- Play Hard
- 17th Jul 2024
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- 6 minutes
Seas the day: 5 coast-to-coast adventures in the North East
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Summer is finally here which calls for a trip to the seaside to cool off. In the North East, we’re blessed with such a beautiful coastline.
From award-winning fish and chips to water sports and a chance to get up close and personal with sea creatures – our local transport links have got your next coastal adventure covered.
Check these offers out… adults can travel across the North East with a Day Ticket for just £6.80 which covers bus, the Metro, the Shields Ferry and the Northern Rail service that runs between Blaydon and Sunderland (pretty impressive, right?) And young people aged 21 and under can get around from just £1.
Affordable, avoiding traffic jams and no need to worry about where to park– our local public transport routes are a quick, easy and greener way to get around the region.
As always, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our guide to coast-to-coast days in the North East – you’ll have a whale of a time.
N.B: All journeys have been planned from Newcastle City Centre as a reference point. Check your local service provider for alternative routes and services.
A FUN FAMILY DAY OUT
Take the 306 bus from Newcastle Haymarket to Albion Road in North Shields (45 minutes). Wander down to North Shields Fish Quay (10 minutes) to start your day with a stroll to Twelve 25 for a breakfast that will fuel your adventures (we’re obsessed with the El Diablo Breakfast Burger).
When you’re raring to go, walk back to the North Shields Ferry, and use your Day Saver to sail across the River Tyne to South Shields.
Once you’re there, walk 20 minutes to Ocean Beach Pleasure Park to get your adrenaline pumping on the fun rides and stalls. Then, head to the legendary Coleman’s Fish and Chips and tuck into an award-winning fish supper on Sandhaven Beach.
THE LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL
Head to Sunderland by using your Day Saver to catch the X24 from Haymarket to Fawcett Street (47 minutes), then switch to the E1 to South Shields, getting off at Featherstone Street (8 minutes). Refresh your Instagram feed with some iconic pancake stack photos from Love Lily’s in Sunderland—the dishes are almost too pretty to eat! After brunch, head to the iconic Roker Lighthouse for a fascinating tour.
Next, hop back onto the E1 bus for a 45-minute scenic route along the seafront to Souter Lighthouse and the Leas. Enjoy the clifftop views and Marsden Rock, perfect for a picnic. Finally, hop back on the E1 or 516 bus and head to South Shields Lighthouse before unwinding at Long Beach, South Shields, with ice cream from Minchella & Co.
A QUIRKY COASTAL DAY OUT
Jump on the 306 bus from Newcastle Haymarket to Tynemouth Village (48 minutes) to kick off your day with a refreshing swim at King Edward’s Bay, perfect for hot summer mornings (join Dip Club at 9am every Sunday). Warm up with a coffee and flapjack from Woods, then treat yourself to ice cream from Tynemouth Telephone Box Café, the UK’s smallest ice cream shop.
Take a 20-minute walk or hop on the 1 Coaster for 4 minutes to Tynemouth Park for swan boats, mini golf, or just to relax. If it rains, visit the Tynemouth Aquarium for the seal show. Enjoy lunch at The View, then spend the afternoon at Cullercoats Bay before heading home on the Metro with your day-saver ticket.
DISCOVER COASTAL CASTLES
If you’re ready for a full coastal castle adventure, start early—it’s totally worth it. Grab either the X14, X15, X16 or X18 from Newcastle Haymarket to Morpeth Bus Station (33 minutes). Fuel up with a breakfast that looks almost too good to eat at The Market Place in Morpeth, before catching the X18 towards Alnwick and stopping off in Amble to explore its charming Harbour Village.
Next, jump back on the X18 bus, heading further North, stopping off to see the impressive Alnwick Castle. The X18 continues up to Craster, where you can sample the famous kippers. Take a walk to Dunstanburgh Castle and finish your day relaxing in The Jolly Fisherman’s beer garden.
A WHOLESOME DAY BY THE SEA
Spend a day exploring our wonderful coastline. Leave Newcastle from Monument Pilgrim Street, jumping on the X24 to Stockton Road (44 minutes). Cross the road to Sunderland Interchange and use your Day Saver to hop on the Number 60 bus, getting off at East Cliff Road in Seaham.
Here, you’ll find Nose’s Point in Seaham – a special place with unique geology and ecology. The sea has shaped its landscape and you can explore a diverse range of plants and animals – with easy paths combining gorgeous scenery, poetry and artwork.
Catch the X6 back to Sunderland Interchange before catching the Number 23 bus to Sea Road in Seaburn to grab some hearty pub grub at The Blue Bell. Once you’re re-fuelled, it’s just a short ride on the Number 18 or E2 bus to Roker Beach, where you can relax, take in the coastal views, or take part in some watersports. Later, enjoy drinks and street food at Stack Seaburn with sea views – you’ve earned it…
Rachael Ellis
Creative Solutions Manager
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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