What are the top things to do in Whitley Bay?
Whitley Bay is a traditional little English seaside town, located in North Tyneside. It is the perfect place to visit if you’re interested in having a relaxing seaside getaway in the UK – as there are plenty of fun things to do here! Read on to find out more…
Tourism in Whitley Bay- an overview
Whitley Bay has been welcoming tourists mainly since the late 19th century. This is because of many industrial developments in the area, such as the North Tyne Loop railway being opened in 1882, which connected lots of the coastal villages to Newcastle which is the major city near Whitley Bay. It is now a very popular holiday resort, as there is a caravan park nearby, operated by the very successful Parkdean Resorts, that attract mainly domestic tourists from all over the UK.
In recent years, many developments have been made in Whitley Bay. One major development is the reconstruction of Spanish City, which reopened in 2018 to attract tourists and make Whitley Bay a more attractive destination. There has also been a skatepark, children’s play park and swimming pool, library and a tourist information centre that has been refurbished in order to appeal to more people and welcome more tourists.
Is Whitley Bay worth visiting?
Is Whitley Bay worth visiting? If you’re after a traditional, easy-going English beach holiday, then yes – Whitley Bay is definitely worth a visit and there are plenty of things to do in Whitley Bay! There are plenty of great shops to be explored, and great restaurants with delicious food to be eaten. There are also plenty of things to do, no matter what type of tourist you are – whether your getaway is a romantic couples getaway or you are after a family holiday with kids.
Whitley Bay is also a great place to visit as it is fairly easy to access. It is about a 7-hour drive from London, but only about 4 hours on the fast train – making it a great place to have a staycation. It is also quite close to Scotland, so if you’re in Edinburgh or visiting any other place in Scotland, then it is well worth a visit as it is easy to get to and doesn’t take too long. The nearest airport is Newcastle International Airport. Whitley Bay has lots of great transport links, such as a train station and bus links all over.
The weather in Whitley Bay is on average is hottest in July and August at 18°C and the coldest month is usually January when it is around 6°C. If you are thinking about visiting Whitley Bay, then I would recommend that you visit from May – September time as the weather should be fairly warm and the beach will be more lively.
What is Whitley Bay known for?
What is Whitley Bay known for? Whitley Bay is best known for being a traditional seaside town in England. There are iconic buildings that many people recognise Whitley Bay for, such as Spanish City and St. Mary’s Lighthouse.
Whitley Bay is also very well known for its gorgeous white sand, which stretches for over 2 miles. The beach is very popular for families to relax and play on, as there are lots of different activities that can be done at the beach, like beach volleyball for example, and there is even an annual sandcastle competition for those who have a creative spark. It is also a very popular area for people who like to walk as there are lots of amazing paths around Whitley Bay to be explored.
But there is definitely more to Whitley Bay than this…. keep reading for my list of the very best things to do in Whitley Bay….
The best places to stay in Whitley Bay
Where is the best place to stay in Whitley Bay? Don’t miss these amazing places to stay in Whitley Bay to make your holiday effortless:
Booking.comBudget accommodation
Cara Guesthouse – Just a 1-minute walk from beautiful Whitley Bay beach, a stay at this guesthouse will make your holiday extra memorable. It is located near all the major attractions, and shops and offers free WiFi and parking to all guests. Every room has a great view and there is a private bathroom and drink-making facilities in each room for guests to enjoy.
The Windsor Hotel – This is a great place to stay if you want luxury on a budget. The on-site restaurant has a wide range of quality international dishes as well as an array of fine wines to choose from. There is also a conference room if you are travelling for business and all bedrooms are comfortable and come with their own en-suite and powerful shower.
The Royal Hotel – Situated right next to the beach, the hotel is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for somewhere to stay that is fantastic value! It is a family-run hotel that has been operating for over 30 years, so they know how to make your stay fantastic. There are sea rooms for guests that offer great views of the whole of Whitley Bay and come with an en-suite and drink-making facilities. There is also a delicious freshly cooked English breakfast served up every day for guests to enjoy.
Mid-range accommodation
The Old Stables – This is a lovely place to stay if you’re after a holiday home with lots of things to do nearby. There is a tennis court for guests to be active on, as well as a terrace to eat dinner on and relax in the sun. There is also a living room, fully equipped kitchen and dining area for to help you feel comfortable and at home.
Hotel 52 – Located just a 6-minute walk away from the beach, this hotel is a great comfortable choice to stay on your holiday to Whitley Bay. Every room has a large en-suite with amazing amenities available. There is also a flatscreen TV and drink-making facilities for guests. Every morning a fresh cooked English breakfast is served for guests to indulge on.
2 Bedroom Coastal Apartment – This gorgeous accommodation is perfect if you want something modern and comfortable to stay at. There is a big garden for guests to relax in, as well as secure private parking to make use of. There are 2 bedrooms in total that can sleep up to 4 people, as well as a kitchen that is fully equipped with all the essentials, such as a fridge and dishwasher. It’s a home away from home!
High-end accommodation
Luxury Coastal 3 Bed House – This luxurious accommodation can sleep up to 8 people, so it’s great if you’re a big family! It is located near all the major Whitley Bay attractions and is just a lovely 20-minute walk to the beach. There is free WiFi for all guests to use, an HD flatscreen TV with lots of programmes to sit back and watch, as well as a fully equipped kitchen that even has a dishwasher – giving you one less thing to worry about.
Stay Coastal – Located only a 2-minute walk from Whitley Bay beach, a stay here will make your holiday extra special. The accommodation provides guests with free super-fast WiFi and free private parking if you have driven up. Every room has a modern kitchenette with cooking facilities if you wish to cook yourself some food. There is also a seating area inside and outside on the patio, as well as a flatscreen TV and an en-suite bathroom.
York House Hotel – Make your stay at Whitley Bay extra special with a stay at this family-run guest house, which has even won the Gold Award! Every morning, you will be served a delicious hearty English breakfast, and it’s only 400m away from the stunning beach. Every room has an en-suite with free toiletries, as well as free car parking for all guests. There is even a fridge and microwave in the big, modern room if you feel like making yourself some food, if not, the restaurant and bar are only a short walk away.
The best things to do in Whitley Bay
What are the best things to do in Whitley Bay? There are so many good things to do in Whitley Bay that it can be hard to choose, luckily I’ve compiled a list of all the best things to do in Whitley Bay:
The best things to do in Whitley Bay with kids
If you are travelling with your family then Whitley Bay is a great choice. Here are the best things to do in Whitley Bay with kids.
Pirate Escape – If you love a challenge, then the Pirate Escape is the perfect place to use your brain and try to figure out the puzzle. It’s immersive and challenging for the whole family to enjoy and will be sure to keep you entertained! There is no other attraction like this in Whitley Bay so is great if you want something a little more unique to do.
The Treehouse – Spend all day having fun at The Treehouse, which is a soft play centre sure to keep the kids busy and happy! There is a toddler area for children under 3 that they can enjoy safely, as well as a larger soft play area for children up to 8 years old – with plenty of fun equipment to challenge themselves with. What’s more is that there is also a fantastic cafe on-site which serves fresh food and drinks, all cooked and prepared every day. It’s the perfect activity to let the kids release their energy for a few hours!
St. Mary’s Lighthouse – If you love heights, then climb the 137 steps all the way up to the top of St. Mary’s Lighthouse to get the most amazing views of Whitley Bay and the surrounding areas! It’s not a problem if you can’t climb the stairs, as the lighthouse has an amazing video experience that lets you experience the same views but in a more accessible way. Children and adults alike can learn about the fascinating history of the lighthouse and all the wildlife that can be spotted too! There is also a gift shop which sells a wide range of souvenirs and even food if you’d like a little snack whilst looking at the stunning views.
The best things to do in Whitley Bay for couples
If you are looking for a romantic getaway or simply to spend time with your other half, then Whitley is also a great choice. Here are the best things to do in Whitley Bay for couples.
Playhouse – The Playhouse is perfect for couples who love all things theatre and live entertainment. Every day, there is usually something fun on to keep you entertained all evening. There is a wide range of plays, musicals, movies and comedy on – so it’s almost guaranteed to find something to suit what you’re looking for. Many of the tickets are very reasonably priced and can often be bought at the door or online in advance if you’d rather plan ahead. It’s one of the best things to do in Whitley Bay for couples who like nights out.
Spanish City – This is one of Whitley Bay’s most iconic attractions. It was originally built in 1910 and is best known for its unique architectural design – it looks like it’s right out of Spain. Inside Spanish City, there are lots to do, such as brand new leisure facilities such as restaurants serving a wide range of food from fish and chips to steak and seafood – there’s something for everyone’s tastes. There is also a beautiful tearoom, a champagne bar and an award-winning wedding and event space. It’s the perfect place for couples to go on a date night at!
Thai Orchid Spa and Massage – Feel pampered and relaxed at Thai Orchid Spa and Massage as they are experts at what they do! All of the masseurs were originally qualified and trained in Wat Pho, Thailand as well as being cross-trained in the UK too! They are committed to giving guests a safe, hygienic, relaxing environment where they can truly feel at ease. They have ever been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate f Excellence every year since they joined the site – as well as being the highest-rated spa in the county, so you know you’re in good hands! This is definitely one of my favourite things to do in Whitley Bay!
The best things to do in Whitley Bay for free
We all like a bargain! Fortunately there are some great things to do in Whitley Bay that don’t cost a penny.
Whitley Bay Beach – When visiting Whitley Bay, one of the best free things to do in Whitley Bay is to visit the beach. You can spend all day here just relaxing on the sand, exploring the rock pools, swimming in the sea and eating tasty ice cream! Whitley Bay Beach is definitely recommended to spend a few hours on if you want something free for the whole family to do.
Churchill Playing Fields – These playing fields are a great place to play some games on, whether that be some football or a game of rounders, these fields are very big, making them suitable for almost anything you want to do. It is also a great place to have a picnic and is one of the quieter areas of Whitley Bay.
Whitley Bay essential packing list
When organising a beach holiday, it can be easy to forget to pack the essentials – here are some things you need to remember:
- Whitley Bay: Past and Present – Learn all about the fascinating history of Whitley Bay and how far it’s developed over the years. This book is a must-read for history lovers who are interested in learning deeper about Whitley Bay.
- Pretex 12-Piece Sandcastle Kit – This 12-piece sandcastle kit is perfect for keeping kids busy on the beach, as there are so many different tools to use and create a masterpiece with!
- JOYIN Inflatable Pool Floats – These pool floats are perfect for being used in the pool. They have a funky design, so will look great in photos and are lightweight and easy to pack, meaning they won’t take up too much space in your luggage.
- Windbreaker – It can be so annoying when you’re trying to relax on the beach but the wind keeps moving all your things, luckily, that’s where this wonderful windbreaker comes in handy! Just set it up in the direction of the wind and feel free to relax – it even offers more privacy for you too!
- Aloha Sun Stick SPF 50+ – Have some fun in the sun without having to worry about sunburn with this environmentally friendly Aloha SPF 50 sun stick! It’s easy to apply, is water-resistant and nourishes your skin all day long!
Top things to do in Whitley Bay – conclusion
If you’re planning a holiday to Whitley Bay, hopefully, this post has helped you out and that your get-away goes flawlessly! If you liked this post about the top things to do in Whitley Bay, you may also like:
By the way- are there any other things to do in Whitley Bay that you would recommend? Let me know your things to do in Whitley Bay recommendations in the comments below!