- Play Hard
- 25th Jul 2025
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6 cute coastal days out with hidden gems worth travelling for
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Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside — and if you do too, we’ve got some great ideas for days out, including a few hidden gems you might not have tried yet.
The Tyne Tunnels are a super-easy and efficient way to travel between North and South Tyneside, perfect if you’re feeling a bit bored of the usual spots on your side of the river.
This summer, why not nip through the tunnel and explore something new? There’s been plenty of dolphin sightings at Tynemouth and Roker lately, so keep your eyes peeled — you might just catch a glimpse of them while enjoying the coast.
Whether it’s a walk along the beach, fish and chips on the promenade or discovering somewhere new to explore, the Tyne Tunnel makes it all that bit easier.
HLN TOP TIP: Download the new Tyne Tunnel’s App for live journey times, travel alerts and exclusive North East discounts. Plus, sign up for a Pre-Paid Account and get 10% off per passage.
SOUTHBOUND OF THE TYNE TUNNEL
Brunch, beach and sunset sips at Roker
Parking: 70p per hour or £3 all day at Marine Walk
Start with a seaside brunch at Love Lily, then enjoy a relaxing walk along Roker Beach and the promenade. Explore the Roker Pier and Lighthouse, and if you’re up for it, book a tour of the tunnels.
Afterwards, stroll through Roker Park – don’t miss the cute model railway. Stop by the National Glass Centre to see beautiful glass art. Finish the day with sunset drinks at Tin of Sardines Gin Bar Sunderland, overlooking the sea.
Cliffs, caves and coast: a Marsden and Souter Lighthouse adventure
Parking: £1 per hour at Marsden Grotto ( but can be reimbursed with a purchase of £5 or more at The Grotto)
Start with lunch at The Grotto, a unique pub built into a cliffside cave. Explore Marsden Beach’s dramatic rock formations like Marsden Rock.
Then enjoy a scenic 17-minute walk along the clifftops to the historic Souter Lighthouse, the UK’s first electric lighthouse. Spot seabirds, visit The Leas and enjoy ice cream from The Lighthouse Café. Don’t miss Shingle Bay, a hidden cove nearby – North East’s best-kept secret.
Seaham coastal escape and spa
Parking: £1 per hour or £3 all day at Seaham Parking
Start with a refreshing walk along Seaham Beach — a mile of sand, pebbles and colourful sea glass. Want a longer walk? Continue to Nose’s Point, spot the lighthouse and explore the coast.
For food, grab classic fish and chips from Downey’s or dine at the elegant The Lamp Room for seafood and tapas. Try pottery painting at Rosebud Ceramics or cool off by paddle-boarding in the sea. After a day of exploring, unwind with a twilight spa at Seaham Hall.
NORTHBOUND OF THE TYNE TUNNEL
Dip, dine and discover Cullercoats
Parking: Free for two hours at Front Street
Start your Cullercoats adventure with a refreshing cold water dip, then warm up with coffee from Chloe Mae’s. Explore Cullercoats Beach and its caves — perfect for a photo stop.
After, treat yourself to ice cream at Beaches and Cream. For brunch, head to The Boatyard and enjoy sea views. Don’t miss the Cullercoats Watch House for yoga, sound baths and kids’ craft clubs. Finish with a scenic walk to Tynemouth.
Trails, tides and treasures at Alnmouth
Parking: £3.50 all day at Alnmouth Beach Car Park
Alnmouth is a real hidden gem, a charming Northumberland village with a beautiful sandy beach perfect for walks, picnics and sandcastles. Climb Church Hill for stunning estuary views, then explore Britain’s smallest museum, the Ferryman’s Hut.
Lover’s Walk Alnmouth and Lovers’ Walk is one of our favourite romantic walks. Grab coffee from Scott’s of Alnmouth’s terrace, enjoy crab sandwiches at Bistro 23 and browse The Old School Gallery.
Amble adventures: picnics, puffins and paddleboards
Parking: £3.50 all day at Alnmouth Beach Car Park
Spend a fun-filled day in Amble, known as the “friendliest port” – and it’s easy to see why. Start by exploring the harbour and browsing the artisan pods at Amble Harbour Village (don’t miss Salt & Co.).
Hop on a boat trip to Coquet Island to spot puffins and seals. Go for a swim at Amble Links or walk the scenic coastal path to Warkworth. Refuel with seafood at Lilly’s Landing, fish and chips at Harbour View or ice cream from Spurreli.
For more inspiration, explore Tyne Tunnels’ guide to everything happening in the North East. Whether you’re a local searching for the latest events or a visitor looking for unforgettable experiences, they’ve got you covered.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
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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