King Edwards Bay (Tynemouth) (Short Sands)

King Edward’s Bay in Tynemouth is sandy, pleasant, and even comes with a resident ghost. The small beach is enclosed by grassy banks and cliffs. From the sand, the ruins of Tynemouth Priory and Castle are visible; this site is managed by English Heritage. The Priory ghost is a Viking called Olaf, who has been seen on several occasions.

RNLI beach lifeguards are in place through the summer, and dogs are banned between 1 May to 20 September. It’s usually a little quieter than nearby Whitley Bay, although it can get busy in summer. At certain times of the year, the beach is very popular with surfers. Other activities include diving, snorkelling, sunbathing, and swimming. 

Tynemouth is easy to reach via the local Metro transit system or by bus. The beach is close to the main Front Street, and some free parking is available. There are, however, a lot of steps down to the sand, making it less than ideal for wheelchairs or pushchairs. 

Once on the beach, it’s pleasantly shallow, with stunning walks and views along the coast. The beach has won both Blue Flag and Seaside awards, and there are plenty of cafes and shops nearby.