarium (formerly Blue Reef) is home to sharks, seals, tropical fish, and a resident colony of Asian short-clawed otters. An underwater tunnel runs through the main tank, and there are daily feeding talks and interactive rock pool displays. It is one of the best family-friendly attractions on the coast. See our family guide to the aquarium for tickets, times, and tips.
Coastal Walks
The North Tyneside coastal path runs from the Fish Quay northwards through Tynemouth, past Cullercoats Bay, along the Whitley Bay seafront, and all the way to St Mary's Lighthouse -- roughly 7km of clifftop paths, sandy stretches, and rocky coves. You can walk the full route in about 90 minutes or break it into shorter loops.
For detailed routes, see our guide to the best walks from Tynemouth and the full North Tyneside coastal walk.
Eating and Drinking
Tynemouth punches well above its weight for food and drink. Front Street and Percy Park Road are lined with independent restaurants, cafes, and pubs, while the Fish Quay adds a second cluster of excellent dining. Highlights include the best restaurants in Tynemouth, the best cafes, the best pubs, and some of the best fish and chips you will find anywhere on the coast.
Wildlife and Nature
The headland and pier are superb spots for wildlife watching. Grey seals haul out on the rocks below the Priory, bottlenose dolphins are regularly spotted off King Edward's Bay, and kittiwakes nest on the harbour cliffs. Our wildlife guide covers what to look for in each season.
History and Heritage
Beyond the Priory, Tynemouth is rich in lesser-known history. The Spanish Battery above King Edward's Bay housed coastal guns from Henry VIII's reign through to the Second World War. The Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade, founded in 1864, was the world's first coastal rescue service and still operates from its watch house on the headland. And just along the coast, the Cullercoats artists' colony attracted painters from across Europe and America in the 19th century.
Best for: Planning a weekend visit? Our 48-hour Tynemouth itinerary maps out a full two-day trip, from Saturday morning at the market to Sunday fish and chips on the beach.
Getting Here and Parking
Tynemouth is well served by the Tyne and Wear Metro, with Tynemouth station in the heart of the village. If you are driving, there are pay-and-display car parks at Priors Haven, Sea View, and the Spanish Battery. Spaces fill quickly on sunny weekends and bank holidays -- our parking guide has the full rundown.
For families looking for a change of scenery, Whitehouse Farm near Morpeth is about 30 minutes north — 40 acres of animals, play areas, and tractor rides that will keep younger children happy all day. In June, The Hoppings on Newcastle's Town Moor is Europe's largest travelling fair — easily reached by Metro. Seven Stories in Ouseburn is worth the Metro trip for families — the National Centre for Children's Books, with seven floors of exhibitions and storytelling.