Looking to get active, explore the great outdoors or just spend more time seeing what’s on your doorstep? Tyne and Wear has some fantastic beaches within easy reach of Metro stations.
Whether it’s a brisk walk with some takeaway fish n’ chips, a day out with the family, or a bracing paddle in the North Sea, a trip to the seaside is a brilliant way to spend your time in our beautiful region.
Here’s a selection of seven sandy beaches that you can visit from Metro stations:
Seaburn
A popular beach on the coast of North Sunderland, Seaburn’s sandy beach is backed by a traffic-free promenade for most of its length and has an array of bars and restaurants to visit.
Stroll along the promenade and take in the dramatic view of Roker Lighthouse, or pop along early and see the sun rise out of the North Sea’s eastern horizon.
You can reach this award-winning beach from Seaburn Metro station, around a 20 minute walk away.
Roker
A twin beach to Seaburn, Roker is a famous resort on the Sunderland coast.
A row of cafes, restaurants and pubs lines the front and you can stroll through Roker Park right to the sandy beach, while the famous Cat and Dog steps lead to the raised promenade higher above the beach.
A longer walk takes you down the pier to Roker lighthouse or to picturesque Sunderland Marina.
There are a few ways to reach Roker beach by Metro. Either walk from Seaburn Metro station and take in both of Sunderland’s stunning beaches, or walk 20 – 30 minutes from St Peter’s or Stadium of Light Metro stations.
Cullercoats Bay
A sandy, secluded bay backed by cliffs, Cullercoats Bay has a working Victorian lifeboat house and an important marine biology lab.
Cullercoats Watch House sits on top of the north bank, while the bay has a fascinating art history which is explained on two interpretation panels on the seafront.
Several fish n’ chip shops are on hand to provide nourishment, while there are pubs, cafes and ice cream outlets around the bay.
The bay is an eight minute walk from Cullercoats Metro station, so within easy reach for your day out.
King Edward’s Bay
This small, sandy bay is a Blue Flag winner, and wonderfully enclosed by green cliffs and sandy banks.
The bay sits at the foot of dramatic Tynemouth Priory, a popular tourist attraction run by English Heritage and only a short walk away.
Ideal for the family, King Edward’s Bay is a 10 minute walk from Tynemouth Metro station.
Sandhaven
Recognised as one of the best beaches in the country by Keep Britain Tidy’s Seaside Award, Sandhaven offers an active, vibrant experience for all the family.
Enjoy a game of volleyball, experience some excitement with South Shields Surf Club or relax with one of South Shields’ famous ice creams or a portion of good old fish n’ chips. Ocean Beach Pleasure Park offers rides and amusements while nearby South Marine Park has a miniature railway, landscaped gardens and a boating lake.
You can reach Sandhaven by walking for 20 minutes from South Shields Metro station.
Whitley Bay
A glorious two-mile stretch of golden sands, Whitley Bay is home to St Mary’s Lighthouse and the iconic Spanish City.
With restaurants, shops, and marine activities on hand, there is plenty to occupy visitors, while St Mary’s Island is a prime site for seal-spotting!
The beach is a 12 minute walk from Whitley Bay Metro station.
Tynemouth Longsands
A popular beach that stretches over a mile below cliffs and sandy dunes, Tynemouth Longsands welcomes visitors all year round, whatever the weather.
A surfing hotspot, the stunning beach is within walking distance of several charming cafes, restaurants and pubs, as well as the historic Tynemouth Priory.
You can visit Tynemouth Longsands by walking from either Tynemouth Metro station or Cullercoats Metro station, around a 15 minute walk from either.
Family days out
Inspired to take a trip to the seaside? Grab your bucket and spade, and don’t forget, you can Take the Kids for Free all day every day, and Metro travel is cheaper and more convenient with a Pop Pay As You Go card.