- Feel Good
- 16th Apr 2025
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Run and dunk: 6 park run courses with sea dips close by
Whitley Bay
The run: Whitley Bay is a popular parkrun in the North East — and for good reason. An impressive number of parkrunners get a PB here, despite the few short inclines you’ll find on this two-lap course.
Unofficial post-run coffees are held at Di Meo’s Cafe at 9 Marine Avenue, in front of the Spanish City Dome. Better still, head up to the first floor with your parkrun barcode to claim a special discount on hot drinks and bacon sarnies!
Whitley Bay Links Common (adjacent to the bottom of Monkseaton Drive A1148), NE26 1SZ
The dip: Swimmers are spoilt for choice along this stretch of coast. Depending on the tide, step in somewhere along the promenade or head to the right side of the beach in lower tides to enjoy the sand between your toes.
Blyth Links
The run: Another parkrun known for PBs. Blyth’s parkrun course takes in two and a half laps heading south to north. Expect an expanse of sea views for a lot of this run… and some bracing winds in winter!
Coastline Ciccarelli is the venue for post-parkrun coffees if you need a break before your swim.
Blyth Links, Blyth, NE24 3PG
The dip: You’re a hop, skip, and a jump from Blyth beach (or a few minutes’ stroll if the run took most of your energy!) This beach is a favourite with families and dog walkers, thanks to the ample free parking, so it isn’t the most secluded sea dip location on our list. That said, the water is clean and the fish and chips are award-winning — so well-deserved after the morning you’ve had!
South Shields
The run: The only non-lapping course on our list, this parkrun starts outside of the Sand Dancer pub and ends opposite the Bamburgh. A coastal run route takes you along the cliff tops and past little coves like Graham’s Sand and Frenchman’s Bay (named after a French ship that ran aground at this old smuggling spot back in the 17th century). A short walk back over the green gets you to the coast, with the option for a pre-dip caffeine hit with fellow parkrun finishers at The New Crown first.
2 Sea Road, South Shields, NE33 2LD
The dip: For a comfortable swim, head to Sandhaven, which — as the name suggests — offers a long stretch of golden sand. For dips a little more on the wild side, you can head back to Graham’s Sand, but be ready to scramble over some rocks!
Redcar
The run: Just inland from Redcar beach you’ll find Redcar’s Locke Park, and beside the Locke Park Cafe is where your Redcar parkrun begins. This is a mostly flat route with three laps around the park before shooting off-course to complete the final 80m to the finish.
With the cafe so close, that’s where you’ll find other parkrunners meeting for a drink and a chat after.
Locke Park, Corporation Road, Redcar, TS10 1PB
The dip: Redcar’s seafront stretches 8 miles, so you’re not short of options. The area nearest the Lifeboat Station has a Seaside Award for cleanliness, though, so you might want to start there.
Marshall Drive, Brotton
The run: Starting at the playing fields, this parkrun route follows four laps of the park’s perimeter meaning that some parts of the path may get muddy after rain. Marshall Drive is the smallest parkrun on our list too, so if you prefer your group runs on the more intimate side, this one could be for you.
Marshall Drive Playing Fields, Marshall Drive, Brotton, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, TS12 2RE
The dip: In less than five minutes’ drive you’ll find yourself at Saltburn beach with its picturesque pier. Saltburn is known for its big surf, so don’t enter the water without a lifeguard on duty — and only swim between the red and yellow flags.
Druridge Bay
The run: Calling all trail lovers! The Druridge Bay parkrun takes in two laps of Ladyburn Lake and trail shoes might make for a more comfortable 5k during winter or following rain. Keep an eye out for the vast wildlife that calls the Druridge Bay Country Park its home: birds, deer, otters, ponies, and more.
The Druridge Bay Country Park Visitors Centre café gets flocked with parkrun finishers — a good reason to pick up your pace, so you’re at the front of the queue!
Druridge Bay Country Park, Red Row, Morpeth, NE61 5BX
The dip: This parkrun has two dipping options: the lake and the sea. Visitors are welcome to swim in Ladyburn Lake all year round but are requested to wear a tow float. Equally, the coastline at Druridge Bay is up there with the best in Northumberland. Just hop over the dramatic sand dunes and swim anywhere you like!
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